For those who suffer from chronic diseases or conditions there is a Medicare care program that allows access to podiatry privately . Medicare has a CHRONIC DISEASES MANAGEMENT PLAN ( previously the Enhanced Primary Care plan) which can be used for up to 5 Allied Health consultations, including podiatry per calendar year / 12 months.
Podicare patients can claim a rebate through Medicare when they have been referred by their GP under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Program.
The EPC / CDM was initiated by Medicare to provide patients with chronic medical conditions access to allied health services. A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for six months or longer, for example
- cancer
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- musculoskeletal conditions
- neurological conditions
- autoimmune conditions
- stroke
- medical conditions that make self foot care unsafe ( vision, back , hand problems)
The GP determines whether the patient would benefit from allied health services and creates a management plan . The number of visits for each type of service on the referral form.
At Podicare, a private podiatry clinic, there is normally a small gap between the Podiatry fee and the Medicare rebate, although pensioners and health care card holders are bulk billed under this scheme. A consumable fee of approximately $7 is additional to the service fee, as well as the cost of any devices or products issued.
To arrange appointment under the Medicare program, consult your GP first to determine if you are eligible. Remember to bring your Medicare referral and Medicare card with you to your first appointment. Podiatry bookings can be made on 92953471 or online. Our clinic is at 1/5 Nichol St, Mundaring, WA.
