Referrals

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The Walking Clinic is the only podiatry clinic in Canberra accredited with the NDIS. This means we are the only podiatry clinic in the ACT able to provide foot and lower limb care to all NDIS participants, whether self-funded, plan managed, or portal processed.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government program designed to provide support and services to people with permanent and significant disabilities, their families, and carers. Established under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, it is a transformative policy aimed at ensuring individuals with disabilities can access the necessary resources to live independently and participate fully in society.

Key Features of the NDIS

Individualised Funding:
- a. Participants receive funding tailored to their specific needs, goals, and circumstances.
- b. Funding covers services such as therapy, equipment, personal care, transport, and home modifications.
Eligibility:
- a. Individuals aged under 65 years at the time of application.
- b. Must have a permanent and significant disability that substantially impacts daily life.
- c. Australian residency requirements must be met.
Participant Plans:
- a. Each eligible participant has a personalised plan that outlines their goals and the supports needed.
- b. Plans are reviewed regularly to adapt to changes in circumstances or goals.
Choice and Control:
- a. Participants have the flexibility to choose their service providers.
- b. They can self-manage their funds, have the NDIS manage them, or use a plan manager.
Supports Provided:
- a. Core supports for daily activities.
- b. Capacity-building supports for skills development (e.g., education, employment readiness).
- c. Capital supports for significant investments like assistive technology or home modifications.
Focus on Inclusion:
- a. Promotes participation in community, education, and employment.
- b. Aims to empower participants to achieve greater independence.

Funding and Management

The NDIS is jointly funded by the Australian federal and state/territory governments. It is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), which ensures the scheme’s smooth operation and equitable access for eligible participants.

Broader Impact

The NDIS has shifted Australia’s approach to disability to one focused on individual empowerment and choice. It also supports carers and families, helping them balance caregiving responsibilities with other aspects of life.

For more information or to determine eligibility, individuals can visit the NDIS website.
Our team of podiatrists are experts in lower limb management and available to support all NDIS participants achieve the goals, through tailored lower limb management.

If you are an NDIS participant and have any questions about your foot health or podiatry care, contact any of your clinics to learn more.

Department of Veterans' Affairs

All of our team at The Walking Clinic are registered to provide podiatry care through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). This refers to a range of healthcare services provided to eligible veterans, their families, and dependents to support their physical and mental well-being. These services are delivered by allied health professionals who focus on rehabilitation, prevention, and treatment to enhance the quality of life.

Key Features of the DVA

Eligibility: To access allied health services through DVA, individuals must hold one of the following cards:
- a.Gold Card: Covers all clinically necessary health care for eligible conditions.
- b.White Card: Covers treatment for specific accepted conditions or injuries.
- c.Orange Card: Provides access to certain pharmaceuticals for veterans.
Range of Services:DVA funds a variety of allied health services, which may include:
- a.Podiatry: For foot care and related lower limb conditions, including but not limited to:
- b.General foot care, nail cutting, callus and corn management
- c.Medical grade footwear: A podiatrist can refer you for 2 pairs of medical grade shoes per 2-year period if your foot care needs dictate such care
- d.Custom prescription orthotics: up to one pair can be prescribed per year
- e.Nail surgery
- f.Diabetic assessment and care
Referrals and Access:
- a.Access to allied health services requires a referral from a General Practitioner (GP), with a special DVA referral, called a D904
- b.In some cases, DVA may approve direct access to allied health services for specific needs.
Rehabilitation and Recovery: Podiatry services play a significant role in rehabilitation programs for veterans recovering from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries. This includes physical therapy, strength and rehabilitation, orthotic and footwear prescription and modifications
Costs and Billing:
- a.DVA covers the costs of allied health services provided to eligible individuals.
- b.Services must be delivered by approved allied health professionals registered with DVA, like our team at The Walking Clinic
- c.Our team will bill DVA directly, meaning no out-of-pocket expenses
Home-Based and Community Sup port:
- a.Some services can be delivered in-home, especially for those with mobility issues or severe disabilities, such as general foot care nad shoe fitting
- b.Community-based programs are also available to help veterans engage socially and stay active.

Goals of Allied Health through DVA

For more detailed information, eligible individuals can visit the DVA website or consult their GP to understand the specific services and supports available to them.

