Podiatry & Diabetes
Podiatry is a field of healthcare devoted to the study and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle. Podiatrist are a very important part of diabetic management as feet are greatly affected by diabetes and should be monitored regularly for any changes.
Diabetic feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and the blood supply. This damage is more likely if:
Low risk feet: These feet have normal sensation, good blood flow and are generally in good condition. However it is important to know that low risk feet can become high risk feet without symptoms, so 6 monthly checks are still important.
High Risk Feet: People with neuropathy, poor circulation, or those who have had a foot ulcer or amputation in the past have high risk feet. Feet with calluses or deformities like claw toes also have increased risk especially if poor feeling and/or decreased blood flow are also present.
If you have high risk feet you should have them checked by your podiatrist every 3 – 6 months. It is generally recommended that these people also have their nails cut by their podiatrist to help eliminate risk factors associated with cutting toenails.
Facts:
No referral is required to see a podiatrist privately. If you have Private health insurance, you may entitled to a rebate which can be claimed automatically at the time of consult at any of our clinics.
Medicare may provide a rebate on podiatrists’ fees if you have a chronic condition and you are referred by your doctor as part suitable GP management plan or care plan. Where this medicare rebate exists, Podantics will bulk bill these services so that you pay no out of pocket expenses.
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) gold card holders are entitled to free podiatry services from private podiatrists. All they need to do is get a DVA specific referral from their doctors before hand.
Diabetic feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and the blood supply. This damage is more likely if:
- You have had diabetes for a long time
- Your blood glucose levels have been too high for an extended period
- You smoke
- You are inactive.
Low risk feet: These feet have normal sensation, good blood flow and are generally in good condition. However it is important to know that low risk feet can become high risk feet without symptoms, so 6 monthly checks are still important.
High Risk Feet: People with neuropathy, poor circulation, or those who have had a foot ulcer or amputation in the past have high risk feet. Feet with calluses or deformities like claw toes also have increased risk especially if poor feeling and/or decreased blood flow are also present.
If you have high risk feet you should have them checked by your podiatrist every 3 – 6 months. It is generally recommended that these people also have their nails cut by their podiatrist to help eliminate risk factors associated with cutting toenails.
Facts:
No referral is required to see a podiatrist privately. If you have Private health insurance, you may entitled to a rebate which can be claimed automatically at the time of consult at any of our clinics.
Medicare may provide a rebate on podiatrists’ fees if you have a chronic condition and you are referred by your doctor as part suitable GP management plan or care plan. Where this medicare rebate exists, Podantics will bulk bill these services so that you pay no out of pocket expenses.
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) gold card holders are entitled to free podiatry services from private podiatrists. All they need to do is get a DVA specific referral from their doctors before hand.
