Podiatry
Care for foot, ankle and lower limb problems.
What is it?
Prevent and treat foot, ankle and lower leg problems. We provide information on how to avoid problems and advise on foot care and footwear. We have a limited podiatrist home visiting service for clients that are housebound – eligibility criteria applies.
Who can use this service?
Anyone 65 years and over (50 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
If you're 64 years and under, see our Health Services page.
Cost
There is a small fee for some of our services. Some of our services are free.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. You will need a referral from My Aged Care who will carry out an assessment.
A doctor or health professional can refer you to My Aged Care. See 'Make a booking'.
Location
- Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung | Bell St
- Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung | Brunswick
- Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung | Fawkner
- Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung | Glenroy
We have a Medicare funded service available at our Glenroy site.
Make a booking
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. Tell them you want Merri Health as your preferred provider.
Your doctor or health professional can also complete this online form.
More information
What is My Aged Care?
My Aged Care is the main entry point into the aged care system in Australia.
When you call them, tell them you want Merri Health as your preferred provider. My Aged Care will then arrange an assessment for you.
I need help calling My Aged Care
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, call the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask to be connected to 1800 200 422.
I need an interpreter to call My Aged Care
If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask to be connected to 1800 200 422.
What is a Medicare-funded service?
We offer Medicare-funded podiatry at our Glenroy site. Patients who have a chronic or terminal condition and complex care needs that need ongoing care can access this service. You will need to get a Chronic Disease Management plan, which was previously known as Enhanced Primary Care or EPC, from your doctor. This will allow you to have 5 visits per year.
If a provider accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service, there will be no out-of-pocket cost. If not, you will have to pay the difference between the fee charged and the Medicare rebate. To find out if there is an out-of-pocket fee, call our Glenroy site on (03) 9304 9200.
Where can I get more information about this service?
Call 1300 637 744 (MERRI H). We can help you with information about eligibility for services and advice on which service will help you with your needs.
I think that my family member would benefit from this service. Can I call on their behalf?
Yes, you can contact us on their behalf. Please call 1300 637 744 (MERRI H).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a podiatrist help me?
A podiatrist can help with:
- Education and information about foot care and footwear.
- Treatment of foot conditions such as skin and/or nail problems.
- Minor surgery to treat ingrown toenails.
- Assess whether problems exist in the feet and lower legs while walking or running.
- Assess the need for specialised insoles to help with foot imbalances.
- Arrange measurement and fitting of specialized footwear
What should I expect on my first visit?
On your first visit at Merri Health it is important to arrive 10 minutes early as there may be some forms you will need to fill out at reception.
The podiatrist will review your medical history and discuss your presenting problem.
A complete foot and lower limb assessment will then be conducted. Your podiatrist will work closely with you in developing a comprehensive treatment plan that will assist you to achieve your goals. Treatment is often included in your initial appointment when required.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
In order to assist us with your diagnosis and treatment please bring along the following:
- Relevant test results which may include X-ray and ultrasound images of your feet, knees or hips.
- Medical history and medication list
- Footwear that you regularly wear
- It is recommended that you wear shorts or loose fitting pants that will enable us to better assess your lower limbs
- Please note that children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by either a parent or guardian
What shoes should I wear to my appointment?
It is a great idea if you can wear the shoes that you normally wear so we can check the wear pattern on the bottom and also assess the structure of the shoe and it's impact on your foot function.
Do I have to bring a few pairs of my shoes to my appointment to show the podiatrist?
It is recommended that a range of your footwear for work, exercise and casual activities are brought in for assessment as this will help provide information to better assess your case.
I have diabetes and my GP said I need a diabetic foot assessment. Can the podiatrist do this and what does the assessment involve?
Yes, a podiatrist is a registered health care professional who can complete a diabetes foot health assessment on your feet. People with diabetes should have their feet examined by a podiatrist at least once a year. This examination involves assessing the sensation, blood circulation and structure of your foot. The podiatrist will also discuss your risk status of developing a foreseeable foot complication and will guide you on preventing future foot related complications.
Can the way I walk contribute to back pain?
The way we walk can sometimes impact on back pain. Your podiatrist will perform an assessment of your gait and foot alignment to assess whether this is a contributing factor or whether relevant referrals need to be made.
My ingrown toe nail is infected. Should I get antibiotics first?
It is recommended that you get antibiotics first as this will help treat the infection prior to your podiatry appointment. This will also allow the podiatrist to remove the ingrown toe nail with less discomfort during your appointment.
This service is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. Visit the Department of Health website for more information.
Although the funding for this service has been provided by the Australian Government, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Government.