Podiatry in New South Wales & Queensland

A podiatrist is an AHPRA-registered allied health professional who assesses, diagnoses, and manages conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. At CAHC, our podiatrists address the full scope of podiatric care — diabetic foot assessments, biomechanical evaluations, custom orthotic prescription, ingrown toenail management, sports and overuse injuries, skin and nail conditions, children’s foot development, and aged care foot health. All CAHC podiatrists hold AHPRA registration under the Podiatry Board of Australia and are members of the Australian Podiatry Association (APodA).

No referral is needed for a private podiatry appointment at CAHC — you can book directly online or by phone. However, a GP referral under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan is required to access your Medicare rebate (up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year). DVA patients require a D904 referral form from their treating doctor. NDIS participants do not need a GP referral for podiatry, but should confirm with their support coordinator that their plan includes funding for this support.

Podiatry is covered under the Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan for patients who have been living with a chronic condition for 6 months or more and have a GP-initiated care plan in place. Eligible patients can access up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year. Please note this is not bulk billing — a gap payment may apply. Rebate amounts are subject to change — confirm current rates with your GP or the clinic. Diabetes is the most common qualifying condition for podiatry referrals under CDM.

Yes. Diabetes qualifies as a chronic condition under the Medicare CDM plan, and GPs can refer diabetic patients to a CAHC podiatrist for up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year. Annual or more frequent diabetic foot assessments are strongly recommended for people living with diabetes, as regular monitoring helps detect foot concerns early. A CDM plan referral to CAHC also connects diabetic patients with our Exercise Physiologists and Dietitians within the same network. Rebate amounts are subject to change — confirm current rates with your GP or the clinic.

Custom orthotics are individually prescribed foot insoles, designed and fabricated following a comprehensive biomechanical assessment. They are worn inside shoes to support foot function for your specific presentation — whether that is heel pain, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, knee pain, or a sports overuse injury. Not everyone with foot pain requires custom orthotics, and your CAHC podiatrist will assess your gait, foot posture, and footwear before recommending them. Where prefabricated orthotics are a suitable option, your podiatrist will discuss the difference and help you make an informed decision.

Most major health funds with Extras cover contribute toward the cost of custom orthotics. The covered amount and annual limit vary significantly depending on your fund and level of cover — HICAPS on-the-spot claiming is available at CAHC clinics. It is worth checking your policy specifically for the orthotic or appliance annual limit, as this is often a separate limit from your general podiatry consultation benefit. Rebate amounts are subject to change — check your current entitlements with your fund before booking.

Ingrown toenails should be assessed by a podiatrist rather than managed at home — self-treatment, including cutting the nail at the corner or attempting to remove the nail edge, can increase the risk of infection and is not recommended. CAHC podiatrists can manage most ingrown toenails conservatively in the first instance. In persistent or severe cases, a minor podiatric procedure performed under local anaesthetic in a clinical setting may be recommended — your podiatrist will discuss whether this is appropriate for your situation and explain what is involved before proceeding.

Podiatry may be funded under NDIS Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living (therapy supports) for participants whose plan goals include foot health, lower limb function, or disability-related foot care needs. This includes participants with diabetic foot complications, chronic skin and nail conditions, or requirements for custom orthotic prescription. Eligibility depends on your individual NDIS plan goals — speak with your support coordinator or contact us to confirm.

Yes. Home visits are available for aged care clients, NDIS participants, and patients who are unable to attend a clinic in person due to mobility limitations or other circumstances. Home visit podiatry is particularly valuable for elderly patients requiring regular nail and skin care, and for aged care facility residents. Please contact your nearest CAHC clinic to confirm home visit availability for podiatry in your area.

There is no minimum age — CAHC podiatrists see children across all age groups. Parents who notice their child walking on the inside of their feet, complaining of leg or heel pain, tripping frequently, or showing signs of flat feet are welcome to contact us for an assessment. Many children’s foot and gait concerns respond well to early review and, where appropriate, orthotic support or targeted exercises. Our podiatrists approach paediatric assessments in a relaxed, child-friendly way.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common presentations for podiatrists. At CAHC, our podiatrists assess the contributing factors to heel and arch pain — including foot biomechanics, footwear, activity load, and lower limb strength — and develop a management plan tailored to your situation. This may include exercise advice, custom or prefabricated orthotic prescription, taping, footwear modification, or a combination of approaches. Management plans are developed on an individual basis, and your podiatrist will keep you informed of progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Vietnamese-speaking podiatrists are available across the CAHC network — please verify availability at your nearest clinic when booking. This is particularly valuable for Sydney’s Vietnamese-Australian community, where diabetes prevalence means regular podiatric care plays an important role in long-term foot health management. The TIS National interpreter service (Translating and Interpreting Service) is also available for patients who require an interpreter in another language — contact your nearest clinic for details.

The recommended frequency of podiatry visits for people with diabetes depends on individual risk level, as assessed by both your GP and your podiatrist. People at lower risk may need an annual diabetic foot assessment, while those at higher risk — including patients with peripheral neuropathy, a history of foot ulceration, or vascular complications — may need more frequent monitoring. Your CAHC podiatrist and GP will work together to advise on the appropriate schedule for your situation. Podiatry is part of your diabetes care team — it does not replace regular GP reviews and broader diabetes management.