First Appointment

What to Expect on your First Visit

Your initial appointment will consist of a comprehensive foot examination. Together, we will review and discuss all your possible treatment options and come up with the best customized treatment plan that fits your overall needs.

Usually treatment is started on the same day if time permits. However, it is important to know that a complex medical history or treatment plan may require further evaluation and preparation. In these cases, another appointment may be needed to start the process. If you feel like you have a complex problem, please contact the clinic to extend your appointment time.

Below is a checklist to help you prepare you for your first appointment and help make the most of your time with the Podiatrist:

• Make a list of your symptoms and questions.
• Make a list of all medications and any previous surgeries.
• Gather and bring important medical records and laboratory test reports from other doctors or hospitals (including X-rays, MRIs, and lab results).
• If you are planning to claim through your insurance, please bring in your physical health fund card.
• Call before your visit to tell the foot clinic if you have special needs.
• Bring a friend or family member if you think it will be helpful.
• If your problem involves walking and/or exercise, bring your walking/exercise shoes with you to the appointment.
• For ski/snowboard assessments please bring in your boots.
• For all appointments that involve toenail assessment or treatment please make sure that all toenail polish, shellac, artificial toenails etc are removed before the appointment.
• Discuss your symptoms and any recent changes you may have noticed. Describe any allergies.
• Tell your podiatrist if you are pregnant or if you are trying to get pregnant.
• Let your podiatrist know if you are being treated by other doctors.

Insurance

We have Hicaps facility in all our clinics. Here is a list of all the health funds which can be claimed through our Hicaps software. If your insurer is not on the list, you would need to pay first and lodge a manual claim.

Medicare

Medicare only covers podiatry for patients who are eligible for an Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC) issued by their doctor. Please ensure that the referring GP makes the referral out to ‘The Foot Hub’ and not individual practitioners.

Patients attending The Foot Hub should note that we are a private billing practice. It is our policy that payment for your consultation be made up front. Fees may be paid by cash, EFTPOS, Credit Card or Cheque. The current Medicare rebate is $53.80. We can lodge for this amount to be electronically transferred into your bank account on the day of your appointment. Funds are usually transferred within 24hrs. Please ensure Medicare have your bank details for this to occur. If Medicare does not have your bank details, please complete this form and send to Medicare.

A Medicare rebate is available for up to five appointments (or the number of appointments allocated by the referring Doctor) per calendar year. It is the responsibility of the patient to be aware of how many appointments they have used for other allied health services. If your EPC has expired or the rebate has already been allocated to other services the standard service fees will apply.

Medicare and Private Health Insurance can not be billed on the same day for a podiatry service.

Payment Options

In order to provide you with access to the podiatry care possible, we offer a variety Of payment options. We accept:

• Cash or debit
• Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club
• Afterpay