What Are Telehealth Podiatry Consultations?
Telehealth podiatry consultations are an effective way to meet with an expert podiatrist from the comfort of your own home.
It may come as a surprise how effective podiatry telehealth consultations can be. Recent research shows that online consultations are a viable alternative to face-to-face consultations for people who have musculoskeletal injuries or pain.
This means you can benefit from the same long-term outcomes for a wide range of conditions.
We understand that sessions via the internet may seem counterintuitive at first and there may be some issues we are unable to treat online. However, there is a common misconception that you need hands-on therapy from your podiatrist to feel better. We now have extensive research that shows that we can help you achieve results without putting a hand on you. We do this by giving you specific advice and providing you with self-care treatment plans that you can undertake in your own home.
How Can A Podiatrist Treat You Online?
We empathise that being in pain can be a confusing and frustrating experience. Especially with the conflicting information on the internet, regarding your specific issue or injury.
Telehealth podiatry consultations will help you understand your condition, and get clarity on what is happening and how you can treat it, from the comfort of your own home.
WE WILL:
- Discuss your goals (what is the outcome you are looking for).
- What’s wrong (the likely diagnosis) by asking you specific questions and undertaking specific functional tests and visual assessment.
- Why it is there (education of the root cause of your issue).
- Send you a request for any specific diagnostic imaging if necessary.
- Provide you with specific treatment advice and education related to your condition and home exercise program or self-care advice.
Who Should Have a Telehealth Podiatry Consultations?
- If unable to attend the clinic location due to extenuating circumstances (COVID-19, self-isolation, social distancing, etc).
- Would like to save time, avoid dealing with the stress of travel and social interaction, and have the convenience of expert healthcare in their own home.
- Have restrictions, such as injury or disability, which prevent traveling.
- Have a diagnosis, and would like an expert second opinion.
- Need access to experienced podiatrists who may not be available in the area they live.
- Don’t like the physical touch involved in an in-person session.
What Conditions Can Be Treated?
Please note this is not an exhaustive list and your suitability will be determined once your health screening form has been completed and sent to us.
- Heel pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Forefoot Pain
- Arthritis
- Shin splints
- Ingrown or Fungal Toenails
- Sports Injuries
- Footwear Advice
- Daily diabetic foot care advice
What You Will Need?
- If you are a new patient you will need to fill in a new patient form via email, so that we can learn a bit about you and ensure your specific issue is suitable for an online consultation.
- Ensure you have a device (mobile, computer, tablet) for the telehealth podiatry consultation with good wifi access to conduct the consultation using Cliniko.
- You will be sent this link for all the details you need to know about accessing your online consultation.
- Ensure you turn on your microphone and video features before the appointment.
- Close down any unnecessary computer windows or software packages that may slow your internet speed.
- Make sure your head and shoulders are squarely facing the camera and the camera is at eye level- with the option to lower the camera to your lower limbs and feet should you need.
- Choose a quiet place, free of distractions with enough room to perform some basic movements and exercise.
- Ensure good lighting by turning on any lights and facing towards a window, making sure the light is not directly behind you.
- Appropriate clothing that will not restrict movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim private health for my online podiatry consultation?
Yes, certain private health providers are rebating for telehealth consultations, you will need to check your individual level of cover to see if this applies to you.
Will I get a Medicare Rebate for podiatry consults?
If you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan from your GP you can use your assigned visits for telehealth consultations.
Will My Privacy be Protected?
Our telehealth consultations are through our secure practice management software Cliniko. The link for your consultations will only be shared with you and your practitioner.
Is Telehealth Covered By the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA)?
Yes DVA patients can use assigned podiatry visits and will be bulk billed.
Will Workcover and TAC cover Telehealth
Yes, but we will need to seek confirmation from your case manager and a gap payment may be charged.
Can I use NDIS for online podiatry consults?
Yes, can use your NDIS funding. Please note we currently only have the capacity to work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS clients.
What does an online podiatry session cost?
An initial consultation is $105 for 45 minutes.
For existing patients, a 30-minute return consultation is $85.
How do we communicate online?
Consultations are undertaken via cliniko, patients will be sent a link on how to access their online appointment using the device of their choice.
How do I pay for my online podiatry consultation?
- Payments will be taken over the phone in advance, and a receipt will be emailed or posted out.
- Third-party claims (DVA, NDIS) will be done on your behalf.
