If you have any type of injury or disability that makes it difficult for you to live normally or requires you to depend on other people or pieces of equipment, it is important to familiarise yourself with NDIS.

NDIS stands for the National Disability Insurance Agency. It is a government body that was established to provide support and care to the disabled or those depending on other people as a result of disabilities. NDIS aims to help these individuals access quality treatment for free or for a subsidised amount.

What Is a Podiatry Provider?

Any time you see the word podiatry, it means your feet. This is the part of your legs that starts from your ankle downwards. In some cases, it can even include issues concerning the part of your leg between the knee and your ankle.

A podiatry provider or podiatrist is a doctor who specialises in diseases or injuries that affect your feet. Joints like your knee are better treated by orthopaedic surgeons.

How Is NDIS Linked to Podiatry Providers?

Since NDIS is a body that provides funds to care for disabled dependent individuals, it expects various specialists to apply for the funds so that the funds are sent to clinics or care facilities instead of people.

An NDIS podiatry provider is, therefore, a foot doctor who is registered under NDIS to receive these funds. NDIS does not just fund any care facility. These facilities must show that they can offer quality medical services and have hired experienced podiatrists.

Disabled dependents are also expected to register with NDIS to receive care or treatment in a clinic or care facility receiving funds from NDIS. There are some requirements; you should be an Australian resident in the age bracket of seven to 65 years. There should also be evidence that your state requires you to be dependent on people or machines to get by or for sustenance.

Important Note

When registering with NDIS, don't expect all your needs to be covered. Usually, you are presented with an NDIS plan and service agreement, which highlights the services that NDIS will cover and the costs. Don't worry though, major costs will be covered, leaving negligible amounts that you or your caregiver can afford.

Also, note that not everyone qualifies for NDIS; look for other funding organisations with the help of your caregiver — who is, in this case, your podiatry provider.