Footprints Podiatry Terms and Conditions

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These Terms and Conditions apply when you book, purchase or receive services or products from Footprints Podiatry Tasmania.

By making or confirming an appointment, attending a consultation, or purchasing a product or service from us, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Terms and Conditions.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded, including rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

 

1. About Footprints Podiatry Tasmania

Footprints Podiatry Tasmania is a private podiatry practice providing assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of foot, ankle and lower-limb conditions.

Our services may include:

• general podiatry and routine foot care;
• diabetes-related foot assessment and care;
• musculoskeletal and biomechanical assessment;
• paediatric podiatry;
• prescription and supply of foot orthoses;
• nail surgery;
• wart treatment;
• footwear assessment, fitting and sales;
• wound assessment and management;
• telephone or video consultations where appropriate; and
• other podiatry-related services.

The availability and clinical suitability of a particular service will be determined by the treating podiatrist.

 

2. Making an appointment

Appointments may be made online, by telephone, by email or in person.

When making an appointment, you agree to:

• provide accurate and complete information;
• answer all booking questions honestly;
• provide the correct funding, referral and claim information;
• identify the principal reason for your appointment; and
• tell us if you require assistance or an adjustment to attend safely.

Our online booking questions are designed to allocate an appropriate appointment type and consultation length. Patients should not select answers or appointment options solely to obtain an earlier appointment.

Appointment availability displayed online may vary according to the selected clinical need, practitioner, location and funding arrangement.

 

3. Incorrect or unsuitable online bookings

An online booking is accepted on the basis of the information provided by the patient or person making the booking.

If the information is incomplete or indicates that another appointment type or duration is required, our Support Team may contact you and may:

• change the appointment type;
• allocate a longer consultation;
• move the appointment to another time or practitioner;
• request additional information or documentation; or
• ask you to book by telephone.

We may reschedule an appointment where insufficient time has been booked to provide safe and appropriate care.

Where incorrect or misleading answers have been used to obtain an appointment that would not otherwise have been offered, we may cancel or amend the booking. Repeated misuse of online booking may result in online-booking access being restricted.

 

4. Appointment duration and multiple concerns

Appointment lengths are allocated according to the reason provided when booking.

A single appointment may not provide enough time to assess or treat multiple unrelated problems. Where several concerns are presented, the podiatrist may:

• prioritise the most clinically important concern;
• address only those concerns that can safely be managed within the scheduled time;
• recommend a longer consultation; or
• arrange a further appointment.

Additional fees may apply where a consultation is extended or additional services are provided.

 

5. New patients

New patients should arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment to complete registration and health-history requirements.

Please bring, where relevant:

• referral letters;
• Medicare, DVA, MAIB or workers compensation documentation;
• claim or approval numbers;
• relevant imaging or pathology reports;
• a current medication list;
• footwear you commonly use; and
• any existing or previous orthoses.

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that permits appropriate examination of your feet and lower limbs.

 

6. Arriving late

Please arrive in sufficient time to check in before your appointment.

If you arrive late:

• the consultation may need to be shortened;
• some planned assessment or treatment may need to be deferred;
• the full scheduled fee may still apply; or
• the appointment may need to be rescheduled.

Generally, patients arriving more than 10 minutes late may be asked to reschedule if there is insufficient time to provide safe and appropriate care without significantly delaying subsequent patients. This reflects the arrival expectations in your current intake information.

We also aim to run on time. Occasionally, unexpected clinical needs may cause a podiatrist to run behind schedule. We appreciate your patience where this occurs.

 

7. Fees and payment

Footprints Podiatry Tasmania is a private practice.

Unless we have agreed otherwise in writing:

• all consultation and treatment fees are payable in full on the day;
• products are payable when ordered or supplied;
• deposits or advance payments may be required for custom products or procedures (please refer to Section ‘Custom foot orthoses’ regarding non-refundable laboratory manufacturing deposits);
• fees may vary according to the service, consultation length, practitioner and funding arrangement; and
• fees may be changed from time to time.

A current schedule of commonly charged fees is available on request.

