How often should a diabetic person see a podiatrist?

Diabetes Australia recommends that all people with diabetes see a podiatrist for a comprehensive foot assessment at least once a year. Higher-risk patients — those with peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, a history of foot ulcers, or structural foot deformities — should be reviewed every 3 months.

Does Medicare cover podiatry for diabetic patients?

Yes. Patients with a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan from their GP are eligible for Medicare rebates for podiatry appointments. DVA Gold Card and DVA White Card holders (for eligible conditions) are also covered. Please bring your Medicare card and any GP referral letter to your appointment.

What happens at a diabetic foot assessment?

A comprehensive diabetic foot assessment at Cockburn Podiatry includes: neurological testing (monofilament and vibration testing for peripheral neuropathy), vascular assessment (pedal pulse palpation, capillary refill, Doppler where indicated), skin and nail inspection, footwear assessment, risk stratification, and patient education on daily foot care.

Why do diabetics need to look after their feet?

High blood glucose levels over time damage peripheral nerves (causing neuropathy — loss of sensation) and blood vessels (causing peripheral vascular disease — reduced blood flow). This combination means that a small injury, blister, or infection can go unnoticed and deteriorate rapidly. Without adequate blood flow to heal, even minor foot wounds can develop into serious ulcers requiring hospitalisation. Regular podiatry prevents these outcomes.

Diabetic Foot Care & Assessment — Cockburn Central

Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable lower limb amputations in Australia. Regular podiatry care is the single most effective way to prevent serious diabetic foot complications. At Cockburn Podiatry in Cockburn Central, we provide comprehensive diabetic foot assessments and ongoing foot care for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, with Medicare CDM and DVA referrals accepted.

Why Diabetes Affects Your Feet

Diabetic foot assessment at Cockburn Podiatry Cockburn Central Elevated blood glucose levels over time cause damage to two critical systems:

Peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage that reduces or eliminates sensation in the feet, meaning injuries (cuts, blisters, pressure sores) can occur without being felt
Peripheral vascular disease — narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels, reducing circulation to the feet and impairing the ability to heal wounds

The combination of reduced sensation and poor healing creates a dangerous situation: a minor blister or skin break can go unnoticed, become infected, and escalate into a serious ulcer — sometimes requiring hospitalisation or, in severe cases, amputation.

The good news: with regular podiatry care and good foot hygiene, the vast majority of serious diabetic foot complications are entirely preventable.

Diabetes Australia Recommendations

Diabetes Australia recommends that all people with diabetes see a podiatrist for a comprehensive foot assessment at least once a year. Higher-risk patients — those with neuropathy, vascular disease, a history of ulcers, or foot deformities — should be reviewed every 3 months.

Our Diabetic Foot Assessment

Your comprehensive diabetes foot check at Cockburn Podiatry includes:

Neurological and Vascular Assessment

We test your protective sensation using a 10g monofilament. Loss of protective sensation is the most significant risk factor for diabetic foot ulceration.

Dermatological & Nail Assessment

We inspect the skin for calluses (which can break down to form ulcers), corns, tinea, fissures, interdigital maceration, and wounds. Nails are assessed for thickness, fungal infection, ingrowing, and trauma. All skin and nail conditions are treated at the same appointment.

Footwear Assessment

Poor footwear is responsible for the majority of diabetic foot injuries. We assess whether your footwear provides adequate depth, width, and cushioning, and advise on appropriate therapeutic footwear where needed.

Risk Stratification & Education

Based on all assessment findings, we recommend a review schedule. We provide detailed education on daily foot inspection, correct washing and drying technique, safe nail cutting, when to seek urgent care, and warning signs that require immediate attention.

Ongoing Diabetic Foot Care

Between comprehensive assessments, we provide:

Routine nail care for patients who cannot safely self-manage their nails
Callus and corn debridement to prevent pressure ulcers
Wound assessment and dressing for minor diabetic foot wounds
Custom orthotics for pressure redistribution and ulcer prevention
Footwear recommendations and referral for therapeutic footwear
Urgent assessment and referral for infected or deteriorating wounds

Medicare CDM & DVA Rebates

We accept Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) referrals from GPs for eligible diabetic patients. DVA Gold Card and White Card holders (for eligible conditions) are also welcome. All major health funds are accepted via on-the-spot HICAPS claiming. Please bring your Medicare card and any GP referral to your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a diabetic see a podiatrist?

Minimum annually for low-risk patients. Every 3 months for higher-risk patients (neuropathy, vascular disease, history of ulcers). Our podiatrists will advise the right schedule for your risk level.

Does Medicare cover podiatry for diabetes?

Yes. Eligible patients with a CDM plan from their GP receive Medicare rebates. DVA card holders are also covered. Bring your Medicare card and GP referral to your appointment.

What are the warning signs I should see a podiatrist urgently?

Seek same-day or urgent care if you have a wound that is not healing, increasing redness or swelling around any foot injury, discharge, warmth, or if you develop a new blister, cut, or skin break that you cannot account for. Do not wait for your regular appointment.

Serving south Perth: We treat patients from Atwell, Success, South Lake, Yangebup, Hammond Park, Aubin Grove, Jandakot, Beeliar, Coogee, Baldivis and the wider Cockburn area.

Protect your feet. Book a diabetic foot assessment today. Call (08) 9417 3737 or book online. Medicare CDM and DVA accepted. Cockburn Podiatry is located at Cockburn Central, serving south Perth and surrounds.

Related services: Custom Orthotics | Medical Pedicure