FAQS - Podiatry Newcastle

  • Podiatrists are university-trained health professionals who diagnose, treat and help prevent conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs.

    At Renew Podiatry, we assess people of all ages, from young children through to older adults. Whether you're experiencing heel pain, a sporting injury, an ingrown toenail, diabetic foot concerns or persistent foot pain that's affecting your daily activities, we'll work to identify the underlying cause and develop a personalised treatment plan.

    Treatment may include education and advice, footwear recommendations, exercise and rehabilitation programs, orthotic therapy, ingrown toenail management and nail surgery, diabetic foot care, treatment of skin and nail conditions, and referrals for imaging or to other health professionals when appropriate.

    Our focus is not just on relieving pain, but helping you move more comfortably, return to the activities you enjoy and reduce the risk of future problems.

  • Your first appointment is focused on understanding your concerns, identifying the cause of your symptoms and discussing the treatment options best suited to you.

    Depending on the reason for your visit, your appointment may include:

    • A discussion about your symptoms, medical history and goals.

    • A thorough examination of your feet, ankles and lower limbs.

    • Assessment of your walking or running pattern, foot posture and footwear where appropriate.

    • Vascular and neurological assessment if clinically indicated.

    • Review of any previous imaging or investigations.

    In many cases, treatment can begin during your first appointment. This may include education and advice, treatment of skin or nail conditions, exercise prescription, footwear recommendations, orthotic therapy or other treatments appropriate to your condition.

    Before you leave, we'll explain our findings, answer any questions you may have and discuss the next steps in your treatment plan.

  • In many cases, yes. Treatment often begins at your first appointment if it is appropriate for your condition and the appointment type booked.

    Depending on the reason for your visit, treatment may include nail care, management of skin conditions, exercise prescription, footwear advice, padding or strapping, or other conservative treatments.

    If you're attending with an ingrown toenail, treatment to relieve pain is often possible at your first appointment. If nail surgery is recommended, it is usually scheduled as a separate procedure, allowing time to discuss the treatment, answer your questions and ensure you're well prepared.

    Some treatments are best performed after your initial assessment. For example, shockwave therapy is typically commenced after a thorough assessment to confirm it is the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

    If further appointments are recommended, we'll explain why and work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.

  • To help you get the most from your appointment, please bring:

    • Your most commonly worn shoes, particularly if you're attending with foot, ankle or lower limb pain.

    • Any orthotics or braces you currently wear.

    • Any recent X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or CT reports (and images if available).

    • A list of your current medications

    • Any referral or paperwork relating to DVA, WorkCover, Medicare or other funding arrangements.

    If your appointment involves a gait or biomechanical assessment, wearing shorts or clothing that can be rolled above the knees is helpful.

    If you're attending for an ingrown toenail, a routine podiatry appointment, or any condition affecting your skin or nails, we recommend removing nail polish before your appointment. This allows us to thoroughly assess the nail and surrounding skin.

    If you're unsure whether you need to bring anything else, please contact us before your appointment—we're happy to help.

  • Appointment times vary depending on the reason for your visit.

    Most routine podiatry appointments, including skin and nail care, are 30 minutes. More comprehensive appointments, such as biomechanical assessments, are typically 60 minutes.

    When booking, we'll recommend the most appropriate appointment type to ensure enough time is allocated for a thorough assessment and any treatment that may be appropriate on the day.

    If you're unsure which appointment to book, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

  • If you're unsure which appointment type is right for you, we're here to help.

    Simply contact Renew Podiatry before booking and we'll recommend the most appropriate appointment based on your symptoms. This helps ensure enough time is allocated for your assessment and treatment, and that you are booked into the appointment best suited to your needs.

  • The number of appointments varies depending on your condition, your goals and how you respond to treatment.

    Some problems, such as routine podiatry or minor skin and nail conditions, may be resolved in a single appointment. Other conditions, including heel pain, tendon injuries and biomechanical problems, often benefit from a series of appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as you improve.

    For some treatments, the recommended number of appointments is more predictable. For example, shockwave therapy is typically provided as a course of four treatment sessions, usually one week apart, although this may vary depending on your condition and response to treatment.

    At your first appointment, we'll discuss our findings, recommend the most appropriate treatment plan and provide an estimate of how many appointments you're likely to need. We'll always explain our recommendations so you can make an informed decision about your care.

  • To ensure each condition receives the time and attention it deserves, appointments are generally focused on one primary concern. For example, a comprehensive biomechanical assessment for heel pain requires a different appointment to an ingrown toenail procedure or routine podiatry.