Where additional assessment, treatment, consumables, reports, forms or products are provided, additional fees may apply. Where practicable, these will be discussed before the service is provided.

 

8. Outstanding accounts

Patients remain responsible for all fees not paid by an approved third party.

Where an account remains overdue, we may:

• issue reminders or statements;
• suspend non-urgent services;
• restrict online booking;
• require advance payment for future appointments; or
• refer the account for debt recovery.

Reasonable debt-recovery costs may be added where legally permitted.

Necessary urgent care will be considered separately according to clinical circumstances.

 

9. Medicare and GP Chronic Condition Management Plan referrals

Footprints Podiatry Tasmania does not bulk bill Medicare.

Patients attending under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan or another Medicare-funded arrangement must pay the full consultation fee on the day unless we have expressly agreed otherwise.

Where facilities and eligibility permit, we may submit a Medicare claim after payment so the applicable rebate can be paid to the patient.

The Medicare rebate is not the full consultation fee. The difference between our fee and the Medicare rebate is the patient’s responsibility.

Patients are responsible for ensuring that:

• the referral is valid and current;
• the relevant Medicare requirements have been met;
• the correct patient and referral details have been supplied;
• eligible services remain available under the referral; and
• Medicare details are accurate.

A referral or care plan does not guarantee that Medicare will pay a rebate.

If Medicare rejects, delays or reduces a claim, the full consultation fee remains payable by the patient. We may assist with correcting administrative errors where reasonably possible, but we cannot guarantee Medicare eligibility or payment.

Under the current GPCCMP arrangements, referrals are valid for the period stated in the referral, or generally for 18 months from the first service where no period is stated. Earlier GP management plan and team care arrangement referrals made before 1 July 2025 may continue under transitional arrangements until 30 June 2027, subject to Medicare requirements.

 

10. Private health insurance

Private health insurance rebates depend on the patient’s insurer, membership, level of cover, waiting periods and applicable fund rules.

Patients are responsible for confirming their own eligibility before receiving services or purchasing products.

Where electronic claiming is available, the patient must pay any gap on the day. If electronic claiming is unavailable or a claim is rejected, the patient must pay the full fee and may submit the account directly to their health insurer.

Footprints Podiatry Tasmania does not guarantee that an insurer will pay a benefit for any service, orthosis, footwear item or other product.

 

11. DVA, MAIB, workers compensation and other third-party funding

This section applies where payment is expected from a third party, including:

• the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
• MAIB;
• a workers compensation insurer;
• an employer;
• an insurance company;
• an Aboriginal health organisation;
• an aged-care or Support at Home provider;
• a community-care provider; or
• another funding organisation.

Before treatment, the patient or referring organisation must provide all required:

• referrals;
• approvals;
• claim numbers;
• billing instructions;
• insurer details; and
• supporting documentation.

Acceptance of a referral, booking or claim number does not mean that the third party has accepted liability.

Unless Footprints Podiatry Tasmania expressly agrees otherwise in writing, the patient remains responsible for fees where the third party:

• has not approved the service;
• delays a decision or payment;
• rejects or disputes the claim;
• limits the amount payable;
• determines that a service or product is not covered;
• withdraws approval;
• exhausts an approved funding limit;
• requires information that has not been provided; or
• otherwise fails to pay the account.

Where a third-party claim is denied or remains unpaid, we may invoice the patient directly. This is consistent with the responsibility for rejected third-party accounts already stated in your intake form.

 

12. Cancellations, rescheduling and non-attendance

We require at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Notice should be provided during clinic opening hours using an approved contact method. A message left outside opening hours may be treated as received when the clinic next opens.

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur a fee of up to the full scheduled consultation fee.

Appointments missed without notice may incur a fee of up to the full scheduled consultation fee.

In deciding whether to charge a fee, management may consider:

• the amount of notice provided;
• whether the appointment could be offered to another patient;
• the length or type of appointment;
• previous late cancellations or non-attendance;
• exceptional or unavoidable circumstances; and
• any applicable funding rules.

Cancellation fees are generally not claimable from Medicare or private health insurance and may not be payable by a third-party funder. Where this occurs, the patient may be personally responsible.

