FAQ

Do I need a referral to come and see a podiatrist?

No referral is required to visit a podiatrist.  A referral is only required from your General Practitioner if:

  • You are a returned service veteran who holds a Department of Veterans Affairs Card (white or gold)

  • You are seeking treatment under a work cover claim or third party insurance claim

  • You have been recommended for treatment as part of a Chronic Disease Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement (TCA) 

DO YOU ACCEPT PRIVATE HEALTH FUNDS?

At Sandgate podiatry we have a HICAPS facility on site meaning that on the day of your consultation you can claim directly from your private health fund with little or no out of pocket expense. For further information please contact your health fund for specific rebates you may be eligible for. 

DO YOU BULK BILL?

If you have a referral from your General Practitioner as part of a Team Care Arrangement you may be eligible for bulk billing. Give us a call on 3269 4273 to find out if this applies.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

We recommend that you wear clothing that does not restrict any movement and that allows for clear visibility for lower limb assessment.  If you have been referred by another health professional, please bring any scans, x-rays or paper work relating to your condition.  Finally, please bring your most commonly used shoes or shoes that you believe may have contributed to your presenting complaint. 

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN AN INITIAL CONSULTATION?

All initial general appointments will consist of a diabetic foot screening assessment which includes a thorough neurological and vascular assessment of the feet and lower limbs. Following this, general consultation and treatments include;

  • General nail care e.g. thickened nails, ingrown toe nails, fungal nails, deformed nails, nail surgery etc

  • General skin care e.g. thickened skin, fissures or cracked skin, hard corns, warts, tinea etc

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A BIOMECHANICAL APPOINTMENT?

All initial biomechanical appointments will include an extensive history taking, physical and stance assessments. This is followed by a video gait analysis to allow not only the podiatrist to assess the gait in slow motion but aids in illustrating the cause of the presenting complaint to the patient. A 3D digital scan will be taken of the foot in its ideal foot alignment (inclusive with the appointment) to capture all contours of the foot. At this appointment if further assessment is required, imaging referrals can be dispensed.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE ORTHOTICS MADE? 

At Sandgate podiatry we have an orthotic laboratory on site and thus following your biomechanical appointment, you can have your orthotics completely customised ready within the hour for a variety of differrent footwear.  (A scan dispense appointment must be booked to have them ready within the same day)

HOW LONG IS THE APPOINTMENT?

The initial consultation time is dependent on the presenting complaint. For a general appointment (skin/nail care) will be approximately 40 minutes. For an initial biomechanical appointment (muscular pain, injuries, gait analysis) will be approximately 50 minutes.

IS THERE CAR PARKING AVAILABLE?

Given the clinic is so accessible there are numerous parking locations. If you are unable to get a park directly outside the clinic, there are neighbouring parking lots surrounding the clinic.

DO YOU DO HOME VISITS?

Unfortunately we don’t provide home visits.

HAVE A DIFFERENT QUESTION?

If you have a question about podiatry or the clinic that isn't listed here, do not hesitate to ask! Our friendly team are here to help with any questions you my have.