Do podiatrists bulk bill? What to compare

Some do. A bulk-billing podiatrist accepts the Medicare rebate of $63.40 as full payment, so you pay nothing on the day. Burwood Podiatry doesn’t bulk bill.

Medicare mainly covers podiatry through a GP chronic condition management plan (often called a GP care plan), which allows up to 5 allied health visits a calendar year (more for some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients). Those 5 visits are shared with any Medicare-funded physio, dietitian or other allied health visits you have.

With a care plan, you pay our fee on the day and Medicare returns $63.40 to you, so a visit costs from $32.60 after the rebate (for example, a $96 care-plan follow-up with Jasem, less $63.40). Without a care plan, Medicare usually doesn’t contribute, but private health extras may. You can claim Medicare or your extras for a visit, not both.

How we can help at Burwood Podiatry

We don't bulk bill, but there are several ways to reduce what you pay.

• GP care plan: Medicare pays $63.40 back per eligible visit, so visits cost from $32.60 after the rebate: care-plan fees
• Private health extras: claimed on the spot with HICAPS if your cover includes podiatry
• Funded care: DVA, NDIS (plan- or self-managed) and workers compensation or CTP
• Routine care in a standard visit: nails, corns and callus: general podiatry and diabetic foot checks

Before you choose, ask any clinic these 3 questions

1. “How long will I be seen for?”

   The Medicare rebate is the same for a 20-minute visit as for a longer one. Ask how long the appointment is, and whether it covers assessment, treatment and a plan, or only one of these.

2. “What happens when my 5 visits run out?”

   Ask how many visits your problem is likely to need, and what follow-up visits cost once the care-plan visits are used up.

3. “What’s included, and what costs extra?”

   Any visit, including a bulk-billed one, can lead to paid items such as orthotics, nail surgery or other treatments. Ask for those prices upfront so you can compare the total cost, not just the first visit.

Emergency, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale or blue? Call 000.