Repeated late cancellations or missed appointments may result in:

• advance payment being required;
• online booking being restricted;
• appointments being offered only on the day; or
• non-urgent services being discontinued.

 

13. Appointment reminders

We may send appointment confirmations and reminders by SMS, email or telephone as a courtesy.

Patients remain responsible for remembering and attending their appointments even where:

• a reminder is not received;
• contact details are incorrect;
• a message is delayed;
• a device or service is unavailable; or
• the reminder is sent to an authorised representative.

Failure to receive a reminder does not automatically waive a cancellation or non-attendance fee.

 

14. Consent to assessment and treatment

Treatment is provided on the basis of informed consent.

Before a material new assessment, treatment or procedure, the podiatrist will explain relevant information, which may include:

• the proposed treatment;
• expected benefits;
• material risks and possible adverse effects;
• reasonable alternatives;
• likely costs; and
• the consequences of declining treatment.

Patients may ask questions, decline a treatment or withdraw consent at any time.

General acceptance of these Terms and Conditions does not replace procedure-specific consent where additional consent is clinically or legally appropriate.

No treatment can be guaranteed to produce a particular outcome.

 

15. Children and patients requiring substitute decision-making

A child or young person should generally attend with a parent, legal guardian or other person authorised to assist with consent and care decisions.

Consent arrangements will depend on:

• the patient’s age;
• maturity and understanding;
• the nature and risk of the proposed care;
• applicable law; and
• any relevant guardianship or authority documents.

A parent or guardian making a booking confirms that they have authority to provide relevant information and make or assist with healthcare decisions.

Where a patient cannot provide informed consent, we may require evidence of the authority of a guardian, substitute decision-maker or representative.

 

16. Patient responsibilities

Patients and their representatives are expected to:

• provide complete and accurate health information;
• disclose relevant medical conditions, allergies and medications;
• advise us of changes to their health or treatment;
• tell the podiatrist if instructions are not understood;
• follow agreed care and review recommendations;
• advise us promptly of adverse reactions or concerns;
• provide relevant referral and funding documentation;
• treat staff and other patients respectfully; and
• pay applicable fees when due.

Clinical decisions depend on the information available. Footprints Podiatry Tasmania is not responsible for consequences caused by information being withheld, materially inaccurate or not updated, except to the extent responsibility cannot lawfully be excluded.

 

17. Communication with other people involved in your care

Where reasonably necessary for treatment, continuity of care, funding or clinical safety, we may communicate with relevant people or organisations, including:

• your GP;
• medical specialists;
• other allied health practitioners;
• pathology or imaging services;
• orthotic laboratories;
• hospitals or health services;
• residential or community-care providers;
• insurers and funding organisations; and
• authorised family members, guardians or representatives.

Information will be limited to what is reasonably necessary and handled in accordance with privacy law and our Privacy Policy.

Your intake form presently includes consent for treatment-related communication with relevant third parties, including a patient’s GP.

 

18. Clinical photography, imaging and recordings

Clinical photographs, videos or other images are separate from general treatment consent.

 

With your specific consent, we may photograph or record:

• wounds or skin conditions;
• feet or lower limbs;
• gait or movement;
• footwear;
• orthotic fitting, positioning or modifications;
• treatment progress; or
• other clinically relevant findings.

Images may be collected for:

• clinical documentation;
• assessment and diagnosis;
• monitoring progress;
• treatment planning;
• orthotic prescription or manufacture;
• clinical review; or
• communication with another provider involved in your care.

Clinical images form part of the patient’s confidential health record and will be stored and handled accordingly.

We will obtain separate, express consent before using an identifiable patient image for:

• teaching or professional education;
• research;
• conferences or presentations;
• publication;
• advertising or promotional materials;
• our website; or
• social media.

Refusing consent for education, publication or promotional use will not affect your clinical care.

Even where an image is intended to be de-identified, we will consider whether the patient could reasonably be identified from distinctive features or contextual information. OAIC guidance states that patient images used in providing a health service are sensitive health information where the person is reasonably identifiable, and appropriate consent and security measures are ordinarily required.

