Bulk billed podiatry is when the podiatrist accepts the rebate offered by Medicare as the full fee for service, so that there is no gap fee for patients.
Bulk-billing no longer available
Due to Medicare rebates not keeping up with the cost of running our practices, sadly, Entire Podiatry will no longer be able to offer bulk-billing from 1 January 2024.
Patients who are on a GP Management Plan with a valid Concession Card (see list of accepted cards further down this page) will be charged a reduced rate of $75 (normally $120) for a standard consultation between the hours of 8am-1pm Monday-Friday.
The Medicare rebate will be paid directly into your bank account. Patients who are currently bulk-billed will be $17 out of pocket.
Does Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs cover the full cost of podiatry appointments?
Entire Podiatry accepts Medicare and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) referrals at all of our locations.
Medicare does not cover all podiatry appointments, but you may receive a rebate if you have an eligible Medicare referral from your GP.
Eligible patients with a valid Medicare referral and a valid concession card will not be able to bulk-bill, but are able to receive a reduced rate on our standard consultation fee. This means there will only be a small gap to pay.
The Medicare rebate applies only to the consultation fee, and any additional services will incur an out-of-pocket expense. For example, footwear modifications, orthotics and minor surgical procedures that may be recommended by your Podiatrist are not covered by Medicare.
Which Medicare referrals are eligible for the reduced rate?
Referrals which are eligible are called Enhanced Primary Care Plans (EPC). This referral provides up to 5 Medicare allied health appointments per calendar year.
People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent are also able to get an additional 5 appointments per year.
Eligible Medicare referrals are not letters written by your GP. They are specific Medicare forms which state Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC). Patients with chronic medical conditions (eg. Diabetes) may be eligible for this type of referral.
Patients may be allocated 5 visits between multiple Allied Health Providers. For example, your GP may allocate 3 Podiatry and 2 Physiotherapy.
To determine if you are eligible for an Enhanced Primary Care Plan, please speak with your GP. They need to make the referral out to Entire Podiatry.
Discounted podiatry with a Concession Card
To be eligible for a standard consultation at a reduced rate, you must hold a valid concession card. We will update your details in our records.
A valid concession card includes a Pensioner Concession Card or a Health Care Card (please see the accepted cards below). It does not include senior’s cards. It does include children 15 years and under.
If you have a Medicare Referral, but don’t have a concession card, you will not be eligible for the discounted rate. You will need to pay the full fee and then you can claim the rebate from Medicare.
What is included in a Concession Card Podiatry appointment?
Our discounted appointments for Concession Card holders are approximately 15 – 20 minutes duration. The podiatrist will specifically treat the condition that you have referred for by your GP. Any additional treatments or products will be additional.
These discounted rate appointments are available weekdays between 8 am and 1pm.
Outside of these hours, you can book an appointment where you will pay the full consultation fee and then be able to receive a rebate from Medicare. This process can all be done easily at the clinic without the need to go to Medicare.
Due to limited availability, we recommend booking in advance.
What is the difference between a Concession Card appointment and a standard appointment?
Concession Card + GP Referral
- Appointments only available weekdays between 8am-1pm
- Pay a discounted standard consultation fee of $75. Other services will be additional.
- Receive the Medicare Rebate via HICAPS
- Smaller gap to pay
GP Referral Only
- Appointments available anytime
- Pay the standard consultation rate of $120. Other services will be additional.
- Receive the Medicare rebate via HICAPS
- Slightly larger gap to pay
How much is the Medicare rebate?
The Medicare rebate for eligible patients with the correct referral is $56 (as of 1st July 2022).
You pay Entire Podiatry on the day. We are then able to process your Medicare rebate which will go directly into your bank account. There is no need for you to go into Medicare. It will all be done on the spot in our clinics via HICAPS with our friendly team.
Can I have a mobile bulk billed podiatry appointment?
Entire Podiatry do not offer bulk billed mobile podiatry appointments. We can provide mobile podiatry services in the comfort of your own home, at hospitals and in nursing homes, for those who find it difficult to travel to a local clinic.
Our mobile services are primarily designed for the elderly, people with disabilities or those in hospital, but please contact us if you wish to access this service.
For mobile podiatry pricing, view the Entire Podiatry Price List. You can claim some of this cost back from Medicare, if you have an Enhanced Primary Care Plan referral.
To book a mobile podiatry visit, please contact us on 1800 4 ENTIRE (1800 4 368 473).
How do I book a Concession Card discounted rate appointment?
If you have your valid concession card and Enhanced Primary Care Plan referral ready to go, simply phone us on 1800 4 ENTIRE (1800 4 368 473) and let us know that you have a valid concession card and Medicare referral when booking.
Or book online here. If you are booking online, remember to book between the hours of 8 am – 1 pm Monday to Friday and mention you have a valid concession card and Medicare referral.
