Frequently asked questions

No. Most patients come to the clinic as a private patient, or claim through their private health cover, and neither requires a referral.

There are two exceptions. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders and Workers Compensation clients will need to present with a referral.

A podiatrist is a registered health professional who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower limb. That includes injuries, infections, skin and nail problems, and chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.

Podiatrists also provide preventive care and regular check-ups, give footwear advice, and prescribe and fit orthotics and other supportive devices to help you walk or run more comfortably.

You can book online at our Windsor, St Helena and Burwood East clinics. Otherwise call (03) 9111 0085 for any of our four Melbourne clinics. Clayton has its own direct number, listed on the locations page.

The shoes you wear most often, plus your sports shoes if the problem is activity related — wear patterns tell us a lot. Also bring your private health fund card, your Medicare card and EPC referral if you have one, any orthotics or insoles you already use, and a list of your medications.

Yes. Both of our podiatrists practise paediatrics and we see children of all ages. See children’s podiatry for what to expect, and mention your child’s age when booking so we allow enough time.

In some cases, yes. This cover is for patients with long-term chronic conditions such as diabetes, long-term arthritis or vascular disease.

You will need to contact your GP to have an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan put in place before you make an appointment. Please be aware that this scheme has limited availability — feel free to contact us with any questions.

Yes, all major Australian health funds cover podiatry. It is important to check your level of cover with your fund, since the rebate varies.

At each of our locations you can claim with your health fund on the spot through HICAPS, so you only pay the gap.

We accept EFTPOS, Visa and Mastercard, along with HICAPS for on-the-spot health fund claiming.

Fees depend on the appointment type and what is involved — an initial assessment differs from a routine review, and treatments such as laser wart removal or custom orthotics are quoted separately. Please call (03) 9111 0085 and we will give you an accurate figure before you book.

No. Many people, particularly those with large corns and callus or an ingrown toenail, are often surprised that they feel little or no pain at all.

Our podiatrists are registered and carry the necessary qualifications should you ever require a local anaesthetic — for example during nail surgery.

Orthoses are devices placed inside your footwear to help your foot function in the most efficient and correct way. In the past they have been known as arch supports, insoles or inserts. Although those share some characteristics with modern orthoses, the field has progressed a great deal.

We assess whether you need one at all before recommending anything — read do I really need custom orthotics? for an honest answer.

For fungal nails we see an 85% success rate after just two to three sessions using the GenesisPlus laser, which is FDA cleared as a safe and effective treatment. For warts, most patients see results within two to four sessions — wart treatment does sting (a sharp pin-prick with each pulse) and can leave a tender blood blister for a few days, which we explain properly before going ahead. See laser fungal nail treatment and laser wart removal.

It depends entirely on the condition. Corns, callus and nail problems are usually relieved during the appointment itself. Heel pain typically settles over 6 to 12 weeks with the right treatment. A fungal nail infection clears well before the nail looks normal, because a toenail takes 9 to 12 months to grow out fully.