Frequently Asked Questions
What is a podiatrist, and what do they do?
A Podiatrist is a healthcare professional who specialises in assessment and management of lower leg and foot problems. This ranges from skin and nail concerns to sports injuries and even post-surgical rehabilitation.
Our Podiatrist team are all registered professionals who have over 18 years combined experience!
If you aren’t sure if you should be seeing a podiatrist, have a chat with our team and we can let you know.
Will Health Insurance cover my treatment / othotics?
Some Health Insurance providers do cover the cost of podiatry care, though they do not often cover the cost of orthotic insoles. We recommend seeking prior approval or checking your health insurance policy to ensure there are no unexpected costs.
We are a Southern Cross Easy-Claim Provider:
Southern Cross Health Society Easy-Claim (“Easy-Claim”) is a convenient way for Southern Cross members to claim for eligible healthcare services at the time of purchase, without completing a claim form.
Simply present your Member card or use the mobile app’s virtual Member card at the counter when you are purchasing eligible healthcare products and services.
If your plan covers the product or service and it qualifies, we’ll reimburse the provider directly and you’ll only pay any remaining contribution you’re responsible for, so you don’t have to worry about filling out claim forms or waiting for a refund.
For more information please click here.
What sort of appointment do I need?
Generally, if you are suffering with skin or nail issues or concerns about the appearance of your feet, then a Comfort Care appointment would be a great place to start.
If you would like skin and nail treatment with a bit more pampering involved; check out our Podicure services.
If you are suffering pain during your daily life which you suspect is being caused by muscles, joints or some form of injury then you may benefit most from a Biomechanical Consultation.
Likewise, if you are looking for guidance on how to avoid injury, either as someone starting out on their exercise journey, or as an elite athlete; a Biomechanical Consultation and running or gait assessment would likely benefit you.
If you are unsure which type of appointment is most appropriate, please contact us and we can offer guidance.
Can you make my feet look better?
Yes! As podiatrists we understand that you may feel embarrassed about the appearance of your feet, and we understand that the way your feet look can be every bit as important as the way they feel. We developed The Podicure®, – a bespoke medical pedicure, which is performed in our hygienic clinical setting using only the highest quality products by our experienced podiatrists. We can tailor the treatment to your needs, safely restoring your skin to baby smooth and ensuring nails are trimmed and shaped correctly using our knowledge and experience.
We can perform all the luxuries you’re used to at a beauty salon, but in a hygienic manner. From exfoliating bamboo foot scrubs, relaxing hot towel wrap, luxurious massage and even safely painted nails, all done without any worries about picking up an unwanted infection. Our infection prevention and control is of the highest standards.
How long will my appointment take?
A Comfort Care appointment will take 30 minutes
A Podicure® appointment will vary between 30 minutes and 60 minutes, depending on what treatment you wish to have.
A Biomechanical appointment will take 45 minutes
Follow up appointments are generally 15 minutes
What are your opening hours?
Monday: 9am – 5:30pm
Tuesday: 8am – 6pm
Wednesday: 8am – 6pm
Thursday: 8am – 4:30pm
Friday: 8am – 2:30pm
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to see a podiatrist, though you may be referred to us by another healthcare provider. Simply call us to discuss your needs with our reception team, and we can book you right in. If you have been referred to us by another provider, we will contact you to make an appointment.
Is my appointment covered by ACC?
We are ACC registered health providers. To be eligible for ACC, your injury must be caused by an accident – meaning an event that is defined by a time, location and mechanism of injury. Injuries with causes other than an accident, such as illness, conditions related to ageing and injuries that happen over time are not covered.
If you are eligible for ACC we will file a claim on your behalf if one doesn’t already exist. ACC will provide a partial payment towards your appointment fee, reducing the cost to you. They may also provide cover for treatment costs, including orthotics and bracing.
What should I bring to my appointment?
It depends what type of appointment you are coming for.
For a Comfort Care or Podicure® appointment, you don’t need to bring anything special – unless you are getting your nails painted, in which case you’ll need to bring some open toe sandals or jandals.
For a Biomechanical appointment, you’ll want to bring some shorts or workout pants so we can assess your lower legs accurately being able to see your ankles and knees easily and some shoes which you wear regularly, including any sports shoes.
Make sure you bring your shoes to any orthotic fitting appointments; in case we need to trim the orthotics to the correct size!
If you are still not sure, just have a chat to our reception team when you are making your appointment and they can advise.
How much will my appointment cost?
Our fees vary depending on whether this is your first appointment or a follow-up, whether your appointment is subsidised by ACC, and which treatment you require. If you’re wondering how much your appointment is likely to cost, call us on 04 499 8103 and we’d be more than happy to talk it through with you.
Do you have parking?
The list below details five parking buildings within 500 metres of our Wellington city location.
- Wilson Parking at Queens Wharf (under TSB)
- Wilson Parking at Intercontinental Hotel, Grey Street. 100 metres from our clinic.
- HSBC Tower Wilson Parking, Panama Street. 200 metres from our clinic.
- Willeston Street Parking Building, Willeston Street. 250 metres from our clinic
- Plimmer Towers Tournament Parking Building. 2-6 Gilmer Terrace. 50 metres walk to our clinic via Plimmer Steps. (Usually plenty of spaces available Note – this location has stairs, so select another if you are uncomfortable with those).
Can you refer me to another health provider?
If we feel we are unable to help you with what you have come to see us about, we will always refer you on to an appropriate professional who we believe can. This may be physiotherapy, a sports doctor, a specialist physiotherapist, sports nutritionist, or even to a surgeon or dermatologist. We will always help you to find the right path to achieve your goals; we welcome collaboration and it is at the heart of what we do.
