Diabetic foot care pathways in Ireland, the UK, US and Australia
Public foot-care entitlements depend on your risk level and where you live. This guide explains the main public pathways in plain language. Eligibility varies, so confirm what applies to you with your local service or insurer.
Ireland: HSE foot-care pathway
In Ireland, diabetic foot care is usually delivered through HSE diabetes services, GPs and hospital podiatry departments. People at higher risk — those with neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, foot deformity, a history of ulcer or amputation — are generally prioritised for public podiatry. If you are low-risk, you may be advised to self-monitor and attend your GP or a private podiatrist for routine care.
United States: Medicare and insurance
Medicare may cover a foot examination when diabetes-related nerve damage or loss of sensation is present, and has separate rules for therapeutic shoes and inserts. Private-insurance cover varies. This does not mean PodiaScan is reimbursable; ask your clinician and insurer what services and devices your plan covers.
Australia: Medicare arrangements
People with a chronic condition may be referred by a GP for a limited number of Medicare-subsidised allied-health services under current chronic-condition management arrangements. Podiatry can be one of those services. PodiaScan itself is not presented as covered or reimbursable.
UK: NHS foot-care pathway
The NICE guideline on diabetic foot problems splits people into low, moderate and high risk. Low-risk patients are usually managed in primary care with annual foot checks and self-care advice. Moderate and high-risk patients are referred to a specialist foot-protection service for more frequent review.
Routine nail care or corn removal is not always provided free on the NHS unless there is a medical need, so many people use private podiatry for maintenance.
What you can do at home
Whether or not you qualify for free clinic visits, daily self-care is essential: inspect your feet, moisturise dry skin, wear well-fitting footwear, and check temperature if you have a thermometer. Temperature monitoring can help spot inflammation before visible skin changes appear.
Useful sources
- HSE diabetes information: hse.ie
- Diabetes UK foot-care advice: diabetes.org.uk
- NICE guideline NG19: nice.org.uk/guidance/ng19
- US Medicare foot-care cover: medicare.gov
- Australian chronic-condition management services: health.gov.au