Allied Health
Podiatry

Podiatry

Podiatry deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.�Podiatrists treat a wide range of conditions that include bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies, as well as neurological and circulatory disease. �Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat any complications of the above, which affect the lower limb, including skin and nail disorders, corns, calluses and ingrown toenails. �As providers of comprehensive foot care, podiatrists play an important role in maintaining mobility and lower limb function in all members of the community.

Podiatric interventions, including annual foot screening, wound management and foot orthoses can help to significantly reduce rates of foot ulceration and amputation in people with diabetes. �It is widely recognised that people with diabetes who have no known pathology should have an annual foot screening to identify any risk factors for developing lower limb complications, such as ulcers or amputations.

Podiatry is a registered and regulated health profession with private health funds providing cover for some podiatry services on their ancillary tables. �Entitled veterans are covered for private podiatry services through the Department of Veterans' Affairs. �Patients who suffer chronic conditions may be eligible for subsidised visits to private podiatry.�(Medicare Enhanced Primary Care)�

Hunter New England Health employs podiatrists in some Community Health Centres across the region, as well as at the Royal Newcastle Centre Diabetes High Risk Foot Clinic.

The Diabetes High Risk Foot Clinic manages the podiatric care of people with diabetes who have a past or present history of foot ulcers or lower limb amputations or significant peripheral vascular disease or peripheral neuropathy.

Client must meet eligibility criteria to access Podiatry and Footcare Services.� Please refer to Podiatry & Footcare Referral Processes.

For further information regarding Podiatry & Footcare Services please contact the Greater Newcastle Cluster Podiatry & Footcare Office on (02) 401 64687

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