Frequently Asked Questions

A podiatrist is a medical professional who specialises in diagnosis and treating all foot and ankle related conditions. Common conditions they treat include ingrown nails (by surgery sometimes), fungal nails, foot pain.

No. However, certain patients e.g. Department of Veterans Affairs patients or those with a Medicare care plans can claim a rebate with a referral from their GP.

Yes, we do bulk bill in some cases for pensioners. Choice Health is a mixed billing practice, and payment must be made at the time of the appointment. This referral is required from your GP prior to your appointment. Please remember to bring in your referral from your GP with you to your appointment and arrive 10-15min early to complete an initial patient form.

Please ensure that your referring GP refers you to "Choice Health" and not individual practitioners. The current Medicare rebate is $56.10, which can be transferred directly to your bank account within 24 hours if Medicare has your bank information. If not, please complete the necessary forms and send to Medicare.

Medicare covers up to 5 appointments per calendar year (or the number of appointments determined by the referring doctor). Patients are responsible for keeping track of used appointments for other allied health services. If the EPC has expired or the rebate has been allocated to other services, standard fees will apply.

Note that Medicare and private health insurance cannot be billed on the same day for podiatry services.

Payment Options: We offer various payment options to provide you with the best podiatry care possible, including:

• Cash or debit (Tap Pay)
• Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
• Afterpay

Yes, please bring your private health card with you.

HICAPS stands for Health Industry Claims and Payments Service. HICAPS is an electronic health claims system that allows patients with private health insurance to claim their rebate instantly.

iPhone and Apple Watch users can now claim by tapping their Apple device on HICAPS terminals instead of swiping a plastic card. This option is available to eligible members of Bupa, Medibank, nib, GU health, HBF and AHM.

Allow for 45min time. Please arrive to your appointment 15min early to complete an initial patient form

General consultations and treatments include a wide range of foot problems, including: Nail Trimming, Ingrown nails, Thick nails, Fungal nails, Heel or Foot Pain, Corns, Callus, Dry cracked heels, Warts, Tinea Pedis, Diabetic foot assessments.

Orthotics/ orthoses are special medical inserts that are designed to slide inside your shoes. They are designed to improve body alignment, improve support, or improve the function of the foot. Orthotic devices are used as one part of your overall treatment plan, for the management of your foot problem. There is a lot of good evidence to support that orthotics can help with treating many foot conditions such as heel pain, arch pain, leg pain.

Orthotics fit comfortably inside your shoes. Your orthotics should never cause new or different pain. However, if you are experiencing new pain from wearing your orthotics, see your Podiatrist for an adjustment.

Orthotics don't usually cause any pain. But it is not uncommon for the discomfort to disappear within a few weeks. 

At your first appointment, a thorough foot examination will be conducted. We'll go over all available treatment options and create a personalised plan that meets your unique needs. 

If time allows, treatment may begin the same day. However, for complex medical histories or treatment plans, further evaluation and preparation may be necessary, requiring an additional appointment. If you have a complex issue, kindly reach out to the clinic to schedule a longer appointment.

Here's a preparation checklist for your first appointment with the Podiatrist to ensure you have a productive visit:

• Write down your symptoms and questions.
• Compile a list of all medications and past surgeries.
• Gather relevant medical records, lab test results, and imaging studies (X-rays, Ultrasound, MRIs, Lab Results etc.) from other medical providers.
• If using insurance, bring your insurance card or have the insurance app on your phone.
• Contact the clinic if you have any special needs prior to the visit.
• Consider bringing a support person.
• If your concern involves walking/exercise, bring your walking/exercise shoes.
• For ski/snowboard assessments, bring your boots.
• For appointments concerning toenail issues, remove all nail polish, shellac, artificial nails, etc.
• Discuss symptoms and changes, describe any allergies, and mention if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
• Inform your Podiatrist of any other medical treatment you are receiving.