Medicare Referral for Podiatry
For Allied Health services, Medicare provides rebates for eligible patients with a valid Medicare referral from their General Practitioner (GP). All of Advance Foot Clinic Podiatry’s locations and practitioners accept Medicare referrals.
Providing this service allows our knowledgeable and skilled podiatrists to provide continuing care to our patients while our support team seamlessly handles the paperwork.
If you are wondering what a Medicare referral for podiatry is, and what it might mean for your foot health, you can find answers to all your questions here.
What is a Medicare referral and what does it entitle me to?
The Chronic Disease Management Plan, also known as an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan, is a Medicare referral your GP completes for Allied Health Services such as Podiatry. This referral provides up to 5 Medicare rebateable Allied Health appointments per year. People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent can claim an additional 5 appointments per year.
These referrals are specific Medicare forms provided to eligible patients with complex chronic medical needs such as Diabetes. Your GP will need to provide you with a new referral after 12 months to continue your podiatry care.
Depending on your care needs, your GP may allocate your 5 visits between multiple Allied Health Providers. For example, you may have 4 for Podiatry and 1 for Physiotherapy.
For our clinics to use your Medicare referral, make sure it:
- Is current (dated within the past 12 months)
- Is addressed to Advance Foot Clinic Podiatry (or one of our Podiatrists)
- Has available Podiatry appointments (that have not been claimed with Medicare elsewhere)
How do I get a Medicare referral for Podiatry?
Your GP completes the Medicare referrals. To learn more, discuss your eligibility at an appointment with your GP.
Can I use my Medicare referral for Mobile Podiatry?
Yes, you can!
The standard fee for a Mobile Podiatry appointment is payable on the day of your appointment. Our helpful receptionists will then process your Medicare claim on your behalf. After this, you will receive the rebate into the bank account you have listed with Medicare. This is part of the total fee, so there is an out-of-pocket cost.
How much is the Medicare rebate?
Currently, the Medicare rebate for patients with an eligible referral is $58.30 as of July 2024.
Ready for an appointment?
What can I expect at my initial appointment?
At your initial appointment you can expect an overall assessment of your foot health. For the majority of the appointment, we will focus on your presenting complaint. Your podiatrist will work towards a diagnosis and treatment plan to resolve or improve your condition.
Communication with your GP or referrer will be ongoing throughout your treatment plan.
You can always expect one of our caring podiatrists to want to work with you to help resolve your initial or ongoing foot health concern.
How do I book an appointment?
Ready to get in touch? There’s a few ways to book your appointment with Advance Foot Clinic Podiatry. Find your nearest clinic and give them a call, email info@afootc.com.au, or book online.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
Many GPs will send your referral directly to us, however if they’ve given it to you, bring it along. You will also need to bring your Medicare card and if you have one, your concession card.
For your consultation with the Podiatrist, you will get the most value if you bring a few things with you. So we recommend you bring in your primary footwear, the shoes you wear most. As well as any x-ray or ultrasound image reports that you may have for your condition.
Please check our current COVID-19 update for information regarding anything else to bring such as a mask.
What will the appointment cost?
For standard Podiatry appointments, the consult fee is payable on the day. Following this, Medicare will pay the rebate directly to you. Our friendly reception team will process your claim so there is no need for you to contact Medicare.
To find out more specific costs, contact your nearest clinic. Our helpful reception team will answer any of your questions.
If you are eligible and have booked a bulk bill appointment, there is no out-of-pocket cost. Advance Foot Clinic Podiatry will claim the Medicare rebate on your behalf.
Take the first step towards happy and healthy feet.
Ready to give your feet the care they deserve? Book your appointment online or call us and experience our expert podiatry services at any of our six clinic locations.