Frequently Asked Questions
Clinical service FAQs
Can you see my child under NDIS?
Yes. We provide podiatry care for self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants at standard NDIS rates. Please note we are not an NDIS-registered provider, so we are unable to bill agency-managed plans directly.
page: Autism Spectrum
Will tinea affect my toenails?
It can. Untreated tinea may spread to the nails and cause a fungal nail infection, which usually needs separate, longer-term management. Addressing the skin infection early helps lower that risk, and we can monitor your nails as part of your care.
page: Tinea
Do I need a referral to be fitted for a moon boot or ankle brace?
No referral is needed to see our podiatry team. If you have a Medicare EPC plan, DVA card or private health cover, bring the relevant details — we offer HICAPS on-the-spot claiming, accept DVA Gold and White cards, and can process Medicare EPC plans (a small gap applies; we don't bulk bill).
Can a podiatrist treat my cellulitis?
A podiatrist can assess your foot, recognise the signs of cellulitis, and identify the skin break that may have caused it. However, cellulitis needs antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, so we'll refer you promptly to your GP — or to emergency care if it's urgent — and help manage related foot health factors.
page: Cellulitus
Can you treat my ingrown toenail in one visit?
In many cases, conservative treatment to relieve the offending nail edge can be done in a single appointment. If a nail surgery procedure is recommended for a recurring problem, this may be arranged as a separate appointment so we can plan it properly.
page: Ingrown Toenails
Can I keep running or exercising with plantar fasciitis?
Often yes, with some adjustments. As certified running coaches, our podiatrists can help you modify your training load so you keep moving while giving the fascia a chance to settle, rather than stopping completely.
page: Plantarfasciitis
Will my corn or callus come back?
It can if the underlying cause isn't addressed. That's why we assess your footwear and foot mechanics, and may recommend offloading or custom orthotics to help reduce recurrence.
page: Corns (hard and soft)
How long will I need to wear my moon boot?
This depends entirely on your injury and how you're healing, so there's no single answer. Our podiatrists will give you a tailored timeframe at your appointment and review your progress, gradually transitioning you out of the boot when it's safe to do so.
At what age should my child with Type 1 diabetes start seeing a podiatrist?
There's no single rule, but starting routine foot checks early helps build lifelong habits and gives us a baseline of your child's circulation and sensation. Many families book a check-up soon after diagnosis and review periodically as part of ongoing diabetes care.
page: Juvenile Diabetes
Can a podiatrist help with peripheral neuropathy?
Yes. While your GP or specialist diagnoses the underlying cause, our podiatrists focus on protecting your feet — assessing sensation and circulation, identifying high-risk areas, providing footwear and offloading advice, and helping manage symptoms and prevent complications.
page: Peripheral Neuropathy
Can a podiatrist treat my foot wound, or do I need to see a doctor?
Our podiatrists can assess and manage many minor foot wounds and ulcers here in Tuggerah, including cleaning, dressing and addressing the underlying cause. For more chronic or high-risk wounds, we'll refer you to a specialised wound clinic or community nursing and help coordinate that care.
page: Ulcers and Wounds
I have diabetes — why is foot care so important?
Diabetes can reduce sensation and circulation in the feet, meaning small injuries may go unnoticed and heal slowly [1]. Regular diabetic foot care helps detect problems early and reduce the risk of ulcers developing or recurring [2]. We're happy to support you with ongoing monitoring.
page: Ulcers and Wounds
General FAQs
At what age should my child first see a podiatrist?
There's no single "right" age. Babies and toddlers can be seen if you have concerns about development, and older children are commonly seen for pain, gait issues or sports complaints. If something doesn't look or feel right at any age, it's reasonable to have it checked.
page: Children's Podiatry
Can I claim dry needling on private health?
We offer HICAPS on-the-spot claiming, so if your policy includes podiatry extras you may be able to claim part of your visit straight away. We also accept Medicare EPC referrals (small gap, not bulk billed), DVA Gold and White cards, and NDIS for self- and plan-managed participants.
page: Dry Needling Treatment
Can I claim my assessment through private health or Medicare?
We offer HICAPS on-the-spot private health claiming. We also accept Medicare EPC referrals (a small gap applies — this is not bulk billed) as well as DVA and NDIS. Our reception team is happy to help you understand your options.
page: Biomechanical Assessment
Can I claim podiatry under ancillary cover?
Yes. Access up to 5 rebated Allied Health visits yearly under the Medicare EPC Plan for chronic conditions, including podiatry. Consult your GP or case worker for eligibility and referral for the following:
- Medicare
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA)
- Workcover
Can I claim through private health insurance?