Patients may withdraw consent for future optional use. Withdrawal may not be able to reverse use that has already lawfully occurred, including material that has already been published or distributed.

 

19. Patient photography and recording of consultations

Patients, visitors and accompanying persons must not photograph, video-record or audio-record:

• a consultation;
• a practitioner or staff member;
• another patient;
• clinical records; or
• any area where privacy may reasonably be expected,

without prior permission.

A request to record a consultation will be considered having regard to consent, privacy, clinical safety and the rights of everyone present.

Unauthorised recording may result in the consultation being stopped.

 

20. Telehealth and telephone consultations

Some services may be offered by telephone, video or another virtual-care method where clinically appropriate.

Virtual care does not replace face-to-face assessment in every circumstance. Registered practitioners must assess whether virtual care is safe, suitable and clinically appropriate, and the same professional expectations apply as for face-to-face care.

By participating in a telehealth consultation, you acknowledge that:

• examination may be limited without physical attendance;
• some conditions and treatments are unsuitable for telehealth;
• an in-person consultation, investigation or referral may be required;
• technical problems may interrupt or prevent the consultation;
• electronic systems cannot be guaranteed to be entirely free from privacy or security risk;
• you should participate from a private, safe and appropriately lit location;
• you must not participate while driving or operating equipment;
• you must disclose who else is present; and
• neither party may record the consultation without prior consent.

We may confirm the patient’s identity, current location and an emergency contact at the beginning of a telehealth consultation.

If technology failure prevents a clinically adequate consultation, we may continue by telephone, reschedule the appointment or recommend face-to-face care. Fees may still apply for clinical services already provided.

Medicare and third-party rebates for telehealth depend on applicable eligibility and billing requirements and are not guaranteed.

Telehealth is not an emergency service. For urgent or life-threatening conditions, contact emergency services or attend an appropriate emergency or urgent-care service.

 

21. Custom foot orthoses

Custom foot orthoses are individually prescribed devices based on clinical assessment. They may be manufactured or modified specifically for the patient.

Clinical outcomes vary. We do not guarantee that orthoses will:

• completely relieve symptoms;
• prevent recurrence;
• avoid the need for other treatment;
• fit every type of footwear; or
• remain appropriate indefinitely.

The effectiveness and tolerance of orthoses can be affected by:

• footwear;
• activity;
• adaptation;
• changes in health, weight or function;
• compliance with wearing instructions;
• progression of the underlying condition; and
• normal wear.

Custom Orthotic Deposits

Where a deposit is required prior to scanning, 3D capture, or manufacturing custom orthoses, this deposit becomes non-refundable once custom laboratory fabrication or manufacturing has commenced, subject to your non-excludable rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

Change of mind

Because custom orthoses are individually prescribed and manufactured, a patient is not ordinarily entitled to a refund merely because they:

• change their mind;
• decide not to use the orthoses;
• do not follow fitting or adaptation instructions;
• fail to return for fitting or review; or
• wish to use the devices in unsuitable footwear.

This does not exclude any remedy available under the Australian Consumer Law.

Fitting and adaptation

Patients should attend their prescribed fitting and review appointments and follow the recommended wearing-in program.

An adaptation period may be expected. Mild or temporary soreness does not necessarily indicate that the device is defective or unsuitable.

Patients should stop using the orthoses and contact the clinic promptly if they experience significant pain, skin damage, persistent discomfort or another unexpected problem.

Sixty-day adjustment period

Concerns about comfort, fit or function should be reported within 60 days of fitting.

Where clinically appropriate, reasonable minor adjustments identified during this period may be provided without an additional orthotic-modification fee.

The 60-day adjustment period:

• begins on the fitting date;
• applies to adjustments considered clinically appropriate by the podiatrist;
• does not include replacement due to loss, misuse, accidental damage, unauthorised alteration, material footwear changes or significant changes in the patient’s condition;
• does not include consultations, investigations or major redesign unless expressly stated; and
• does not limit rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

Concerns raised after the adjustment period may require a review appointment and may attract consultation, modification, refurbishment or replacement fees.

Consumer guarantees

A blanket “no refunds” term cannot remove consumer-guarantee rights. Where goods or services fail to meet an applicable consumer guarantee, remedies may include rectification, repair, replacement, refund or compensation depending on the nature of the failure.

