Podiatry services
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What are Podiatry services
Podiatry services provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions that affect lower limbs.
Back to topWho can receive it
You may be able to receive podiatry services if you have an assessed clinical need and a:
- Veteran Gold Card; or
- Veteran White Card and your treatment is for an accepted service-related condition
What you can receive
If you are eligible for podiatry services, your podiatrist may provide you with a treatment plan. Your podiatrist will determine the type, number and frequency of services you require according to your assessed clinical need.
Your treatment plan may include:
- cutting or removal of corns or calluses
- trimming, cutting, or clipping of nails
- cleaning and soaking the feet
- physical therapy
Your podiatrist may also arrange aids or modifications which may include:
- orthotics
- footwear modifications
- medical grade footwear
From 1 October 2019, referrals to this service will be under the Allied Health Services treatment cycle. This means that a referral will last for up to 12 sessions or 1 year, whichever ends first.
These treatment cycles place you at the centre of your care and the general practitioner (GP) as your care coordinator.
There are no limits to the number of treatment cycles you can have.
You can also have:
- a separate treatment cycle for each allied health service you need; and
- treatment cycles for different allied health services at the same time
How you access
1. Get a referral to a podiatrist from your:
- general practitioner (GP)
- medical specialist
- treating doctor in hospital
- hospital discharge planner
2. Contact your podiatrist to make an appointment. Check that they will accept your Veteran Gold Card or Veteran White Card for their services.
Back to topThings you should know
- If you're treated as a private patient or through Medicare we may not be able to pay for your treatment.
- We cannot pay for podiatry services if the provider does not accept DVA arrangements.
- You should advise your podiatrist if another podiatrist has provided you with treatment during the previous 12 months.
- Do not pay your podiatrist directly. We will pay for the services provided on your behalf.
What to tell us
You should tell us if you:
- receive a bill for podiatry services; or
- have stopped or closed a rehabilitation plan
Legislation
Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence‑related Claims) Act 1988
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