Proactive diabetic foot care. Prevention first.

How Diabetes Affects Your Feet

Diabetes impacts the feet in two primary ways:

Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
You may experience pins and needles, numbness, burning sensations, or a partial or complete loss of feeling in the feet. This makes it easy to miss cuts, blisters or pressure sores before they become serious.

Reduced circulation (peripheral vascular disease)
Poor blood flow to the feet and lower limbs slows healing and significantly increases the risk of infection and ulceration.

Patients with diabetes are also at higher risk of associated conditions including heart and vascular disease, atherosclerosis, arthritis and other nerve disorders; all of which compound the risk of foot complications.

What Your Assessment Includes

Your diabetic foot consultation at Sydney Podiatry Co is comprehensive and unhurried. Your podiatrist will:

• Perform neurological and vascular screening to assess nerve function and circulation
• Assess for existing wounds, ulcers or high-risk pressure areas
• Provide wound management and prevention strategies
• Address general foot and nail care
• Advise on appropriate footwear and fitting
• Apply pressure deflection where required

For patients requiring specialist wound care, our podiatrist Rebecca Calloway holds dual qualifications as a registered nurse with specialist expertise in wound assessment and management. Learn more about our wound care podiatry service.

Following your consultation, a full clinical report will be sent directly to your GP or referring specialist.

CCMP — Medicare Rebates

Sydney Podiatry Co is a registered Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) provider. If you have been referred by your GP under a CCMP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on your podiatry appointments.

Ask your GP or contact our clinic to find out if you qualify. You can also learn more about CCMP and how Medicare rebates work on our dedicated page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a diabetic patient see a podiatrist?
Most patients with diabetes should have a podiatry assessment at least once a year, and more frequently if they have existing foot complications, neuropathy or poor circulation. Your podiatrist and GP will advise on the appropriate frequency for your individual risk level.

What is the risk of amputation with diabetes?
Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation in Australia. However, Research consistently shows that up to 85% of diabetes-related amputations are preventable with appropriate foot care and early intervention (Diabetes Australia) are preventable with appropriate foot care, early detection and timely intervention. Regular podiatry assessment is one of the most effective preventive measures available.

Can I claim my diabetic foot assessment on Medicare?
Yes, if you have been referred by your GP under a Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP). Medicare rebates are available for eligible patients for up to five allied health consultations per calendar year. Speak to your GP to find out if you qualify.

Do I need a referral to book a diabetic foot assessment?
No referral is required to book an appointment at Sydney Podiatry Co. However, a GP referral under a CCMP is required to access Medicare rebates. We also welcome referrals from endocrinologists, vascular surgeons and other specialists managing diabetic patients.

What should I bring to my diabetic foot assessment?
Please bring your regular footwear, any referral letters or GP notes, a list of your current medications, and your private health fund card if applicable. If you have a CCMP referral, please bring that too so we can process your Medicare rebate on the day.

Home Visits Available

For diabetic patients who find it difficult to travel to our Balgowlah clinic, we offer podiatry home visits across the Northern Beaches. Our mobile podiatry service brings the same standard of clinical care directly to your door — including diabetic foot assessments and CCMP Medicare consultations.