Frequently Asked Questions

A Podiatrist is a health professional who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of conditions of the feet and lower limbs. To become a Podiatrist a practitioner must complete a Bachelors Degree. Until 1977, Australian Podiatrists were known as Chiropodists. The official name change to Podiatry reflected the advancement of education levels and an expansion in the scope of practice by the profession.

At Park Central Podiatry we can help to get you back doing the things you have to do and the things you love best. We are passionate and unsurpassed in providing services of the highest quality where management, care and education of the patient are of the uppermost priority. With a vast combination of skills and experience unique to a private Podiatry clinic, Park Central Podiatry is able to offer professional treatment of lower limb conditions ranging from biomechanical/musculoskeletal conditions to diabetic foot care and ingrown nail treatment/surgery to nail and skin care. Our assessment, diagnosis and treatment options are based on current evidence based therapy. At Park Central Podiatry we offer a first rate, prompt and excellent professional service.

The conditions Podiatrists treat vary and include those resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies as well as neurological and circulatory diseases. Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat any complications of the above which affect the lower limb, including skin and nail disorders, corns, calluses and ingrown toenails. Foot injuries and infections gained through sport or other activities are also diagnosed and treated by Podiatrists.

No referral is needed to see a Podiatrist.

If you have private health cover and your cover includes Podiatry you may be eligible to claim part of your consultation fee. If you are covered, most health funds are online with HICAPS. This is a service we provide for your convenience which allows you to claim your health fund rebate at our clinic, leaving only the gap to pay. You will need to bring your health fund card with you.

You may be eligible for a rebate through Medicare under the Allied Health Medicare Referral (AHMR) program for up to 5 appointments per year. The program is for people with chronic conditions who meet a certain criteria which is assessed by you GP who will provide you with a referral for Podiatry. This plan was previously known as the Enhanced Primary Care plan (EPC). If you have any queries regarding this service please do not hesitate to speak with our admin staff or your GP. A referral is required for all patients claiming through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

Following an initial comprehensive assessment, a full objective examination will be undertaken which may involve biomechanical assessment and gait analysis. Dependent upon the condition being treated your assessment may also include a comprehensive neurovascular assessment (nerve and circulation testing with handheld doppler ultrasound), performing these assessment will help us establish a diagnosis.

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Dependent upon the diagnosis, treatment may involve different ways of relieving pain and discomfort, restoring function and the implementation of devices to improve your overall wellbeing and comfort. Skills and techniques used vary greatly depending upon the condition being treated however it may include such modalities as the prescription of orthoses (prefabricated or custom devices), stretching and strengthening programs, footwear recommendations, activity recommendations and modifications, wound care and nail surgery.

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You will also learn techniques to use at home to manage your problem, which may include exercise and preventative measures.

At Park Central Podiatry we also liaise with others involved in your care if applicable and will refer you for alternative treatment if  required.

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An initial consultation for one problem will take approximately 40 minutes. If you have multiple areas or a complex problem it is best to allow 60 minutes (please let our reception staff know this at the time of booking). Subsequent consultations will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. As a new client we would appreciate if you could arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment to allow time to fill out relevant paperwork. Our Podiatrists strive to keep to their appointment schedule, but there may be occasional unforeseen circumstances.

If you have been referred, please bring your referral letter. Any relevant scans can help such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans etc if you have them. It is also helpful if you bring shorts and your old and new sports shoes if you have them to check suitability and wear patterns. If you do not have new shoes, we will often recommend a suitable replacement and many patients come in with shoes that may not be the best for their injury or foot type.