Podiatry is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot and ankle disorders. With a rise in the incidence of foot and ankle problems, more and more people are turning to podiatrists for help. However, many people are unsure about whether podiatry services are covered by Medicare in Australia. In this article, we will take a look at the podiatrist services covered by Medicare, and the eligibility criteria for these services.
Podiatry Services Covered by Medicare
Medicare covers a wide range of podiatry services, including:
- Treatment of lower limb conditions, such as foot and ankle problems at Podiatrist in Sydney like Pinnacle.
- Management of lower limb wounds and injuries, such as ulcers and fractures
- Diagnostic testing, such as X-rays and scans
- Prescription of orthotics and braces
- Treatment of nail and skin conditions, such as corns and calluses
Eligibility Criteria for Podiatry Services Covered by Medicare
To be eligible for Medicare-funded podiatry services, you must meet certain criteria, including:
- You must have a valid referral from a GP, specialist, or medical practitioner
- You must have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, that affects your feet
- You must be an eligible beneficiary of Medicare, which means you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You must meet the eligibility criteria for the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program, which is a program that provides funding for certain health services, including podiatry services.
Cost of Podiatry Services
If you are eligible for Medicare-funded podiatry services, you will usually only be required to pay a small gap fee, which is the difference between the amount charged by the podiatrist and the amount paid by Medicare. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for Medicare-funded podiatry services, you will be required to pay the full cost of the services yourself.
The cost of podiatry services can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location and type of service provided. For example, a basic consultation or treatment may cost less than a specialized service, such as custom orthotics. Some podiatrists may also charge a consultation fee for the initial visit, which can range from $50 to $150.
However, many podiatrists offer bulk billing or package pricing options, which can help to reduce the overall cost of treatment. It’s important to check with your podiatrist about their fees and any out-of-pocket costs before beginning treatment, to ensure that you are aware of the full cost of the services.
Conclusion
Podiatry is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot and ankle disorders. Medicare covers a wide range of podiatry services, including treatment of lower limb conditions, management of wounds and injuries, diagnostic testing, prescription of orthotics and braces, and treatment of nail and skin conditions.
To be eligible for Medicare-funded podiatry services, you must meet certain criteria, including having a valid referral, having a chronic condition, being an eligible beneficiary of Medicare, and meeting the eligibility criteria for the EPC program. If you are eligible, you will usually only be required to pay a small gap fee, while if you are not eligible, you will need to pay the full cost yourself.
