During the current lockdown, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Victoria, has made it very clear that you can still receive the healthcare you need. You are still allowed to get the podiatry care you need during stage 4 lockdown.
There has been some confusion in the general public about what is allowed and what isn’t allowed for podiatry services in Melbourne currently.
The main point that you need to be aware of are:
You DO NOT need a GP referral to see our podiatrists
You CAN travel outside the 5km radius to receive healthcare – (use your appointment SMS as proof of service)
DHHS has encouraged everyone who needs healthcare to continue to receive healthcare, though you may only attend the clinic in person if the absence of care will mean that your condition and function deteriorates and that you may need to seek further care for this deterioration.
Telehealth exists for all patients, no matter what condition you may be dealing with. We are here to help you!
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Lockdown Rules For Podiatry In Melbourne:Â
What do stage 4 lockdown rules mean for Podiatry in Melbourne?
According to the DHHS podiatry guidelines, if you are in pain, and worried that your condition may deteriorate or worsen, which may possibly result in you needing an escalation of care (e.g. a requirement for specialist input/review, an increase in care needs and/or alternate accommodation, avoiding a hospital admission or emergency department presentation) then you are definitely allowed to seek podiatry care.
Please don’t underestimate your condition! Recently, we have had people attend our podiatry clinics, with what they thought were minor issues, and they turned out to be serious injuries, some being stress fractures.Â
If you are unsure whether or not you should attend, but you are in pain, then we’d prefer to see you for a face to face consult, at one of our Melbourne Podiatry clinics for a face to face consult. This will allow you to gain a firm diagnosis and plan for your recovery. Where required, we’ll continue to see you in the clinic for face to face podiatry consultations.Â
If we feel your condition doesn’t require further immediate care, then we can review you via telehealth, to continue to provide you podiatry care, and help you fix your injury or problem. If this doesn’t suit, you will have to wait until after lock down to receive face to face care, though we will give you a plan to help you get through this time.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a GP referral to see a Podiatrist during stage 4 lockdown?
No, you do not need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist during lockdown.Â
There was some initial confusion relating to this, but the DHHS has confirmed that, just like normal, you do not need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist during stage 4 lockdown.
Can I travel more than 5km to go and see a podiatrist during stage 4 lockdown?
Yes, you can most definitely travel outside the 5km restriction zone to seek healthcare.Â
You can use your appointment confirmation email, or the appointment reminder SMS as proof that you have an appointment.
How can you seek podiatry care during Stage 4 lockdown In Melbourne?
To help you decide what you should be doing in relation to your podiatry care, our podiatrists have set aside each day to take your calls and help guide you through the process. We feel the more clarity for people at the moment, the better!
A reminder: DHHS has advised you to continue to seek the healthcare you require.
Don’t forget – we are here to help you with all your podiatry needs across Melbourne during stage 4 lockdown.
We’re here to support you through these tough times. Stay home, stay safe and remember we are all in this together!
