🦶 Understanding NDIS Podiatry & Foot Care Supports

Today, we're diving into podiatry and foot care supports under the NDIS. If you're an NDIS participant dealing with foot, ankle, or leg issues due to your disability, this guide will help you understand what supports are available, how to access them, and what to expect in your plan. Let's break it down:

Podiatry and foot care supports help manage conditions affecting your feet, ankles, and legs. These supports can include:

• Podiatry assessments and care plans

• Specialised footwear or orthotics

• Foot care services like toenail cutting (if disability-related)

• Support workers to assist with foot care needs

Why is foot care important? If your disability affects your sensation or mobility, proper podiatric care can help prevent complications, improve comfort, and support daily activities.

The Australian health system offers foot care services available to all Australians, whether they have a disability or not. Some options include:

• Medicare: Covers podiatry services if you have a Chronic Health Management Plan.

• Community & Government Programs: Mainstream services may provide additional support.

• Private Health Insurance: May cover podiatry services if included in your plan.

💡 Tip: Before seeking NDIS funding, check if you can access these services through Medicare or other health programs.

The NDIS can fund podiatry and foot care supports only if they are related to your disability and meet the NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria. This may include:

1. Podiatry Services:

   • Initial consultation and assessment

   • Development of a podiatry care plan

   • Foot care services (e.g., toenail cutting, callus removal)

   • Regular assessments

2. Assistive Technology:

   • Custom orthoses (braces, splints, inserts)

   • Medical-grade footwear

   • Custom footwear for specific mobility needs

   • Maintenance and repair of podiatry-related devices

3. Support Worker Assistance:

   • Help using orthotics or footwear

   • Assistance with foot exercises

NDIS will NOT fund: Services covered by Medicare or other health programs, general foot care unrelated to your disability, or treatments considered a health system responsibility.

To include podiatry supports in your NDIS plan, you’ll need:

• Medical evidence: A report from a podiatrist or healthcare professional explaining why these supports are necessary for your disability.

• Demonstrated need: Explain how the support will help you participate in daily life.

• Plan review: Work with your support coordinator or NDIS contact to ensure the right supports are included.

📅 Need a plan update? If your needs change, you can request a review to adjust your funding for foot care services.

Once your plan includes podiatry and foot care funding, you can:

• Access services from registered providers

• Purchase assistive technology or specialised footwear (if funded)

• Use support workers for foot care assistance

• Track and manage your funding through ISM’s plan management tools

💡 If you need help using your funding, contact your support coordinator or ISM’s team for guidance.

If the NDIS doesn’t approve your podiatry supports, you can:

1. Request written reasons for the decision.

2. Ask for an internal review within 3 months.

3. Seek further assistance through NDIS appeals or advocacy services.

💌 Need help navigating the process? ISM’s team can support you through plan reviews and appeals.

✔ NDIS funds podiatry and foot care supports if related to your disability.

✔ Check Medicare and other health services before seeking NDIS funding.

✔ Podiatry supports may include care plans, assistive technology, and support workers.

✔ You need medical evidence to justify podiatry supports in your plan.

✔ If you disagree with a funding decision, you can request a review.

👤 Need help managing your NDIS plan? ISM is here to guide you every step of the way! Reach out to our friendly team for expert advice on podiatry supports and more.