Do I Need a Referral to See a Podiatrist?
- No, referrals are not necessary for a consultation with a podiatrist.
- However, if your GP or any other health or allied health professional refers you to us, please send the paperwork to us via email before your appointment or bring it with you in person for your initial consultation with us.
What If I Have a Foot, Ankle or Lower-Limb Related Emergency?
- At Southwest Foot & Ankle Centre, we offer same-day emergency consultations with one of our podiatrists from Monday to Friday.
- Our emergency appointments are here to reduce your wait time in the ED if you’ve found yourself injured in the field or at home from an acute foot and ankle injury.
- Please call our clinic at (08) 9791 1319 to secure your emergency appointment, as these are call-only bookings.
- If someone is critically injured or needs urgent medical help, please call triple zero (000)
Can You Claim Podiatry Under Private Health Insurance?
- You absolutely can, depending on the podiatry coverage offered by your private health fund.
- It is best to check with your health fund for a more accurate quote, as the amount you can claim back for our services can vary depending on the health fund you’re with and your level of coverage.
Is Southwest Foot & Ankle Centre a Bulk-Billing Clinic?
- We do not offer bulk-billing services at Southwest Foot & Ankle Centre on the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan. Consultation fees apply to all visits, and a Medicare claim can be processed with a CDM referral from your GP.
What Should I Bring To My Initial Appointment?
- Make sure you complete our new patient information form online or upon arrival for your initial appointment.
- If you have any previous x-rays/ultrasounds of your feet and/or a referral from your doctor or specialist, please bring them, as they may provide useful information.
- Please bring two pairs of enclosed shoes you wear most often (For example, joggers and work boots), and one pair should have removable insoles. Make sure to bring any orthotics if applicable. Wear shorts or loose-fitting pants.
- If you are currently taking medication, please bring a list.
- Further information will be provided to you at the time of booking.
Where is Your Clinic Located?
- Southwest Foot & Ankle Centre has three clinic locations: Bunbury, Australind, and Vasse.
- Visit our contact us page for more information on how to get in touch and book an appointment with one of our clinics closest to you.
Do You Accept Walk-In Appointments?
- Yes, we do. However, this depends on our availability at each clinic location. If we do not have any available spots for you on the day, we can book you into the next available appointment.
How Often Do I Need to See a Podiatrist?
- How often you see a podiatrist depends on your condition and severity. During your consultation, the podiatrist will inform you of the estimated time frame between each visit.
What are Orthotics, and Do I Need Them?
- Foot orthoses, or orthotics, are customised footwear inserts designed to treat lower limb injury and pain. They are devices intended to change tissue loading and are used as a part of a multifaceted treatment plan.
- While orthotic devices appear similar, they serve very different functions depending on the prescription required.
- Our team of podiatrists will examine your foot and ankle concerns and determine if orthoses will benefit you in the long run.
- Please contact us to book an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Southwest Foot & Ankle Centre for further information regarding your foot/ankle concern and an analysis of the biomechanical function of the lower limb.
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What is Shockwave Therapy?
- Shockwave therapy or radial pressure waves are used to help improve chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as heel pain.
- This is not an invasive treatment and is administered to the pain region through a freely moving applicator.
- Please book an appointment with one of our podiatrists for a consultation regarding your foot/ankle concern to decide if this is an appropriate treatment for you.
Do You Treat Ingrown Toenails?
- Our podiatrists at Southwest Foot & Ankle Centre provide ingrown toenail treatments at all our clinic locations. We also offer ingrown toenail surgeries for a more permanent solution. Click here for more information on ingrown toenails and treatment options.
Do I Need to See a Podiatrist If I Have Diabetes? If So, How Can You Help?
- Having uncontrolled blood sugar levels with diabetes can affect your foot in the following three ways: impaired circulation, nerve damage and foot shape changes.
- Podiatrists play a crucial role in preventing diabetic foot complications through regular screening and providing specialist wound care. Your podiatrist will perform a regular neurovascular assessment and diabetic foot assessment to monitor, prevent and manage your circulation, nerves and foot shape.
- Our clinicians take a multidisciplinary team approach by involving other relevant health professionals, such as your GP, to ensure the best outcome for your foot health.
- Click here to read more about Diabetic Foot Management.
Do You Accept Worker’s Compensation Claims?
- Yes, we accept worker’s compensation claims. Please ring us at 08 9791 1319 or email us at info@swfootandankle.com.au for further information, and bring any paperwork related to the claim with you on your initial appointment with us.
Do You Accept Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Claims?
- Yes, we do accept DVA claims. DVA Gold cardholders receive fully subsidised treatment. Please note that you must have a referral from your GP, and don’t forget to bring relevant paperwork to your initial consultation with us. Our admin/reception staff will lodge the claim directly to DVA once your consultation is completed.
What is Podiatric Surgery?
- Podiatric surgery is a recognised speciality under the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Podiatric surgeons are podiatrists who have completed additional extensive, post-graduate medical and surgical training, which enables them to perform reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle.
- For more information on podiatric surgery, please visit the Australasian College for Podiatric Surgeons webpage at www.acps.edu.au
How Do I Book a Consultation with the Podiatric Surgeon?
- Please contact Mr Paul Armanasco at (08) 97459100 or email the rooms to info@paularmanasco.com.au to be booked for a consultation with Mr Paul Armanasco, Specialist Podiatric Surgeon. For more information, click here.
How Do I Book an Appointment with Southwest Foot & Ankle Centre?
