A – No you don’t need a doctor’s referral to be seen at Step Ahead Podiatry, however we do accept referrals from any health care provider.
A Doctor’s referral is required in some special circumstances. These include:
* Medicare referrals under a team care arrangement (TCA) for enhanced primary care (EPC) which may be available if
you have a chronic medical condition – ask your GP if you qualify
* Department of Veterans Affairs (D.V.A)
* Worker’s Compensation
* Motor vehicle accident (M.V.A) claims
A – Please bring the following with you
* A list of your current medication
* All relevant medical imaging – x-rays, Ultrasounds, CT’s, bone scans, MRI’s
* A selection of your current footwear – work shoes, gym shoes, casual shoes etc
* Any or all of your current or previous orthotics if you have had them previously
* Ladies it is advisable to wear pants rather than skirts or dresses as some aspects of assessment may require hip rotation/pelvis assessment etc
A – At your initial consultation one of our highly trained & skilled podiatrists will undertake a comprehensive assessment, which will vary depending on why you are attending. This assessment may include
* Obtaining a full medical history
* Obtaining a full history of the injury or condition for which you are seeking treatment
* Basic nerve & blood flow testing – more comprehensive if you are diabetic or have a specific referral
* Basic walking (gait) assessment
* Review of your medical imaging if available
* Where possible a diagnosis & differential diagnosis
* Advise on treatment options & decision on a personalised treatment plan
* Where possible commencement of your treatment