FAQ’s

FAQ'S

• ARE YOU AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON?

  No, I am not an Orthopaedic Surgeon. I am a Specialist Surgical Podiatrist who is also recognized as a specialist under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

• WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPECIALIST SURGICAL PODIATRIST AND AN ORTHOPAEDIC FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEON?

  Surgical Podiatrists and orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are both trained to manage foot and ankle conditions, but their educational backgrounds and training pathways differ.

  Surgical Podiatrists complete degrees in podiatric medicine followed by advanced surgical training focused exclusively on the foot and ankle.

  Surgical Podiatrists are not medically trained doctors, but they are doctors of their field. Surgical Podiatrists are podiatrists who have completed extensive, post-graduate medical and surgical training. Their training allows them to perform surgery of the foot and ankle.

  Orthopaedic surgeons are medically trained doctors, and they are allowed to do surgery on all parts of human body. Orthopaedic surgeons have a broader musculoskeletal focus, with foot and ankle surgery being one of many areas they may cover.

  While both can perform foot and ankle procedures, Surgical Podiatrists typically concentrate their entire practice in this area, including lower limb biomechanics.

• ARE SPECIALIST SURGICAL PODIATRISTS RECOGNISED AS SPECIALISTS IN AUSTRALIA?

  Yes, in Australia, Surgical Podiatrists are recognised as specialists in the surgical and non-surgical management of foot and ankle conditions. They are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and have completed extensive postgraduate training, including surgical residencies and fellowships.

• DO I NEED A REFERRAL?

  A referral is welcome, however it is not required, to see Dr Kim if you are a private paying patient.

  A referral is required for specific individuals, such as those claiming through Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Worker’s Compensation claims, and GP Care Plans.

  • DVA claims – official D904 form required from a GP.
  • Worker’s Compensation claims – official QComp Medical Certificate required from a GP.
  • GP Care Plan claims – official Form 721 or 723 required from a GP.

• WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY INITIAL CONSULTATION?

  Please bring a list of your current medications, any relevant medical records, and wear or bring the footwear you use regularly. This information helps in assessing your condition and planning appropriate treatment.

• WHAT PROCEDURES DO YOU COVER?

  Procedures that related to foot and ankle pain or deformity.

• DO YOU SEE UNINSURED PATIENTS?

  Yes, both insured and uninsured patients are welcome.  I have access to day surgery hospitals where fees have been negotiated at a much cheaper rate (less than 50% of big hospitals)

• IS FOOT SURGERY PAINFUL?

  Pain is very much dependent on the individual; what one considers painful another may not and there is no simple answer to this question. What is known, is that the minimally invasive techniques employed by Dr. Kim allow for less swelling and a faster recovery for patients.

  With most surgery performed as day stay ambulatory surgery, patients are usually mobile following surgery which further decreases swelling and pain. Furthermore, exceptional advances in pain medication both during and after surgery aid in a reduction in post-operative pain for patients undergoing foot surgery.

• HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

  Consultation & Assessment Fees are rebated under Podiatry extras tables for patients with appropriate health insurance.

  A new patient appointment fee is $215*, which includes a thorough examination of the patient’s presenting complaint as well as their medical history. This fee also covers written feedback to the referring practitioner, the patient’s GP and any other relevant specialist or allied health practitioner involved in the patients’ care. Communication is the key!

  Clinic Procedure Fees are quoted prior to being carried out. On booking an appointment, you can choose to book a longer appointment in the hope you may have the procedure at the same time. This option is available for Ingrown Toenails or Plantar Warts.  Your surgical podiatrist will discuss your options and costs on your presentation to the clinic.  You can find examples for some of these costs on our Fees & Services page.

  You may be able to claim under your private health insurance for a rebate, depending on your health insurance provider.

  Hospital Surgery Fees are quoted on a case-by-case basis after your initial consultation with the doctor as each patient presents differently and each surgery varies from patient to patient. Podiatric surgery costs include – surgical podiatrist fees, hospital fees, and anaesthetist fees.

  Health insurance coverage of hospital costs varies between insurers. A few insurers pay only the default amount and others cover 100% of costs. Patients are provided with a quote prior to surgery so they can investigate costs with their health insurance provider prior to making any decisions about their surgical episode. Patients also have the option of transferring to another insurer if their current insurer provides poor cover, without any waiting period.

  There are no Medicare rebates available for podiatric surgery at present.

