New patients

Know exactly what to expect at your first appointment

Whether you've never seen a podiatrist before or you're simply new to the clinic, we'll explain what happens, what to bring, what your appointment costs and how you may be able to claim a rebate.

Book — New Patient Call (03) 9089 7569

The appointment

Six steps, in order

Your initial consultation is $125 (item 004), followed by $98 (item 014) for standard consultations. All other fees and item codes are published on our fees page.

What's going on?

Your podiatrist starts by understanding your problem — what hurts, when it started, what makes it worse, what you've tried and what you want to get back to doing. Your general health matters too, including diabetes, circulation and medications, so your feet can be assessed safely and thoroughly.

A thorough assessment

Your podiatrist assesses your feet, joints, muscle strength, alignment and the way you stand and walk. Where relevant, circulation and sensation are also checked.

Your footwear

Bring the shoes you wear most often, especially those you wear when your symptoms occur. Your footwear and its wear patterns can provide useful clues and may be contributing to your problem.

Understand what's causing it

Your podiatrist explains what they've found, what may be contributing to the problem and what your options are. Where appropriate, treatment can begin at your first appointment. If you need imaging, further investigation or another opinion, they'll explain why.

Know what to do next

You'll leave with a few practical things you can do straight away — whether that's an exercise, footwear change, activity modification or another recommendation specific to your problem.

A plan you can measure

You'll know what you're aiming to achieve, how progress will be measured and when you can expect to see improvement. Your plan is reviewed as you progress, so your care can change with you.

Every fee and item code is on the fees page, and HICAPS is on site so you claim at the desk. Reception is on (03) 9089 7569.

Before you come

What to bring

A few simple things can help your podiatrist get more from your appointment.

The shoes you actually wear

Bring the shoes you wear most often — especially the ones you wear when your symptoms occur. Looking at your footwear and how it has worn can provide useful clues about what may be contributing to your problem.

Any scans or medical letters

Bring X-rays, ultrasounds, specialist letters or discharge summaries if you have them. Previous results can help your podiatrist understand what has already been investigated.

Your medication and health information

Let your podiatrist know about your medications and any relevant health conditions, particularly diabetes or circulation problems. This helps ensure your assessment and treatment are appropriate for you.

Your health fund card

Eligible private health claims can be processed through HICAPS. If relevant, also bring your GP care plan, DVA card or NDIS plan details.

Wear comfortable clothing

Wear something that allows your feet and lower legs to be easily examined, such as shorts, trackpants or trousers that can be rolled above the knee. This is particularly helpful if your podiatrist needs to assess how you walk or move.

Wear something that lets your feet and lower legs be seen easily — shorts, trackpants, or trousers that roll above the knee. If your appointment involves looking at how you walk, that matters.

Fees & rebates

Know what you'll pay and what you may be able to claim

We publish every consultation fee and item code upfront, so you can check your costs before you book.

Private health insurance

Eligible services can be claimed through HICAPS, so you pay the gap after your rebate. Bring your health fund card. Your rebate depends on your level of cover, so check with your fund using the relevant item code if you want to know your benefit before your appointment.

Medicare with a GP care plan

Eligible patients may be able to claim a Medicare rebate under a GP care plan. Item 10962 currently provides a $63.40 rebate, subject to eligibility and Medicare requirements, including the minimum consultation time. Up to 5 allied health services may be available each calendar year across eligible providers. How Medicare rebates work.

DVA, NDIS, WorkSafe & TAC

We accept eligible patients under DVA, NDIS, WorkSafe and TAC arrangements. Each has different requirements, so contact reception before your first appointment and we'll explain what you need to bring and how billing works.

Your rebate depends on your individual circumstances. Your health fund or Medicare can confirm exactly what you are entitled to claim. We publish our fees and item codes upfront so you can check before you book.

Questions before you book? Call (03) 9089 7569.

Instant claiming with all major health funds — we have HICAPS on site, so your rebate is processed at the desk and you pay only the gap. WorkSafe, TAC, DVA and NDIS are accepted too. Every fee and item code is published.

Questions

Before you book

What should I bring?

The shoes you wear most, and the ones that hurt if those are different. A list of your medications and any relevant medical history — diabetes and circulation problems particularly. Any imaging or specialist letters you have. Your existing orthotics if you use them. And your health fund card, so we can claim on the spot. If you have a GP care plan, NDIS paperwork or a DVA card, bring that too.

What should I wear?

Something that lets your podiatrist see your feet and lower legs easily. Shorts, trackpants, or trousers that roll up above the knee are ideal, especially if your appointment involves looking at how you walk or at muscle and joint function. If you're coming about pain when you run, wear or bring your running shoes.

What should I ask at my first appointment?

Whatever you actually want to know. The ones worth asking every time: what do you think is causing this, what are my options, what will it cost, how long should this take, and what should I be doing between now and my next appointment. If you don't understand an answer, say so — an explanation you can act on is the point of the visit.

How long does an appointment take?

An initial consultation is longer than a standard one, because it includes a full history and assessment. If you're claiming under a care plan, tell reception when you book.

How often should I see a podiatrist?

It depends on why you're coming. A specific problem is usually a short course of appointments and then you're done. Routine nail and skin care is commonly every six to twelve weeks, set by how fast your nails grow and how quickly hard skin rebuilds rather than by a schedule anyone sells you. If you have diabetes or reduced circulation, an annual foot assessment is recommended regardless of symptoms, and more often if you've had problems before.