HealthInfo Aoraki-South Canterbury
Podiatrists
Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat conditions of the feet and legs. They also help rehabilitate people after injuries or surgery that affect their feet and legs.
Finding a podiatrist
You can find a podiatrist by searching your area on the Podiatry New Zealand website.
Qualifications and training of podiatrists
Podiatrists in New Zealand are educated to degree level (Bachelor of Health Science in Podiatry), but many podiatrists also hold post-graduate qualifications in related areas. They must also be registered with the Podiatrists Board of New Zealand and hold a current annual practising certificate.
When to see a podiatrist
You can see a podiatrist with any foot, leg, or related problems, including ACC injuries.
For example:
What podiatrists do
Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the feet and legs. They also help rehabilitate people after injuries or surgery that affect their feet and legs.
The treatments are wide ranging, from a simple removal of a painful callus from your foot to minor surgery for an ingrown toenail.
For movement problems or sports-related issues, your podiatrist may provide some exercises, footwear advice, or supply you with a pair of foot orthotics to fix the way your feet and legs move.
Where podiatrists provide services
Podiatrists mostly work out of private podiatry clinics or within larger health clinics. For example, your podiatrist may be located within a physiotherapy clinic or your general medical practice.
If you qualify for publicly funded care (see below) you may see a podiatrist in a community or outpatients clinic.
Cost to see a podiatrist
The cost of your first visit can range from $55 to $120, but follow-up visits usually cost less. Orthotics can cost anywhere from $85 to $650 depending on the type and the materials used.
In some circumstances you may qualify for publicly funded care from a podiatrist (you won't have to pay). These include:
- having diabetes and meeting certain criteria (ask your GP or diabetes nurse if you meet the criteria to be referred for assessment.)
- receiving a disability allowance and meeting certain criteria (talk to your Work and Income (WINZ) case manager about whether you qualify)
- being a war veteran with an accepted condition (talk to your Veterans' Affairs case manager about whether you qualify).
ACC
ACC might pay part of the cost of your podiatry care if it results from an injury. It may consider funding the cost of your orthotics if you've been injured. Your podiatrist can discuss this with you. It may also pay part of the cost if you have an ingrown toenail that needs surgery, and which is the result of an injury. However, you need to make sure that your podiatrist is registered with ACC (not all podiatrists are).
Private health insurance
If you have health insurance it may cover care from a podiatrist. Check with your insurer to find out whether you are covered, and whether you need a referral from your GP.
Written by Canterbury podiatrists. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed September 2019.
SourcesReview key: HICCA-28239
