FAQs
Q: What do I need to bring to my appointment?
A: If your problem requires a Foot Rehabilitation Consultation, it is ideal for you to bring a few samples of shoes. For example, bring shoes you wear to work, shoes you exercise in and any other shoes that you often wear. We also recommend you bring any foot x-rays or scans that you have as well as wear some clothes that will enable us to assess your feet and knees, i.e. shorts.
Q: Do I need a referral?
A: If you have a referral from another health professional you should bring it to your appointment however, a referral is not necessary.
If you are a War Veteran with a Gold Card, you will need to get a referral from your Doctor and bring it with you to the appointment.
If you are a part of the Enhanced Primary Health Care Plan, you will need a referral and will need to bring it with you to your appointment
Q: Can I claim through Medicare?
A: You may claim a rebate for your appointment under Medicare if your Doctor has organized a Chronic Disease Management Plan AND you have a current referral for Podiatry. You need to speak to your doctor, and be placed onto the program.
To qualify for the program you need to have a chronic condition such as diabetes, your doctor will discuss this with you. The plan enables you to claim a Medicare rebate for up to 5 visits a year to a handful of allied health professionals, stipulated by your doctor.
You will need to bring your referral and any information your doctor gives you to your appointment. Please note we do not bulk bill. We charge a reduced rate and we will process your rebate for you whereby you will get a minimum of $54.60 deposited directly into your nominated bank account.
Q: Will my Private Health Cover Podiatry?
A: Podiatry is usually covered by private health under the Extras section. The rebate differs between funds, and between levels of cover. To be sure you have the appropriate cover (are covered for Podiatry), it is always a good idea to check with your health fund.
Foot Factor Podiatry is linked to HICAPS. This means we are able to process your health fund claims at your appointment time. You will need to bring your private health card with you to your appointment for us to be able to do this. There will be a gap payment that you will be required to pay at the time of your appointment.
Q: How Can I pay for Treatments?
A: At Foot Factor Podiatry, we accept cash, cheques, credit card (excluding American Express and Diners), and EFTPOS. Payment must be made on the day of your appointment.
Q: What is the Paraffin Wax bath used for?
A: A Paraffin Foot Wax Bath is an intensive moisturizing treatment to aid the repairing of the skin from harsh conditions. It can also help reduce pain associated with some arthritic conditions, poor circulation, and soft tissue injuries. It is a great pampering treatment or present for someone special.
Q: What are Orthotics?
A: Orthotics are shoe inserts. They are used to improve a person’s walking pattern, therefore improving function and taking stress and strain off the muscles, ligaments and joints in the body. If a person is not walking ideally, they can get painful feet, knees, hips and back. By using orthotics we can relieve pain, as well as prevent further discomfort and injuries.
Orthotics can be used to support a flat foot or low arch, as well as supporting and reducing a high arch.
All the orthotics prescribed at Foot Factor are tailored to meet your individual needs.
The type of orthotic that is best for you depends on how you are walking and your specific requirements. There are quite a few different orthotic devices to choose from. After conducting a thorough examination, and compiling results from how your body responds to interventions the podiatrist will be able to let you know the best orthotics for you and the prices of these orthotics.
Q: What shoes do you sell and why are they good got me?
A: At Foot Factor Podiatry we sell 4 brands of shoes, FRANKiE4, Revere, Vionic and Anodyne.
FRANKiE4 shoes are “Saving Soles”. They are designed by an Australian lady who is both a Podiatrist and Physiotherapist. All of the shoes have a range of support and cushioning built into the shoes. They are great for wearing with orthotics, but if you do not have orthotics, they come with their own arch support. They will fit a variety of feet with 3 innersoles for different width feet.
Revere shoes are also designed by an Australian Podiatrist. There are an endless options of sandals available in various colours. The shoes all come with inbuilt arch support and cushioning. The best feature of these sandals is the removable foot bed. When removed you are able to fit your own personalised arch support. The sandals come in 2 widths and extender straps as a fabulous addition.
Revere also have a new range of enclosed dress shoes in the Mary Jane or Ballet flat style that have been very popular.
Vionic shoes are our “go to” option for the Aussie thong. They make thongs with arch support and a heel pitch, helping to reduce strain on the feet. The thongs come in a variety of colours and styles with firm support and semi-firm support.
Vionic shoes are also making enclosed shoes with arch and shoe support.
Anodyne shoes are the shoe to wear if you have wide feet. They come in a variety of width and depths. They are made from beautiful soft materials and are a fantastic accommodative shoe.
To try on the above shoes, and treat your feet, visit Foot Factor Podiatry, Springwood.
Q: Is there Parking?
A: There are a few car parks out the front of the practice. If these are full there is parking on the street.
Q: Can I purchase a Gift Voucher?
A: Gift vouchers are available for podiatry consultations as well as our retail range. If you wish to order a gift voucher, please contact us on (07) 3133 8134.