I’m an NDIS participant ready for an appointment, what next?

We’ve previously discussed how NDIS can fund Podiatry services. Once you’ve determined a podiatrist could help you, the next step is to make an appointment. So let’s run through the next steps you should take when you are an NDIS participant ready for an appointment to see a podiatrist.

Step 1 – Add Podiatry to your NDIS plan (for plan managed participants) 

The first step is to ensure you have available funding to see a podiatrist. Your NDIS plan can be reviewed and adjusted at any time, even if it is still a while before your normal review date. Simply chat to your plan manager. You can skip this step if you are NDIS self-funded or agency-managed. 

Step 2 – Gather information to bring to your appointment

Below is a list of all the information which we will ask for at your initial appointment. To make things run smoothly at your initial appointment you should check you have all required details handy to take with you:

• Your NDIS number
• Your NDIS management style: Self-funded, Plan Managed, Agency Managed
• If Plan Managed:
  • Plan manager’s name, organisation, email, phone number
  • Email address for billing (this may be the same or different to your plan manager)
  • NDIS plan start and end dates
  • Scope of funding available for Podiatry within your plan
  • Next of kin name and contact number
  • Your current residential address
  • Your DOB (date of birth)
• If Agency Managed:
  • Support Coordinator name, organisation, email and phone number
  • NDIS plan start and end dates
  • Next of kin name and contact number
  • Your DOB (date of birth)
• If Self-funded:
  • We will provide a detailed invoice after your appointment

Step 3 – Book your first appointment at Advance Foot Clinic

If you are an NDIS participant ready for an appointment, you can book your first appointment either over the phone (call your nearest clinic) or online (book online here). We have a range of different days and times available, and you are welcome to bring a support person or support worker to your appointment. Simply let us know that you would like to book an initial appointment through NDIS when you contact us. This lets us know that we will need to allow a little extra time to run through some paperwork on the day. 

Step 4 – Attend your first appointment at Advance Foot Clinic

When you come in for your first appointment, we will ask for the NDIS information we listed previously. We will also get you to fill out a new patient form with some basic information about your medical history and medications, so it’s great to have this information handy. 

At your first appointment the podiatrist will discuss your needs with you and come up with a treatment plan. We will use this treatment plan to formulate a ‘service agreement’ between you and Advance Foot Clinic. The service agreement sets out the services your podiatrist will provide (e.g. future appointments, orthotics, braces, nail surgery) and expected costs. This plan will be signed by both yourself and your podiatrist, and you will both keep a copy. 

Step 5 – Follow-up appointments

You and your podiatrist will have come up with a treatment plan at your first appointment, so all that is left now is to follow it! Services will be provided as agreed, although you are welcome to request changes at any time. Your service agreement will generally be reviewed every twelve months or when your NDIS plan gets reviewed.