    If you have multiple concerns, our reception team can advise on the most appropriate appointment type and, where necessary, arrange separate appointments so each condition receives the time and attention it deserves.

  • No. You do not need a referral to book an appointment with a podiatrist.

    You can book directly with us as a private patient at any time.

    However, if you're attending under a GP Management Plan (formerly an EPC plan), Home Care Package, Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), WorkCover or another third-party funding arrangement, the appropriate referral or approval is required before your appointment.

    If you're unsure, please contact Renew Podiatry and we'll be happy to advise.

  • It depends on your condition, and there is often overlap between health professionals.

    Podiatrists are trained in the assessment, diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs. We assess muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves and biomechanics, and provide treatments including exercise rehabilitation, footwear advice, prescription orthotics, shockwave therapy, nail surgery and management of skin and nail conditions.

    Physiotherapists also have expertise in the assessment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries throughout the body, including the lower limb. While there is considerable overlap in our skill sets, podiatrists have additional training and a specific focus on the foot and ankle, making us the health professionals best placed to assess foot biomechanics and prescribe custom foot orthotics where appropriate.

    Many patients benefit from a collaborative approach, with podiatrists, physiotherapists, GPs and other health professionals working together to achieve the best possible outcome.

    If you're unsure who is most appropriate for your condition, please get in touch. We'll happily point you in the right direction, even if that means referring you to another health professional.

  • Yes. We welcome children of all ages.

    Children's feet and walking patterns change rapidly as they grow, and while many concerns are a normal part of development, others may benefit from assessment and treatment.

    Common reasons parents bring their children to Renew Podiatry include:

    • Heel pain (including Sever's disease)

    • Growing pains and sports injuries

    • Flat feet and walking concerns

    • In-toeing or out-toeing

    • Ingrown toenails

    • Warts and skin conditions

    • Foot or ankle pain

    If you're concerned about your child's feet, walking or lower limb development, we're happy to assess them, answer your questions and recommend treatment if needed. If no treatment is required, we'll explain why and provide reassurance where appropriate.

  • Yes. Podiatrists can refer patients directly for many types of diagnostic imaging, including X-rays and ultrasound, when clinically appropriate.

    Imaging isn't always necessary. A thorough history and clinical examination often provide the information needed to diagnose and manage your condition. However, when imaging is likely to confirm a diagnosis, assess the severity of an injury or help guide treatment, we'll discuss the most appropriate investigation with you.

    If more advanced imaging or specialist assessment is required, we'll explain your options and, where appropriate, liaise with your GP to arrange the most suitable referral.

  • Consultation fees vary depending on the appointment type, as different conditions require different appointment lengths and levels of assessment and treatment.

    Our current consultation fees are available on our Book Online page. If you're unsure which appointment is appropriate, please contact Renew Podiatry and we'll be happy to recommend the most suitable option and explain any associated costs.

  • Payment is required at the time of your appointment.

    We accept EFTPOS, Visa, Mastercard and cash.

    If you have eligible private health insurance, we can process your claim on the spot using our Tyro HealthPoint terminal, so you'll only need to pay any remaining gap.

    If you're attending under a Medicare GP Management Plan, you'll need to pay the concession consultation fee at the time of your appointment. We'll then process your Medicare rebate, which is paid directly into your nominated bank account by Medicare. Your out of pocket costs for Diabetes assessments and gneral podiatry treatment is $6.60.

    If you're attending under WorkCover, please bring your claim details and approval documentation with you. If approval for your initial consultation has not been received before your appointment, payment will be required on the day.

    If you're attending under a self-managed NDIS plan, payment is required at the time of your appointment. We can provide an itemised invoice for you to submit for reimbursement or to your plan manager for payment, where appropriate.

    If you're attending under a plan-managed NDIS plan, please provide your plan manager's details before your appointment so we can arrange billing where appropriate.

    If your appointment is being funded through a Home Care Package or another third-party funding arrangement, written approval and billing details must be provided before your appointment so we can confirm funding and invoice the appropriate organisation.

  • Yes. If your private health insurance policy includes podiatry, you may be eligible to claim a rebate towards the cost of your appointment.

    We can process your claim on the spot using our Tyro HealthPoint terminal, so you'll only need to pay any remaining gap.

    The rebate you receive depends on your level of cover and your individual health fund. If you're unsure of your entitlements, we recommend contacting your health fund before your appointment.

  • Yes. Renew Podiatry welcomes eligible Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) patients.

