Looking for immediate care? Whilst individual practitioner availability does vary, in most instances we should be able to arrange an appointment with one of our podiatrists for the same day, certainly within 24 hours. Please phone Camberwell Sports & Spinal Medicine on (03) 9889 1078 or alternatively you can Make an Appointment online.  Camberwell Sports & Spinal Medicine ins open 7 days a week (closed public holidays).

Cancellation Policy

CSSM requires a minimum of 24 hours notice of an appointment cancellation or rescheduling in order for you to avoid a late cancellation fee of $55.00

Do I need a referral from a GP or other health professional to get orthotics?

Whilst GPs and specialists seeking the best advice often refer their patients to a Podiatrist for foot and leg care however, referrals are not usually  necessary.

If the cost of treatment is to be claimed through a third party such as NDIS, TAC, WorkCover or the Department of Veteran’s Affairs then a referral may be required.

For a Podiatry consultation simply make an appointment with Camberwell Sports and Spinal Medicine directly by calling 9889 1078.

Alternatively you can make an apppointment via our Online web portal.

Depending on type of Orthotic being fitted, the process may take one appointment or 2-3 appointments.  For custom orthotics the process usually takes up to three appointments.  A ‘casting’ session where the appropriate measurements are made, an appointment where the orthotic is issued, and a follow up appointment to make any fine tuning to the Orthotic.

At the time of your consultation, your podiatrist will outline the expected course of treatment and management.

All of these appointments are included in the price of the orthotic.

Shorts or leggings are best to allow us to perform relevant assessments, and for us to be able to clearly see and analyse
your running technique.
Please bring in runners (old and new), as well as any other shoes you may use for different sports (e.g. football boots, netball shoes etc.). Please feel free to bring along any other shoes that you feel may be relevant to your assessment.

The price of orthotics varies depending on which type you choose.  The non-custom are the cheapest and are often prescribed for a temporary condition or growing children.  Semi-custom orthotics tend to be more durable than the non-custom type.  They come with the added bonus of being able to choose which top covers (cushioning layer) you like.

Custom orthotics are the most expensive due to the laborious nature of the manufacturing process.  We use a laser scanner to generate foot impressions and a start-of the-art lab based here in Melbourne creates the orthotics using a 3D printer.  The new products are environmentally friendly, flexible and durable.

Podiatry treatment is covered under the ancillary or extras cover of most major health insurers.  As part of this cover one pair of Orthotics can be claim each year , for each family member.

As always, please contact your insurer to confirm whether your level of cover includes these benefits.

Camberwell Sports and Spinal Medicine is able to offer ‘on the spot’ rebates via HICAPS. The rebate varies depending on your health insurer and level of cover so check the details of your policy.

Temporary or non-custom orthotics often have a life-span of approximately twelve months.  This will vary from person to person depending on how active a person is, what sport they play and whether they have a job which requires them to walk or stand for long periods.

Custom orthotics usually last for five to ten years but again this varies depending on a person’s activity and the number of kilometres they do.  Custom orthotics can be rejuvenated with new top covers or posts as required to increase the life-span of the devices.

If your condition meets certain requirements and you have a vaild referral from your Doctor, Medicare may offer limited rebates for Podiatry treatment. In the instance that you suffer from a chronic condition, your GP can refer you to an Allied Health Professional, such as a Podiatrist, for up to five sessions each calendar year. Not all conditions qualify for this program and there will still be an out of pocket expense for these services. For more information talk to your Doctor and ask them about your eligibility for a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan prior to making an appointment with CSSM.

Children can effectively start wearing orthotics as soon as they start walking and wearing shoes although most commonly problems are often detected around school age.  Sometimes treating very young children can eliminate the need for longer term or ongoing treatment when a person is older.  Parents who are uncertain whether treatment is required are  recommended to see a podiatrist for a paediatric and gait assessment.  At CSSM we love treating kids and are passionate about getting children right so they can play and participate in sport and school without being excluded.

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