 

22. Nail surgery, procedures and other treatment plans

Some procedures require separate written or recorded consent.

Procedure-specific information may include:

• expected benefits;
• material risks;
• post-procedure requirements;
• healing expectations;
• activity restrictions;
• possible need for further treatment; and
• applicable fees.

Payment of a deposit or acceptance of a treatment plan does not replace informed clinical consent.

If a planned procedure becomes clinically inappropriate, it may be postponed, modified or cancelled.

 

23. Footwear and retail products

Footwear and other retail products should be selected with regard to fit, intended use and clinical requirements.

Patients should check fit and condition before using products outside the clinic.

Change-of-mind returns may be accepted only in accordance with the clinic’s returns policy and generally require that the product is:

• unworn;
• unmarked;
• in saleable condition;
• in its original packaging; and
• accompanied by proof of purchase.

For hygiene and safety reasons, some products may not be returnable for change of mind.

Nothing in this section excludes rights under the Australian Consumer Law. Consumer guarantees cannot be removed by a business’s returns policy.

 

24. Gift vouchers

Where gift vouchers are offered:

• the value and expiry date will be stated on or supplied with the voucher;
• conditions and restrictions will be disclosed at purchase;
• appointments remain subject to availability;
• vouchers may not be exchanged for cash except where required by law;
• any amount exceeding the voucher value must be paid by the patient;
• loss or theft should be reported promptly; and
• replacement will depend on proof of purchase and our ability to verify the unused balance.

Gift cards covered by the Australian Consumer Law must generally be redeemable for at least three years after supply, subject to statutory exceptions.

Unless marked otherwise, a standard dollar-value gift voucher may be transferred to another person.

A voucher issued for a clinically prescribed or patient-specific service may require reassessment and may not be transferable where the service would be unsuitable for the recipient.

 

25. Prepaid services and packages

Where prepaid packages are offered:

• the included services, price, expiry and conditions will be stated at purchase;
• booking remains subject to clinical suitability and availability;
• the cancellation policy applies to appointments booked under the package;
• missed appointments may be deducted from the package where permitted and disclosed;
• packages may not be transferred without written agreement; and
• unused value is not redeemable for cash except where required by law.

Prepayment does not guarantee that every planned service will remain clinically appropriate.

If a practitioner recommends discontinuing treatment on clinical grounds, we will deal fairly with any unused prepaid amount, having regard to services already provided, non-recoverable costs and the Australian Consumer Law.

 

26. Privacy and health information

We collect, use, disclose, store and protect personal and health information in accordance with applicable privacy law and our Privacy Policy.

Please read our Privacy Policy.

Private allied-health providers are covered by the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles when handling patients’ health information.

 

27. Access to and correction of health information

Patients may request access to, or correction of, personal and health information held by Footprints Podiatry Tasmania.

We may require:

• a written request;
• proof of identity;
• authority from a representative; and
• sufficient information to identify the requested records.

Reasonable administrative charges may apply where permitted, but will not be excessive or used to discourage a request.

Access may be refused or limited only where permitted by law. If access is refused, we will ordinarily provide written reasons and information about available complaint mechanisms.

Australian privacy law gives patients a general right to request access to health information held by a private health service provider.

 

28. Retention and destruction of health records

We retain clinical and administrative records for at least the minimum period required by:

• applicable law;
• professional and registration standards;
• funding or contractual requirements;
• insurance requirements; and
• our record-retention policy.

 

Where no specific statutory period applies, records may be retained for longer where reasonably necessary for:

• continuity of care;
• future clinical reference;
• patient safety;
• clinical governance;
• insurance;
• complaint management; or
• legal purposes.

As an internal minimum, Footprints Podiatry Tasmania may generally retain:

• an adult patient’s clinical record for at least seven years after the last clinical entry; and
• records created while a patient was a child until at least the patient’s 25th birthday,

subject to any longer requirement or reasonable clinical or legal need.

This is stated as a clinic retention policy rather than as a definitive description of a specific Tasmanian statutory retention period applying to all private podiatry records.

