Podiatry is an important service many people need to access. Whether you have a chronic condition, foot injury or infection, podiatrists can help you find the right treatment.
Health concerns often come with a price tag. Medicare is a system designed to help people get access to health care services. But is podiatry covered under this system? The answer to this is yes and no. Some conditions are not covered by Medicare and some are. In this article, we’ll explain which ones apply.
For personalised advice, contact our team at the Foot and Leg Pain Centre today.
Does Medicare Cover Podiatry
Medicare does cover podiatry if you meet certain requirements. To qualify for podiatry Medicare rebates you must be living with a chronic condition. Having a chronic condition does not have to mean having a condition for years or terminally. A chronic condition qualifies as any condition you have had for more than three months.
The next step is to get a referral for several podiatry visits from your GP. If you are living with a chronic condition and have a referral, you will most likely qualify for the Enhanced Primary Care Program. The EPC Program will allow for up to five rebated podiatry visits every year.
With access to this rebate, you may be able to partially or fully cover your podiatry costs. However, you need to get reassessed every year to keep your Medicare rebate up to date.
Conditions Medicare may Cover for Podiatry
You may be wondering which conditions are more likely to be covered by the EPC program. Here we’ll explain which conditions usually qualify and how a podiatrist can help.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that is characterised by the development of too much glucose in the blood. Likewise, diabetics do not produce enough natural insulin to regulate these glucose levels.
Diabetes can often come with foot complications that require a podiatrist. It can often cause lower circulation which can damage the nerves of your feet. Podiatrists can examine diabetics and determine treatment or prevention plans that preserve their foot health. As a chronic illness, this condition is often covered by Medicare with the EPC program.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition. When located around the feet or ankles this can cause pain, stiffness and swelling. As a chronic condition, the EPC program often covers this condition for podiatry. Many podiatrists prescribe orthotics to help distribute the pressure around your feet to offer relief.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is when the tendon on the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes has been damaged. This tendon is known as the plantar fascia. Though not always a chronic condition, this damage can often take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to heal.
If left untreated plantar fasciitis can become a recurring condition that weakens the plantar fascia. A podiatrist can treat plantar fasciitis with a range of methods including prescribing orthotics and medication to encourage healing.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles Tendinopathy is when your Achilles tendon has been injured. This is a painful injury located at the back of the heel that is often caused by overuse or over-exercise. Achilles tendinopathy can range from a mild to a more severe injury such as tendon ruptures that can impact your ability to walk.
The healing process for this condition can take anywhere from six months to a year to fully heal. A podiatrist can guide you through rehabilitation for these kinds of injuries. If you are experiencing severe Achilles tendinopathy your podiatry visits will most likely be covered by Medicare.
How to Use Your Medicare Rebates
If you have met the above criteria you might be wondering how you can access your rebate. This usually happens when you have an appointment with your podiatrist.
Once you’ve had your appointment and go to pay, your Medicare card will be taken on file. They can then use this to automatically reduce the cost of five of your appointments per year.
With the EPC Program, you are entitled to a little over $50 in rebates per appointment. If this does not cover your appointment cost, you will have to pay to cover the gap.
Finding the Right Care
If you have experienced a foot injury or condition, a podiatrist can help assess your problem and determine the right treatments. Though Medicare only covers certain individuals, that does not mean your needs are less important. Whether you qualify for a Medicare rebate or not, our enthusiastic team is ready to help.
Understanding how to navigate health costs and rebates can be difficult on your own. If you’re unsure if you qualify for Medicare coverage we can let you know. Contact our team today at the Foot and Leg Pain Centre to get the treatment you need.