Enhanced Primary Care

Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans are part of the government’s initiative to provide patients with access to a range of allied health services, including podiatry. The EPC program, introduced under Medicare, aims to improve healthcare access and outcomes for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring multidisciplinary care.

Podiatry services under the EPC plan are available to individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, vascular disease, or those experiencing mobility difficulties due to aging or injury. The goal is to prevent the progression of foot-related issues and improve overall quality of life by providing patients with access to professional podiatric care.

To access podiatry through the EPC plan, patients must first visit their general practitioner (GP), who will assess their health needs. If the GP determines that podiatry is essential for the patient’s care, they can provide an EPC referral. This referral allows patients to access up to five Medicare-funded visits to allied health per calendar year.

Podiatrists under the EPC plan offer a variety of services, including foot assessments, treatment for diabetic foot care, management of lower limb conditions such as plantar fasciitis or heel pain, wound care, orthotic prescriptions, and general foot care for elderly patients. The aim is not only to treat current conditions but also to prevent complications that could lead to more serious health issues, such as amputations in patients with diabetes.

EPC plans also provide opportunities for collaborative care between podiatrists and other healthcare providers. Podiatrists work alongside GPs, physiotherapists, dietitians, and other specialists to create a comprehensive care plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

By utilising the EPC system, podiatry care becomes more accessible and affordable for patients, improving long-term foot health and reducing the risk of complications associated with chronic conditions. 

Australian Defence Force

Having been a staple of the podiatry community in Canberra for over 45 years, The Walking Clinic has been caring for ADF members for many years. We note the significant physical roles members of our defence force are required to undertake. We remain committed to providing the highest level of care to ADF members, just get a referral from your medical officer to The Walking Clinic and our team of expert podiatrists will be able to apply our knowledge to your condition to keep you on your feet undertaking your significant duties pain free.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) members can access podiatry services to address foot and lower limb health issues, which are essential for maintaining the physical readiness and performance of personnel. Podiatrists play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot-related conditions that can arise from the physically demanding nature of military service. The ADF offers podiatric care to service members to receive necessary treatments ranging from routine foot care to more complex interventions, like custom orthotics for injuries and conditions such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or stress fractures.

Podiatrists are skilled in managing injuries that stem from prolonged physical activity, tight footwear, and uneven terrains, all common in military training and operations. They also provide advice on injury prevention, footwear selection, and rehabilitation. This service is crucial, as foot health directly impacts the mobility and operational effectiveness of personnel.

In addition to individual care, podiatry services help with the overall health management of ADF members, ensuring they remain fit for duty. The integration of podiatric care within the ADF highlights the importance of maintaining musculoskeletal health for the well-being and performance of military personnel. 

My Aged Care

The Walking Clinic is proud to provide care to MyAgedCare participants. MyAgedCare is the Australian government’s primary portal for accessing aged care services, including podiatry, for older Australians. It helps individuals navigate the aged care system, providing information about available services, including those related to foot health. For older adults experiencing foot or lower limb issues, MyAgedCare can connect them to podiatric care through community care programs or residential aged care facilities.

In the MyAgedCare framework, individuals can access podiatry services through Home Care Packages (HCPs) or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), depending on their level of care needs. The level of support provided varies, with higher-level packages covering a broader range of services, including more frequent or specialised podiatric care, footwear and orthotic prescription.

For those living in residential aged care, podiatry services are often part of the care plan. These services are vital for managing common conditions like arthritis, diabetes-related foot issues, or general mobility concerns. MyAgedCare helps ensure that eligible individuals receive appropriate assessments, and referrals are made to qualified podiatrists who can treat and prevent foot-related problems that affect daily living.

Through MyAgedCare, access to podiatry services can be streamlined, helping older Australians maintain better mobility, comfort, and overall health as they age. If you ahve any questions about podiatry service from The Walking Clinic through your MyAgedCare plan, contact one of our clinics today.

No matter what your foot care needs are, The Walking Clinic is here to help.
Book an appointment with one of our experienced podiatrists and get back on your feet, pain-free.

Referrals

National Disability Insurance Scheme

Key Features of the NDIS

Funding and Management

Broader Impact

Department of Veterans' Affairs

Key Features of the DVA

Goals of Allied Health through DVA

Enhanced Primary Care

Australian Defence Force

My Aged Care

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