Podiatrist, GP or emergency? Which appointment to book

Check these in order and stop at the first one that fits. If you're still unsure, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or us on (02) 9701 0477.

Check in this order

1. Is it an emergency?

   Call 000 or go to the emergency department if a foot or leg suddenly turns cold, pale or blue, or becomes severely painful, numb or weak; there's heavy bleeding, bone showing or an obviously deformed limb; leg swelling comes with sudden breathlessness or chest pain; redness is spreading fast with fever, or you feel very unwell or confused; or there's sudden weakness with face or arm symptoms.

2. Do you need a doctor today?

   See a GP today, an urgent care clinic or the emergency department for: spreading redness, pus or fever; a newly swollen, painful or warm calf or leg; a hot, swollen joint such as the big toe; a deep puncture wound (such as a nail through the shoe) or an animal bite; a child with a limp and a fever; a pop at the back of the heel, or you can't bear weight after a fall. With diabetes or poor circulation, also a new wound or broken skin, a hot, red or swollen foot (even without pain), a toe turning dark, or foot pain at rest or at night. We don't prescribe antibiotics.

3. Is your visit funded?

   GP care plan: book Jasem or Jonathan online under “Have a GP Medicare care-plan referral?”, or call to book Omar. DVA or workers compensation and CTP: call us first. NDIS: plan- or self-managed only.

4. Everything else: book a podiatrist

   For most new foot concerns, choose a first podiatry appointment; you don't need to choose a treatment. Pick by day or language on our podiatrists; Saturdays are under “Saturday bookings”.

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