  *subject to change without notice

• WHAT IS THE TYPICAL RECOVERY TIMELINE AFTER FOOT SURGERY?

  Recovery times vary depending on the specific procedure and individual factors. Generally, patients can expect to resume normal activities within 6 to 12 weeks, with full recovery potentially taking several months. Dr Kim will provide a detailed recovery plan tailored to your situation.

• HOW LONG WILL I BE OFF MY FEET?

  Most foot surgery allows patients to be on their feet immediately following the procedure. In these instances, patients are expected to wear a protective post-operative shoe over their bandaging in order to protect the surgical site. In the first 3 – 7 days, patients are expected to rest as much as possible even when they are able to walk.

  At your first post-operative review (approximately 7 days following the procedure), your doctor will discuss with you your progress and anticipated recovery, as well as your progression into normal footwear such as runners and flat casual shoe gear. For the majority of patients, a return to normal footwear occurs at 3 weeks following the procedure although this does vary from patient to patient.

• WHEN CAN I DRIVE?

  Generally speaking, no patient should drive a motor vehicle in the first week following surgery. From then on, it is very much dependent on the type of procedure performed. The average time taken off driving is 3-4 weeks.

• WHEN CAN I FLY?

  Not in the first week following surgery. From this point on, the decision to fly is made on an individual basis for each patient and is very much dependent on the procedure performed and the needs of the patient. Flying too soon following surgery can prolong swelling and may theoretically increase the risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis).

• WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO WORK?

  If you work at a desk and there is minimal time spent on your feet you may expect to return to work as early as one week following your procedure although you may be required to elevate your operated foot for a period of 15 minutes each hour in order to reduce swelling. However, if your job involves regular walking, lifting or manual labor, your time off will be considerably longer. It is always beneficial, if possible, that you work from home until you are back into normal footwear and able to walk without discomfort. If sick days are available, it is wise to use these in the weeks following your procedure.

• WILL I NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER SURGERY?

  Physical therapy is often recommended to aid in the recovery process, improve mobility, and strengthen the affected area. Dr Kim will advise if physical therapy is appropriate for your specific case.

• ARE THERE ANY OPTIONS OTHER THAN SURGERY?

  Yes. Even if conservative treatment (such as orthoses and physiotherapy) has been unsuccessful, you do not have to undergo elective foot surgery. There is always the option to delay surgery or not have surgery performed if you:

  • Feel the risk outweighs the benefits
  • Feel the cost outweighs the benefits
  • Are able to tolerate your foot problem
  • Are unable to commit to the post-operative instructions given to you
  • Cannot take time off work/driving
  • Have a medical condition that places you at greater risk for complications
  • Would prefer to try alternative treatments (such as acupuncture)

• WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE RISKS OF HAVING FOOT SURGERY?

  Elective foot surgery is very safe although there are certain risks that patients must be made aware of, regardless of the rarity with which complications occur. The risks of foot surgery are very similar to those risks posed by having other surgery, such as infection and deep vein thrombosis. There are also risks associated with having certain medicines during and after your surgery, such as the possibility of nausea and vomiting. Any risks associated with surgery are explained to the patient during their pre-operative consultation at which time written consent is given. Absolute care is taken to ensure that consent to undergo surgery is only given once all questions have been answered to the patient’s satisfaction and all possible risks have been explained.

• DO YOU TREAT PAEDIATRIC FOOT CONDITIONS?

  Yes, we manage various paediatric foot conditions such as flat feet, toe walking, and congenital deformities. Early assessment and intervention can be crucial in managing these conditions effectively.

• CAN YOU HELP WITH SPORTS-RELATED FOOT AND ANKLE INJURIES?

  Absolutely. We treat a range of sports injuries, including sprains, fractures, and tendonitis, and provide guidance on injury prevention and performance optimisation.

• DO YOU OFFER MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL OPTIONS?

  Yes, when appropriate, we utilise minimally invasive techniques that can lead to reduced recovery times and less post-operative discomfort. Dr Kim will discuss the most suitable options based on your condition.

• ARE REGENERATIVE MEDICINE THERAPIES AVAILABLE?

  We stay abreast of advancements in regenerative medicine and may incorporate treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy when evidence supports their efficacy for specific conditions.

• HOW DO I SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION?

  You can schedule a consultation via our website online appointment form.

  BOOK APPOINTMENT

• WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST VISIT?

  During your initial consultation, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and any necessary imaging studies. We will then discuss your diagnosis and outline potential treatment options.