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Feet feel fine? A yearly check still matters
Keep doing the things you love, on your own two feet
Diabetic foot check (foot exam) in Burwood
A diabetic foot check with our podiatrists (also called a diabetic foot exam or assessment) is a 30-minute check of feeling, circulation, skin, nails and footwear. We tell you your foot-risk level and when to come back: at least once a year, even when your feet feel fine.
How we can help at Burwood Podiatry
We look after diabetic feet at every risk level, with gentle care and a clear plan. The aim: help you stay active and independent, and give you and your family peace of mind.
- A full foot check: feeling, pulses, skin, nails and shoes, with your risk level and when to return
- Nail, corn and callus care, done carefully: general podiatry
- Pressure relief: padding, footwear advice and orthotics where needed
- A letter to your GP with a care plan, and Medicare care plans accepted: care-plan fees
- Clear advice on what to do, and how quickly, if something new appears between visits
What you can do at home
- Look at your feet every day, including between the toes and the soles; use a mirror or ask someone to help
- Wash and dry carefully, especially between the toes, and moisturise dry skin, but not between the toes
- Wear well-fitting shoes and socks; check inside shoes before putting them on
- Don't use corn plasters or cut corns yourself, and avoid hot water bottles on your feet
- Any new wound, redness, swelling or warmth: contact us or your GP the same day
- Ask your GP whether a care plan suits you; it can cover up to 5 podiatry visits a year: do I need a referral?
When to get it checked
Book a check at least once a year, even when your feet feel fine. Your foot-risk level sets how often; these are the usual intervals in the Australian guideline, and we'll tell you yours.
- Very low risk (normal feeling and circulation): once a year
- Low risk (reduced feeling or reduced circulation): every 6 to 12 months
- Moderate risk (reduced feeling or circulation plus a foot deformity, or both together): every 3 to 6 months
- High risk (reduced feeling or circulation plus a past ulcer, amputation or kidney failure): every 1 to 3 months
With diabetes, a new wound, redness, swelling or a hot foot needs medical care today, even if painless. If we can't see you today, see your GP or go to the emergency department. Emergency, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale or blue? Call 000.
Diabetic foot check questions
How often should I have a diabetic foot check?
At least once a year; more often if your check shows higher risk, down to every 1 to 3 months. We tell you your interval.
Does Medicare cover a diabetic foot exam?
With an eligible GP care-plan referral, $63.40 a visit is paid back to you by Medicare, into your bank card, for up to 5 allied-health services a calendar year, shared across providers.
Do you see high-risk diabetic feet?
Yes. With reduced feeling, poor circulation, a past ulcer or callus build-up, we reduce callus and pressure, set your review interval (as often as every 1 to 3 months) and write to your GP.
What happens in a diabetic foot assessment?
We check feeling, foot pulses, skin, nails and shoes, then tell you your foot-risk level and when to come back. If your pulses or feeling are reduced, we explain what further tests may help. With a GP care plan, we report to your GP.
How much does a diabetic foot check cost?
From $112 privately (30 minutes). With an eligible GP care plan, care-plan fees apply (from $96) and Medicare pays $63.40 back per visit, up to 5 allied-health visits a calendar year, shared across providers. Fees
Where to next
Sources
Reviewed by Burwood Podiatry · November 2026