    If you're attending under DVA, please ensure you have a current referral from your GP before your appointment and bring your DVA Gold or White Card with you.

    DVA Gold Card holders are generally eligible for clinically necessary podiatry services.

    DVA White Card holders are eligible for podiatry only where the treatment relates to an accepted service-related condition or another condition approved by DVA.

    If you're unsure whether you're eligible or whether your referral is current, please contact us before your appointment and we'll be happy to help.

  • Yes. Renew Podiatry welcomes participants with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS funding.

    As we are not a registered NDIS provider, we are unable to provide services to participants with NDIA-managed (agency-managed) plans.

    If you're attending under a plan-managed NDIS plan, please provide your plan manager's details before your appointment so we can arrange billing directly with them where appropriate.

    If you're self-managed, payment is required at the time of your appointment. We'll provide you with an itemised receipt that you can use to claim from your NDIS funding, where applicable.

    If you're unsure how your plan is managed or whether podiatry is included in your NDIS funding, please contact us before booking and we'll be happy to help.

  • Yes. Renew Podiatry treats patients with work-related foot and lower limb injuries covered by WorkCover.

    Before your appointment, please ensure you have your claim number, insurer details and any approval documentation available.

    If approval for your initial consultation has not been received before your appointment, payment will be required at the time of your visit.

    If you're unsure whether your claim has been approved, please contact your insurer before your appointment or get in touch with us and we'll be happy to help.

  • Home visits are not part of our routine service.

    In limited circumstances, we may consider providing home visits for long-standing patients who are no longer able to attend the clinic due to illness, injury or reduced mobility.

    If you believe a home visit may be appropriate, please contact Renew Podiatry to discuss your individual circumstances.

  • Yes. There is plenty of free onsite parking, including accessible parking located close to the entrance.

    The clinic is easily accessible, with step-free access via a lift, making it convenient for people with prams, wheelchairs and those with reduced mobility.

  • If you're attending for routine podiatry, an ingrown toenail, or any condition affecting your skin or nails, we recommend removing nail polish before your appointment. This allows us to properly assess your nails and identify any changes that may require treatment.

    If you're attending for a biomechanical assessment there is no need to remove your nail polish.

  • There is no special dress code for your appointment. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your feet and lower legs.

    If you're attending for foot, ankle or lower limb pain, shorts or trousers that can be rolled above the knees are helpful, as they allow a more thorough assessment of your lower limbs and walking pattern.

    Please also bring the shoes you wear most often, along with any orthotics you currently use.

  • We understand that plans can change.

    If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we kindly ask that you provide at least 48 hours' notice wherever possible. This allows us to offer your appointment to another patient who may be waiting for care.

    Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a cancellation fee in accordance with our cancellation policy.

    If you need to change your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to find another suitable time.

  • No. Renew Podiatry is a private billing practice and does not offer bulk billing.

    If you have a GP Management Plan, you will be able to claim a Medicare rebate of $63.40 for your appointment, provided you have a valid referral from your GP. We offer a concession consult fee for those on a plan $70 for Diabetes assessments and general podiatry consults, meaning your out-of-pocket cost is kept low at just $6.60. We can process your medicare rebate claim at the time of your appointment.

    Medicare allows up to five allied health visits per calendar year under a GP Management Plan. These visits are shared across all eligible allied health providers (excluding psychologists, who have a separate Medicare allowance) so it's important to know how many visits you have remaining before your appointment.

    If you're unsure, we recommend contacting Medicare to confirm your remaining eligible visits before your appointment.

  • Our clinic is conveniently located within the Mount Hutton Medical & Skin Cancer Clinic, 16 Wilsons Road Mount Hutton, making it easy to access for patients of all ages.

  • We offer a wide range of prefabricated and custom orthotics, including modern 3D-printed devices and orthotics made from materials such as carbon fibre, polypropylene, EVA and TPU.

    3D printing allows greater flexibility and precision in orthotic design. The shape, thickness and stiffness of different areas of the orthotic can be adjusted according to your individual prescription, allowing supportive devices to be made without unnecessary bulk.

    However, 3D-printed orthotics are not the right choice for everyone. In some cases, a traditionally manufactured or individually hand-finished orthotic may be better suited to your foot, footwear or the problem being treated.

    Our 3D Scans are taken semi weight bearing.

    We also prescribe custom Richie Braces for more complex foot and ankle conditions.

    The type, material and design of your orthotics are selected based on your foot structure, symptoms, activity and footwear. There is no single orthotic that suits everyone — and not everyone needs custom orthotics. We'll recommend the most appropriate option for you.