If your cover includes podiatry, usually yes. We can generally process private health claims at the clinic, but the amount you get back depends on your own policy.
Can you help with funding through Medicare, DVA or private health?
Yes. We accept Medicare EPC referrals (a small gap applies, not bulk billed), DVA Gold and White cards with no gap, and offer HICAPS on-the-spot private health claiming. We're happy to discuss the options that apply to you.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
No referral is needed to book with our podiatry team. If you'd like to use a Medicare EPC plan, you'll need a referral from your GP — otherwise you're welcome to book online or call (02) 4319 4004 directly.
page: Fungal Nail Care
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
Usually, no. Most people can book straight in. The main exceptions are when you are coming under care plan, funding program, or another pathway that has its own paperwork requirements.
Do I need a referral to see a sports podiatrist?
No referral is needed to book privately. If you're using a Medicare EPC/Chronic Disease Management plan, DVA, or workers compensation, your GP or case manager may need to arrange the relevant paperwork — feel free to ask our team and we'll help guide you.
Do I need to bring my own shoes to the assessment?
Yes, please do. Bringing the shoes you wear most often — for work, walking or sport — helps our podiatrists assess fit and wear patterns and tailor recommendations to how you actually use them.
page: Footwear Assessments
Do you accept DVA referrals?
Yes. We accept DVA health cards, ensuring high-quality, hassle-free care for routine and specialised foot health needs.
We offer comprehensive services with no gap payments through DVA health cards. Personalised care for various foot issues, ensuring high-quality support step-by-step.
Do you accept EPC or care plan referrals?
Yes, we do. If you have a valid GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement referral, we can work within that. If you are not sure whether your paperwork is current, it is worth checking before your appointment so there are no surprises.
Do you offer any funding or rebates for children's appointments?
Yes. We offer HICAPS on-the-spot private health claiming, accept Medicare EPC (chronic disease) referrals with a small gap, and support DVA and NDIS arrangements. We don't bulk bill. Our reception team is happy to talk through your options when you book.
page: Children's Podiatry
Do you offer home visits or aged-care facility visits for falls prevention?
Not at this stage — our falls prevention assessments are provided at our Tuggerah clinic, where we have the equipment and space for a thorough balance and gait assessment. We're open 7am–7pm on weekdays to make visiting easier.
page: Falls Prevention Program
Do you see NDIS patients?
Yes. We do see NDIS participants, depending on the support required and the way the plan is set up. If you are unsure whether podiatry is included, the easiest thing is to contact us and we can talk you through it.
Do you treat workers compensation patients?
Yes. At Blueprint Podiatry, we're committed to helping you navigate your recovery with our specialised Workers Compensation services. Our team is experienced in handling workers compensation cases, ensuring you receive the treatment and care necessary to return to your optimal health and function.
How do I book an appointment with Blueprint Podiatry?
You can book through the website or contact the clinic directly. If you are not sure what type of appointment you need, we can help point you in the right direction so you are booked into the most appropriate option.
page: Contact
How long does an appointment usually take?
Initial appointments are usually longer because that is where we do the proper assessment and reasoning. Follow-ups are generally shorter and more focused on how things are progressing and what needs adjusting.
How often should I have a general podiatry appointment?
It depends on your individual needs. Many patients book routine care every 6–8 weeks, while others come less frequently. If you have diabetes, reduced circulation or recurring nail problems, your podiatrist will recommend a schedule that suits you.
page: General Podiatry
What happens at my first appointment?
We start by getting a proper understanding of the problem. That usually means asking about your pain, your activity, what makes it worse, what you have already tried, and then assessing how the area is coping with movement and load so we can give you a plan that makes sense.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for notice if you need to cancel or move an appointment. The simplest way to check the current policy is on the website or by contacting the clinic directly, because that will give you the most up-to-date wording.
page: Cancellation Policy
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring anything that helps us understand the problem faster. That might be scans, referral letters, old orthotics, or the shoes you wear most often for work, walking, running, netball, or the gym if they are relevant to the issue.
What should I bring to my biomechanical assessment?
Please bring the shoes you wear most often (including any sports or running shoes), comfortable clothing you can move in, and any relevant scans or referrals. This helps our podiatrists assess both your movement and your footwear.
page: Biomechanical Assessment
What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable activewear and the shoes you normally walk or run in are ideal. Bringing any current orthotics or other footwear you regularly wear also helps our team see the full picture.
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