This page contains the basic information you may require, to refer to us.
Key Points
Same day or next day appointments
Bulk billing subsequent EPCs for Podiatrist Elise Stevenson, only
Available in West Gosford, Wyong and Tuggerah
Online booking available
Open Saturdays
WHAT IS A PODIATRIST?
A podiatrist is a registered allied health professional who has expertise in the feet and lower limbs.
A podiatrist has completed a Bachelor of Podiatry (or similar to) at University which included basic sciences, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, neurology, microbiology, histology, pathology, critical thinking, differential diagnosis, radiology, biomechanics, rehabilitation, manual treatment, orthotic therapy and surgical interventions.
A podiatrist will see a range of conditions from skin and nail to the anatomy and biomechanics of the feet and lower limbs. Podiatrists will diagnose a treat conditions from corns and ingrown toe nails to ankle and knee pain.
REFER TO A PODIATRIST FOR:
Diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and/or surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.
A typical day for a podiatrist involves general skin and nail care, ingrown toenail management, wart treatment, wound care, thorough diabetic assessments, foot mobilisation programs, and the management of musculoskeletal conditions such as heel pain, pronated (rolled in) feet, Achilles pain, ankle sprains, bunions, in-toe (pigeon toed) or tip toe walking, and many more!
COST TO YOUR PATIENT:
PRIVATE PATIENTS:
A rebate will apply for those who have private health cover. Standard fees are $90.00 initial and $75.00 follow up.
EPC/CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT:
A co-payment applies for all initial consultations and new care plans. Elise Stevenson bulk bills subsequent consultations. Our more experienced podiatrists Ellie Kelly and Renee Carroll charge a small gap for subsequent consultations on the same care plan.
WORKERS COMPENSATION:
There is no out-of-pocket expense for patients.
DVA (DEPT. OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS):
We accept DVA patients, and no out-of-pocket expense applies.
NDIS (NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME):
We accept self-managed NDIS participants. Full payment is required at the time of consultation.
WHAT YOUR PATIENT CAN EXPECT:
Depending on your patients needs we have two types of initial consultations, both of which are 40 minutes and involve a full medical and social history being taken.
- General podiatry (including diabetic assessments): our podiatrists perform an extensive neurovascular assessment to assess their overall foot health in regards to their nerve and blood vessel function. The podiatrists will then determine your patients’ level of risk of any neurovascular complications. All skin and nail conditions will be addressed during this initial consultation so your patient can walk out feeling like they are walking on air.
- Biomechanical assessments: our podiatrists have developed extensive adult- and paediatric-specific biomechanical assessments which involve detailed study of your patients’ range of motion, joint mobility, muscle strength, ligamentous stability and nerve function. A thorough gait analysis will also be performed alongside the weight bearing and non-weight bearing assessments. Our podiatrists will then look more specifically into the cause of your patients’ concerns.
The nature of treatment varies greatly for a biomechanical assessment, depending on the may patient factors. Podiatric treatment may involve a combination of advice, exercises, specific footwear, foot mobilisation techniques, trigger point therapy, shoe inserts or orthotic therapy. Imaging will be ordered, if required. Patient safety and preference, as well as potential efficacy, inform the choice of treatment modality. Naturally, informed consent is obtained for any proposed treatment.
The length of follow up consultations will depend on the number and complexity of issues to be dealt with. These consultations will generally vary from 20-40 minutes.
