Question 1

Payment

Accepted Answer

Accepted methods of payment include cash or card. Should you require a printed invoice for your visit, please make a request to our friendly staff who will be happy to assist. All appointments require full payment at the time of your visit. Medicare rebates (where applicable) will be processed as a separate transaction after full payment has been received.  For full fee information, please call one of our friendly staff who will assist you - 07 3821 4524.

Question 2

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No, referrals are generally not required to access podiatry treatment. 
Your GP, however, may specifically refer you to a podiatrist for a condition they are treating you for (please see the about section regarding Medicare). 
There are a limited number of circumstances that require you to obtain a referral from your GP prior to treatment, such as:
·       Veterans holding Department of Veterans'' Affairs gold cards
·       Veterans holding Department of Veterans' Affairs white card - where the referral specifies the injury and treatment required. White card holders require prior approval of podiatry treatment.

Question 3

Will I be covered under Medicare?

Accepted Answer

If have been referred to us by your GP under the Enhanced Primary Card Program (EPC), then you will be entitled to a rebate through Medicare which will cover a portion of the total cost for the appointment. This program covers patients with chronic and complex conditions including diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.  Please speak to your GP for more information about how to obtain an EPC referral. For fee information, please contact our friendly staff on (07) 3821 - 4524.

Question 4

Do I need to book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Patients need to book their podiatry appointments ahead of time. We endeavor to meet our patient's requirements for specific appointment times but where this is not available, we maintain a waiting list of patients seeking particular appointment times. In the event that a patient cancels or reschedules their appointment, we will then contact you. It is for this reason that the clinic insists on a minimum 24 hours of any changes or cancellations of appointments.

Question 5

Should I be concerned about my child’s flat feet/low arches?

Accepted Answer

A child's feet change dramatically as they develop. Children are born with 'flabby feet', where fatty tissue obscures the arch. A lower arched foot is considered to be normal and is part of normal development up to about age 6.

Most importantly, how do your child's feet function:
              - Do they constantly trip, scuff their feet or wear shoes unevenly? 
              - Do they complain of pain?

Don't let people tell you your child's pains are just "growing pains" - pain in children is not normal. 
If you are concerned, then a consultation with our podiatrist is a small fee to pay for peace of mind.

Question 6

Home Visits

Accepted Answer

We understand that getting to see a podiatrist in clinic can be difficult for certain patients. On occasion, some patients may be eligible for a home visit. Home visits can be used in conjunction with private health care plans, Medicare EPC Referrals, DVA Referrals, NDIS Plans and Home Care Packages (Fees and charges may apply). Please contact the clinic on (07) 3821 - 4524 for more information regarding this type of treatment.

Question 7

NDIS

Accepted Answer

We are classified as an UNREGISTERED NDIS PROVIDER. This means we can work directly with only some NDIS providers. See our NDIS page for more info.

Self-Managed Participants: Full payment is required on the day of your appointment and we can provide an invoice for your to claim through NDIS directly.
OR
Plan-Managed Participants: Invoices are sent directly to Plan Manager for payment. The participant is not out of pocket. Pre-approval is required before services can commence.

If you are an NDIS provider for a Plan-Managed Participant, please contact us to see how we can work together by phone on 07 3821 - 4524 or by email at info@baysidefootclinic.com.au.

Question 8

DVA Patients

Accepted Answer

We welcome DVA clients in need of podiatry care. DVA Veteran Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral.Please contact your GP for more information and to arrange for your DVA podiatry referral.

Question 9

Support at Home/Home Care Packages

Accepted Answer

Bayside Foot Clinic currently works with a select group of Support at Home/Home Care Package Providers. For more information please call us on 3821-4524.

Question 10

What should I expect during my consultation?

Accepted Answer

During your consultation, one of our friendly clinical assistants will usher you to remove your footwear and you will be prepared for your consultation. Assessment, diagnosis, and a customized treatment plan will then be implemented. Same day biomechanical assessment may also be conducted during your consultation if needed.  All of our instruments are meticulously cleaned and sterilised for your comfort and safety. We request that you please remove nail polish prior to your appointment in order to assess your nail health comprehensively.

Question 11

What should I wear/bring?

Accepted Answer

Shorts or loose fitting, comfortable clothing are ideal for your consultation. For a complete biomechanical assessment to be done, we will need to be able to examine your feet, ankles, knees and hips. Please also bring your current footwear, whether it be your work boots, trainers/joggers/sports boots or sandals. Our podiatrist can learn a lot from your footwear patterns, so don't forget to bring them along!

Question 12

Pedicures

Accepted Answer

Many podiatrists caution pedicures from fashionable nail salons as they can lead to infection and the spread of disease. Many healthcare professionals agree that pedicures are unsafe. 
However, if you decide to get pedicure from a nail salon, be mindful of  the following:
	1. How they sterilise their tools - using an autoclave is advised
	2. Avoid going if you have cuts or sores on your feet/legs, especially if you've recently waxed or shaved within 24 hours of the pedicure
	3. Avoid getting your cuticles cut, rather, they should only be moisturised
	4. Nails should be gently cleaned with a brush rather than by the use of metal instruments 	which can dig at the hyponychium
	5. If you have a history of contact dermatitis, try requesting nail polish for sensitive skin, which should be stoked at all professional nail salons.

Question 13

Do you sell shoes?

Accepted Answer

YES! We stock a range of footwear from podiatrist recommended brands such as Revere (sandals and shoes), Propet (shoes), Axign (thongs), Archies (thongs and slides) and Archline (slippers). If we don't have your size in stock, we are able to order it in for you (shipping fees will apply, no returns for ordered items).

"Start your Foot Health Journey today... We'll be with you every step of the way"

Shop 9, 39 Middle Street
CLEVELAND QLD
info@baysidefootclinic.com.au

Bayside
Foot Clinic

FAQs

Frequently asked questions