Medicare does cover podiatry, but only under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan set up by your GP. If you have a foot condition that has lasted more than three months, such as diabetes-related issues, persistent foot pain, or injuries, you may qualify for Medicare-subsidised podiatry visits. Your GP can allocate up to five Medicare-funded podiatry visits per year, covering assessments, general foot care, and treatment for various conditions. However, Medicare does not cover custom orthotics or ingrown toenail surgery.
How to Access Medicare Rebates for Podiatry
To receive Medicare podiatry benefits, visit your GP and request a CDM Plan also known as EPC Plan or Care Plan. This plan allows Medicare to subsidise your podiatry visits for foot health conditions lasting more than three months. Once you’ve been assessed by the care plan nurse and the care plan has been given to you by your GP, our clinic will receive the referral and contact you to arrange an appointment. For an urgent appointment, please call the clinic to book and inform the receptionist that you have a care plan in place. Don’t forget to bring your care plan with you to your appointment.
What Podiatry Services Does Medicare Cover?
A Medicare-funded podiatry visit can help with a range of foot conditions, including:
Assessment and diagnosis of foot pain
Conservative ingrown toenail treatment
- Wart Treatment
However, Medicare does not cover custom orthotics or ingrown toenail surgery performed by a podiatrist. If you require custom orthotics or ingrown toenail surgery, your private health insurance may cover most of the costs. For those without private health insurance, you can fund the treatment privately yourself without the need for a referral. The podiatrist will go through the costs involved during your consultation to ensure transparency. As a Bupa preferred provider, we offer either no gap or very low gap payments for Bupa members. We also accept other private health insurance and offer on-the-spot HICAPS claiming for your convenience.
Leading Health Podiatry: Covered By Medicare
At Leading Health Podiatry, we’re happy to guide you through the Medicare podiatry process. If you have any questions about Medicare coverage for podiatry, feel free to reach out. Book your GP appointment today, and once your care plan for podiatry is approved, contact us to schedule your visit. Let us help you move pain-free and with confidence
