What to expect at your podiatry consultation
A guide to your first podiatry appointment with a podiatrist in New Zealand.
Before your appointment
Most New Zealand podiatrist practices send a new-patient form before your first visit. Complete this in advance so the podiatrist can read it before you arrive — it includes your medical history, current medications, allergies and the specific concern you want assessed.
- • A list of current medications and dosages
- • Any recent imaging (x-ray, MRI, CT) or specialist letters
- • Your ACC claim number if your problem follows an injury
- • Your health-insurance details if you have cover (Southern Cross, nib etc.)
- • Comfortable clothing that lets the podiatrist assess the affected area
During the consultation
Duration: Initial consultations are typically 30–45 minutes; follow-ups 20–30 minutes.
Podiatry covers the assessment and treatment of foot, ankle and lower-limb conditions. A typical first visit includes a history, weight-bearing and gait assessment, skin and nail examination, and a treatment plan that may include nail surgery, orthotics, padding, footwear advice and rehabilitation exercises.
Questions worth asking
- • What is your working diagnosis, and what else are you considering?
- • What is the recommended treatment plan and how long should it take?
- • What does the evidence show about success rates for this approach?
- • What is the total expected cost — including imaging, equipment or follow-ups?
- • What should improve, and by when, before we change approach?
- • When should I contact you between visits, and how?
Verifying your podiatrist
Podiatrist services in New Zealand are a regulated health profession in New Zealand. Every practising podiatrist must hold an Annual Practising Certificate from the Podiatrists Board of New Zealand and works under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. Verify registration on the Podiatrists Board public register. Practitioners with extra training in sports podiatry, paediatric podiatry or diabetes high-risk-foot care will say so. Diabetic patients should look for a podiatrist who maintains accreditation with their DHB diabetic foot programme. You can search the public register at podiatristsboard.org.nz at any time.
Plan your podiatry treatment
Related care
Other health services frequently considered alongside podiatry:
Podiatry: questions
What happens at a podiatry consultation?
Podiatry covers the assessment and treatment of foot, ankle and lower-limb conditions. A typical first visit includes a history, weight-bearing and gait assessment, skin and nail examination, and a treatment plan that may include nail surgery, orthotics, padding, footwear advice and rehabilitation exercises.
How long does a podiatry consultation take?
Initial consultations are typically 30–45 minutes; follow-ups 20–30 minutes.
What should I bring to a podiatry consultation?
Bring a list of your current medications, any imaging or specialist letters, your ACC claim number if relevant, your private health insurance details, and a list of questions you want to discuss. Wear clothing that allows the practitioner to assess the affected area.
Will I need a referral?
No — podiatrists are first-contact practitioners in New Zealand. You can book directly without a GP or specialist referral.