Podiatry

NDIS Capacity Building support

Podiatrists look after foot and lower-limb health, treating pain and injury, managing conditions such as diabetes-related foot problems and advising on footwear.

The short answer

Podiatrists look after the health of your feet and lower limbs. They treat pain and injury, help manage conditions such as diabetes-related foot problems and advise on footwear.

About Podiatry

Feet carry us through every day, and problems with them can affect mobility, balance and independence. Podiatrists treat conditions such as heel pain, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, fungal infections and wounds. They also help people whose feet are at higher risk, such as those with diabetes or poor circulation.

Regular foot care can prevent small problems from becoming serious. A podiatrist checks skin, nails and circulation, provides treatment, and advises on footwear and daily foot care. Some podiatrists make orthoses or shoe inserts to support the feet.

Podiatrists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Ask about their experience with your condition, whether they visit homes or residential settings and how often they recommend visits. Tell them about any changes in your feet between appointments.

Who is this service for?

People who have foot or lower-limb pain, injury or a condition such as diabetes that needs regular foot care.

What a typical session looks like

A podiatry appointment focuses on the health of your feet and lower legs. The podiatrist asks about problems such as pain, nails, skin, wounds, footwear and how you walk. They examine your feet, check circulation and sensation, and treat problems such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails or infections.

They also give advice on footwear, foot care and exercises, and may prescribe orthotics or other devices. For people with conditions that affect the feet, such as diabetes, regular checks are especially important to catch problems early.

Who delivers this support

Podiatrists are registered health professionals with university degrees and must be registered with AHPRA. Some specialise in areas such as diabetes, sports, children or wound care. Ask about experience with your condition and whether they make home visits if getting to a clinic is difficult.

How to choose a provider

• Check that the podiatrist is registered.
• Ask about experience with your condition, such as diabetes.
• Find out whether they offer home visits.
• Ask how often they recommend visits.
• Check what advice they give about footwear and daily care.

Questions to ask a provider

• Do you have experience with my condition, such as diabetes?
• Can you visit me at home if I cannot get to the clinic?
• How often should I have my feet checked?
• What footwear would you recommend for me?
• Do you make orthotics or refer to someone who does?
• What should I look out for between appointments?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Ignoring foot pain or small wounds until they become serious.
• Cutting nails or treating corns yourself when you have a condition that affects your feet.
• Wearing shoes that do not fit or support you.
• Not having regular checks when you have diabetes or poor circulation.
• Not telling the podiatrist about changes in feeling or colour.

Getting started

1. Note any foot pain, wounds or changes.
2. Book an appointment with a podiatrist.
3. Bring your usual shoes and any medical information.
4. Follow the care plan and return for regular check-ups.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Podiatry connects with mobility, physiotherapy, diabetes care and personal care. Healthy feet make it easier to move, take part and stay independent. It is worth working with your doctor and other professionals if you have a condition that affects your circulation or sensation.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Podiatry if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Capacity Building supports help you build skills and independence. If Podiatry is in your plan, it is normally paid from a Capacity Building budget. These budgets are usually set for particular types of support, so check which one your plan uses. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Podiatry that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Therapy services providers on the NDIS register

10,460 NDIS providers list therapy services supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing therapy services

• 00 Towards your Horizon - SA; includes Glenelg South, SA
• 1 Abbira Care Services - VIC; includes Fraser Rise, VIC
• 1 All Care - SA; includes Findon, SA
• 1 Care Connect - NSW; includes Manly, NSW; Rooty Hill, NSW; Rosehill, NSW
• 1 Disability Support Services - SA; includes Prospect, SA
• 1 Roof Therapy and Assessment - NSW; includes Caringbah, NSW
• 1 Stop Paediatric Services - SA; includes Mount Gambier, SA
• 1-Care - NSW; includes Lalor Park, NSW
• 10 Plus Care - VIC; includes Camberwell, VIC
• 101 Physio - VIC; includes Melton West, VIC
• 121 Therapy Australia - NSW; includes North Haven, NSW
• 122 Health - VIC; includes Warrnambool, VIC

See all 10,460 therapy services providers

Listings by state and territory

• New South Wales (3,918)
• Victoria (2,645)
• Queensland (2,122)
• South Australia (967)
• Western Australia (833)
• Tasmania (251)
• Australian Capital Territory (234)
• Northern Territory (155)

Suburbs with the most listings

• Brisbane, QLD (576)
• Melbourne, VIC (354)
• Sydney, NSW (338)
• Central Coast, NSW (262)
• Parramatta, NSW (198)
• Perth, WA (188)
• Adelaide, SA (186)
• Blacktown, NSW (180)
• Liverpool, NSW (168)
• Campbelltown, NSW (160)
• Ipswich, QLD (154)
• Canberra, ACT (153)

Listings covering the most areas

• Permalink Support Services - 503 areas
• Physihome - 316 areas
• Bayside Mobile Physio - 185 areas
• Aligned Assist - 184 areas
• Allied Horizon Disability Services - 154 areas
• Butter Fish Services - 143 areas
• Blooming Life Support Services - 140 areas
• Number 1 Care Provider - 134 areas

Checking credentials

• Check registration Search the NDIS Commission's register of registered providers to see whether a provider is registered and for which types of support. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use unregistered providers.
• Ask about worker screening Ask whether workers hold a current NDIS Worker Screening Check where their role requires one, and how the provider checks its workers' identity and qualifications.
• Get it in writing Ask for a written quote and a service agreement that describes the support, the prices, how to change or end it and how to make a complaint.

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Regulates NDIS providers and handles complaints about the quality and safety of NDIS supports. Phone: 1800 035 544.
• National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Runs the NDIS. Contact them about your plan, your funding and eligibility. Phone: 1800 800 110.

Related services

• Psychology
• Psychosocial Recovery Coaching
• School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
• Self-management training

Frequently asked questions

What does a podiatrist treat?

A podiatrist looks after the health of your feet and lower limbs. They treat pain and injury, manage conditions such as diabetes-related foot problems and advise on footwear.

Why is foot care important for some people?

For people with conditions such as diabetes, small foot problems can become serious. Regular checks help find issues early.

How do I find a podiatrist?

Look for someone registered with AHPRA, and ask about their experience with your condition and how often they recommend visits.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

Often not, but check with the practice.

Why is foot care important for people with diabetes?

Diabetes can reduce feeling and circulation in the feet, so small injuries may go unnoticed. Regular checks help find problems early.

Can a podiatrist help with children?

Yes. Some podiatrists specialise in children's feet and walking.

Why are foot checks important for people with diabetes?

Diabetes can reduce feeling and circulation in the feet, so injuries may go unnoticed and heal slowly. Regular checks help find problems early.

Can a podiatrist visit me at home?

Some do, especially for people who find travelling difficult. Ask when you book.

What should I do about a wound on my foot?

Have it looked at promptly by a health professional, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation, because foot wounds can become serious quickly.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Podiatry?

If Podiatry is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Podiatry provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

• NDIS: how the NDIS works, plans and price limits
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: find a registered provider, make a complaint
• AHPRA: check a health practitioner's registration

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