What Podiatry Services Are Covered Under the NDIS?

For NDIS participants living with a disability that affects their feet, lower limbs or mobility, podiatry can be a critical part of maintaining independence, preventing complications and supporting participation in daily life. Yet many participants don't realise podiatry is a funded support, or aren't sure how to access it through their plan.

This article explains what podiatry services the National Disability Insurance Scheme covers, which funding categories apply, and how the payment process works.

Is Podiatry Funded Under the NDIS?

Yes. Podiatry is a recognised allied health therapeutic support under the NDIS. It can be funded where it is deemed reasonable and necessary to support a participant's goals and functional capacity as they relate to their disability.

The NDIS does not automatically fund any health service. Funding is approved when there is a clear link between the support requested and the participant's disability-related needs. For podiatry, this typically means demonstrating that the participant's disability affects their foot health, mobility, self-care capacity or ability to participate in daily activities.

Which NDIS Budget Does Podiatry Come From?

Podiatry can be funded through three different NDIS budget categories depending on the type of service and its goal:

1. Capacity Building - Improved Health and Wellbeing

This is the most common funding category for podiatric therapeutic supports. It covers services aimed at building the participant's capacity to manage their health and maintain functional independence. Clinical assessment, biomechanical assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic foot care and exercise prescription typically sit here.

The relevant NDIS support category code is CB Improved Health and Wellbeing (07), and the line item is typically Assessment Recommendation Therapy and/or Training - Allied Health (07_002_0128_1_3).

2. Core Supports - Assistance with Daily Life

Some podiatry services - particularly routine nail care and foot skin care for participants who, as a direct result of their disability, cannot safely or adequately perform this self-care themselves - may be funded as a Core Support under Assistance with Daily Life. This applies where the routine care is a disability-related need, not a general health maintenance activity.

3. Assistive Technology

Custom foot orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist as part of a treatment plan may be funded as Low-Cost Assistive Technology (under $1,500). This requires a podiatric prescription and supporting clinical documentation explaining the functional benefit of the device as it relates to the participant's disability. Higher-cost devices or footwear modifications may require an AT assessment report.

What Specific Podiatry Services Can the NDIS Fund?

• Podiatric assessment and diagnosis: Initial comprehensive assessment including history, physical examination and identification of disability-related foot and lower limb issues
• Biomechanical assessment and gait analysis: Assessment of walking pattern, foot posture and lower limb alignment contributing to mobility or participation limitations
• Therapeutic nail and skin care: For participants who, as a result of their disability, cannot safely perform their own foot care
• Custom orthotics: Prescription foot orthoses where biomechanical intervention is clinically indicated to support the participant's functional goals
• Diabetic foot assessment and management: For participants with diabetes where the condition is linked to their NDIS disability or creates significant foot health risk
• Wound care and ulcer management: Clinical management of foot ulcers, pressure injuries or wounds where the participant's disability is a contributing factor
• Footwear assessment and recommendations: Identifying appropriate footwear to support safe mobility and prevent secondary complications
• Home programme development: Providing the participant with strategies, exercises or self-management tools to maintain foot health between appointments

What the NDIS Does Not Fund in Podiatry

The NDIS funds disability-related supports - it does not fund general health maintenance. Routine foot care that any person (with or without a disability) would need is not automatically NDIS-fundable. The clinical link between the podiatry service and the participant's disability must be clearly established and documented.

General health services that would normally be covered by Medicare or private health insurance should continue to be accessed through those channels where applicable.

How Does NDIS Payment Work?

How you pay for NDIS podiatry depends on how your plan is managed:

• Agency-managed plans: Bexley Podiatry is a registered NDIS provider and can claim directly from the NDIS portal after your appointment. No out-of-pocket cost for the participant at the time of service.
• Plan-managed plans: Bexley Podiatry invoices your plan manager following each appointment. The plan manager pays from your NDIS funds. You do not pay out of pocket.
• Self-managed plans: You pay at the time of service and submit the invoice yourself through the NDIS myplace portal for reimbursement from your plan funds.

Bring your NDIS plan details or plan manager contact information to your first appointment. If you're unsure of your plan management type, check your NDIS plan document or contact the NDIS directly.

Does Bexley Podiatry Accept NDIS Participants?

Yes. Bexley Podiatry accepts agency-managed, plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants. Our clinical team is experienced in working with participants who have complex disabilities affecting their lower limbs and foot health, including neurological conditions, musculoskeletal disability, diabetes-related complications and congenital foot conditions.

If you're unsure whether podiatry is included in your current plan or want to understand whether a service we offer would be covered, contact us before booking and we can help you work through it.

How to Access Podiatry Through the NDIS for the First Time

• Check your plan: Review your current NDIS plan to confirm whether Capacity Building - Improved Health and Wellbeing, Core Supports or Assistive Technology funding is included and has available funds.
• Contact Bexley Podiatry: Let us know you're an NDIS participant and your plan management type when you call or enquire. We'll confirm we can see you under your plan before you book.
• Attend your appointment: Bring your NDIS plan or plan manager details. Your podiatrist will complete a clinical assessment and document the findings in a format appropriate for NDIS records.
• Ongoing care: If ongoing podiatric support is clinically indicated, we can provide progress reports and supporting documentation for your plan review.

If you're an NDIS participant and want to understand whether podiatry can be funded through your plan, we're happy to help you work through it before you book. Learn more about our NDIS podiatry services.