So someone’s told you about this thing from Medicare that pays for their Podiatry visit and you’re not sure what they’re talking about? Are you wanting to know if you can get the same thing and not sure what to do next? They’re most likely referring to a government funding program that’s been introduced since 1999. Read on to find out the nuts and bolts of the Medicare Government funding program called the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Program or sometimes referred to as Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) or Team Care Arrangement (TCA).
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS MEDICARE REBATE? 
This government funding initiative is aimed at supporting those who have one or more chronic medical conditions. A chronic medical condition is one that persists for a long time, lasting 3 months or more.
So first and foremost, if you have a chronic condition such as the examples listed below then you would be eligible:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Kidney disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Heart Attack
- Osteoarthritis
- Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Autoimmune Disease
It is important to highlight at this point that the program could apply to you because you, as a patient, have a chronic condition. Your eligibility is NOT based on your age or economic status such as being on a Pension or a Healthcare card.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Medicare CDM Program allows for a total of up to five (5) rebated consults to any referred allied health practitioner, per year. This can include Podiatry, Osteopathy, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, etc.
Your GP will be in charge of this referral process as they can assess if you are eligible or not and can put in place a referral for you to access these services.
So, for instance, your GP may refer you for three (3) Podiatry consults and two (2) Osteopath consults – this will maximise your 5 eligible visits. This number is renewed each year, but you will need a new referral each year. If you don’t use up your 5 eligible visits it does not carry over to the next year. The referral can be issued at any time of the year (not necessarily the calendar year), however only five visits are able to be claimed each calendar year.
IN SUMMARY:
- To be eligible you’ll need to have a chronic medical condition
- Your GP will be in charge of putting together the referral process
- You can get a $58 rebate for up to five (5) visits per year. You can learn more about bulk billing and our fees here.
- You’ll need to have a new plan reviewed and reissued every year from the date of your last referral
So what are you waiting for? Get to your GP asap to ask them whether you are eligible for a CDM referral to see a Podiatrist – hopefully us because we love to help get you back on your feet and get back to doing what you love!
Booking an appointment with us is super easy. You can do so ONLINE or call our friendly help team on (03) 9711 7562. We’re here to help!
16 Comments. Leave new
Hi,
I have nail fungus for around 3 years and not getting better after using over the counter product. Am I eligible for Care Plan?
Hi Debora, your GP would be the best person to ask if you’re eligible for a Care Plan or not. We provide great treatment options for fungal nails and would love to help you if and when you visit.
Is this service FREE or is it only for the Medicaare claim and with balance to be paid by the patient.
Hi Margaret, if you are eligible and have an EPC plan then you will need to pay the full fee to see us and we will help you claim back the Medicare rebate ($56) after the visit.
Do you get podistist free if your have had cancer or on a pension?
Hi Monica, you may look into your local community health centre for a more cost effective way to get podiatry care. This article above is the best you can get from Medicare if you would like to access podiatry care through private practices like ours. I hope this helps in answering your question.
Hi, I just saw your post on Facebook for Podiatry Treatments, I am not sure where these places are in Victoria. I live close to Dandenong. 3175. Will the Podiatrist give any discount when you are on a Pension?
Thanks Again
Amanda
Hi Amanda, we are in Keysborough which is roughly 5-10 mins drive from Dandenong. Please call our clinic on (03) 9711 7562 to discuss fees if you have a Medicare plan in place. We hope to see you!
Went to my podiatrist today and was told things have anger. I now have to pay the full amount and they will claim the rebate but now I will have to pay $30 worse off. S this right. What is the new ruling .
Hi Catherine, our clinic follows the strict Medicare ruling that we are only allowed to charge the full amount and any claim for Medicare rebate will be done after that. Your podiatrist is trying to do the right thing
Clients on the Medicare CDM Program sometimes need home visits. How are the rates for this determined and how are they charged (invoice, cash, etc.)?
Hi Stephen, our clinic offers home visits to everyone (including CDM). We charge our usual home visit rates which is above the Medicare CDM rebate and can help the client claim for the Medicare rebate through our booking system. I hope that answers your questions. Please call our clinic on (03) 9711 7562 if you have further questions.
Looking for a podiatrist in Townsville who bulk bill. For my care plan.
Hi Danielle, we wish we could help you but we’re in Melbourne. Best to ask your GP as they may know a local podiatrist to suit your needs. Good luck!
Does medicare cover some of the cost for arch supports associated with arthritis
Hi Fran, if you have arthritis you may be eligible for the CDM program under Medicare (Chronic Disease Management plan). You would need to talk to your GP to get this started. We have written a blog about this that you may find useful – https://www.thefootcareclinic.com.au/medicare-rebate-can-i-get-a-medicare-rebate-for-podiatry-and-how-does-it-work/
So arch supports won’t be able to be claimed through that plan but you can certainly use it to claim part of your consults through Medicare. Hope that helps!