Patient Info - FAQ

Do I need a referral to make an appointment to see Michael Kinchington?

No, you generally do not need a referral to visit the practice if you are a private patient. However, if you have a chronic condition e.g. Diabetes, Arthritis and want to claim a Medicare rebate - you need a referral from a medical practitioner and must have a Medicare Enhanced Primary Care Plan referral. If you have been involved in a work place injury or seek a Third Party claim, you need a referral from a medical practitioner and approval from the Insurance Company. You can still attend appointments without a referral but, you must pay the fees as a private patient.

What are the Fees to attend the clinic?

Fees vary depending upon the type of consultation you require. If you want an approximation of the fees you will be required to pay at the time of consultation, the front desk of Dr Kinchington’s staff will be happy to provide you with the information.

Does my private health insurance cover any of these fees?

Dr Michael Kinchington is affiliated with all health funds. He is a registered with the Health Insurance Commission & has individual Health Insurance Provider numbers. If you are a member of a private health fund, you may qualify for a service rebate. Rebates do vary between the health funds within Australia. Contact your health fund directly to enquire about your eligibility for a rebate.

Can I use HICAPS?

Yes, the facility at is available at the MLC City rooms.When attending South Sydney Sports Medicine and Stadium Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine rooms, you must pay for your consultation and orthotic fees and manually claim from the Health Fund. We appreciate this is occasionally inconvenient, but this is an operational procedure governed by the respective facilities, outside the control of the Michael Kinchington. The facilities that do not have HICAPS are independent rooms, that are used a per session basis. To help us improve the convenience of HICAPS at these facilities, please phone the practice managers at South Sydney Sports Medicine and Stadium Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine rooms.

Can I use MEDICARE?

No, unless you have an eligible Allied Health Enhanced Care Plan organised through your Medical General Practitioner. Dr Kinchington is registered with Medicare. When a condition is considered chronic (e.g. diabetes, arthritis etc.) you may be eligible to claim a rebate through Medicare. For further information discuss this with your GP.

Are the Podiatry gaps eligible for the Medicare Safety Net?

Yes. If you anticipate that you or your family may have gaps totalling more than several hundred dollars per year, please save the receipts as you may be able to claim some of these under the Safety Net Scheme. For more info, visit Medicare Australia's page on the Medicare Safety Net

I am a Department of Veteran Affairs Card Holder. Can I attend the clinics?

Yes, the Dr Kinchington is registered with the Department of Veteran Affairs and is a recognised footwear prescriber of medical grade shoes.

I am a member of the Australian Defence Force. What do I need to bring to the appointment?

Dr Michael Kinchington (PhD) has consulted to the Australian Defence Force for 20 years. He closely liaises with the medical staff of all the Military facilities in NSW and ACT. If it is your first appointment with Dr Kinchington, you need a referral from the medical facility you are posted to. Each time you come to an appointment you must bring a valid payment slip. This is your authority to attend the appointment. After three visits you will require a new referral from the medical facility you were referred to.

Make sure you bring your military boots to the first appointment and sport-exercise footwear.

When do I need to pay?

Fees are payable immediately following the consultation. Accounts will not be provided to patients unless arranged prior to appointment. All accounts taken will be subject to an administration fee.  PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTED.

Bankcard, Visa, MasterCard, EFTPOS, Cheque and Cash 

How long will I be at the clinic and what should I bring?

For an initial consultation allow somewhere between 45-50minutes. This time includes filling in paperwork, consultation with Dr Kinchington and liaising with front desk staff before you leave.

For your initial appointment bring your referral (if you have one), a range of shoes that concern you, relevant xrays and scans, operation reports and shorts to change into (may not be required).

Will I require a video of my walking or running?

The MLC Centre (City rooms) has a sophisticated 2D motion analysis system to observe gait from a treadmill. Dr Kinchington will determine if it is necessary to perform a video assessment (generally it is not). If necessary, we will organise a separate time to perform 2D analysis. All motion analysis is performed at the MLC City rooms.

Will I need to organise follow-up treatment?

Please book a review appointment if you are awaiting the results of tests or scans, need to have orthotics fitted or you need further treatment.

If tests are ordered at a consultation and the results are sent to the practice, Dr Kinchington will call if the results are quite abnormal or unexpected. If the results are normal or the outcome of the test does not require urgent follow-up, the podiatrist will wait until your review appointment before discussing them.

 Follow-up communication of a very straightforward nature (e.g. answering a single question or passing on scan results) can be done over the phone or by email without charge. However, it is generally preferred to organise a review appointment so the results can be explained properly. It is our experience that phone and email consultations the risk of miscommunication.