Bulk-Billing Appointments

What is bulk-billed podiatry?

A bulk-billed podiatry appointment is when the podiatry clinic accepts a rebate from Medicare as the fee for service. This means there is no out-of-pocket cost or NO-GAP payment for the patient.

How does Bulk-Billing work?

Medicare does not cover all podiatry appointments. Unlike GP clinics, Podiatry is only eligible to claim a single Medicare code for service. This means other services may require a gap payment.

Eligible patients with a valid Medicare card and referral (or Chronic Disease Management Plan or CDM Plan) can book a bulk-billed appointment with 100% coverage by Medicare for a Diabetic Foot Assessment or General Foot and Nail care. The image to the right is an example of the documentation required from your GP prior to your appointment.

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 are Mixed-Billing procedures, and a gap payment is required.

Diabetic Foot Assessments and General Foot and Nail Care are Bulk Billed under the Medicare Referral for a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM Plan).

A patient can be eligible for up to five(5) appointments a year across a range of health professionals’ services. Medicare does not provide Podiatry with the ability to track these if your care CDM Plan is changed; it is the patient’s and GP clinic’s responsibility to forward updated paperwork before any appointment time.

If a CMD Plan is not valid or the claim is rejected by Medicare, we will invoice the patient as a private fee, and the patient is welcome to follow up with Medicare directly.