When records are no longer required, they will be securely destroyed or permanently de-identified.

 

29. My Health Record

Where Footprints Podiatry Tasmania participates in the My Health Record system, authorised staff may access or upload relevant information in accordance with applicable legislation, system requirements and clinic policy.

Patients can manage access controls within their My Health Record. We will not refuse healthcare merely because a patient has restricted access to their My Health Record.

My Health Record is not necessarily a complete clinical record. Footprints Podiatry Tasmania will maintain its own records of services provided.

 

30. Accessibility and reasonable assistance

Our clinics have street-level access, with accessible parking available nearby.

Please contact our Support Team before attending if you:

• use a wheelchair or mobility aid;
• require assistance entering or moving within the clinic;
• require an interpreter;
• have hearing, vision, communication or cognitive needs;
• attend with an assistance animal;
• require a support person; or
• need another reasonable adjustment.

We will discuss your needs and make reasonable arrangements where practicable.

Patients should confirm any specific access requirement with us before attending, as the accessibility of nearby parking and external public areas may be outside our control.

 

31. Infectious illness

Please contact us before attending if you have symptoms of a potentially infectious illness, including significant respiratory symptoms, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or a known communicable infection.

Depending on the circumstances, we may:

• reschedule the appointment;
• arrange precautions;
• offer telehealth where suitable; or
• recommend another service.

This helps protect patients, staff and vulnerable members of the community.

 

32. Urgent conditions and emergencies

Online booking and routine podiatry appointments are not emergency services.

Patients should seek urgent medical assistance where appropriate, including for:

• significant trauma or suspected fracture;
• uncontrolled bleeding;
• rapidly spreading infection;
• sudden loss of circulation;
• acute neurological symptoms;
• severe systemic illness;
• rapidly deteriorating wounds;
• suspected acute Charcot neuroarthropathy; or
• another potentially serious or life-threatening condition.

If you have an open wound, ulcer or significant infection, contact the clinic so that your needs can be triaged rather than relying solely on routine online booking.

In an emergency, call 000 or attend an appropriate emergency department.

 

33. Clinical suitability and right to decline or discontinue services

Footprints Podiatry Tasmania may decline, defer, modify or discontinue a service where:

• the requested service is not clinically indicated;
• the service is outside the practitioner’s scope, competence or available facilities;
• the treatment cannot be provided safely;
• a medical, surgical, emergency or other specialist assessment is more appropriate;
• necessary information or informed consent has not been provided;
• required referral, approval or funding documentation is absent;
• continued treatment is unlikely to provide reasonable clinical benefit;
• the patient repeatedly does not follow essential safety instructions;
• accounts remain unpaid despite reasonable attempts to resolve them;
• repeated non-attendance prevents effective care;
• the therapeutic relationship has irretrievably broken down; or
• behaviour creates an unacceptable risk to staff, patients or safe service delivery.

 

Where reasonably practicable and clinically appropriate, we will:

• explain the decision;
• address immediate clinical risks;
• provide reasonable notice; and
• suggest an alternative provider, service or referral pathway.

Services will not be refused unlawfully or on the basis of a protected attribute.

 

34. Respectful behaviour and workplace safety

Footprints Podiatry Tasmania is committed to a safe, respectful, inclusive and culturally appropriate environment.

We do not tolerate:

• abuse or aggressive language;
• threats or intimidation;
• violence or attempted violence;
• harassment, including sexual harassment;
• discrimination or vilification;
• bullying;
• deliberate damage to property;
• unauthorised recording;
• repeated unreasonable demands;
• deliberate interference with clinical or administrative processes; or
• behaviour that places staff, patients or visitors at risk.

This standard applies:

• in person;
• by telephone;
• by email or SMS;
• through social media;
• through online booking;
• during home or community visits; and
• in communication with any member of our team.

 

Depending on the seriousness of the conduct, we may:

• set reasonable communication boundaries;
• end a telephone call or consultation;
• require a support person or other safety arrangement;
• request that a person leave;
• restrict contact or online booking;
• decline non-urgent future services;
• contact a funding or referring organisation;
• issue a formal warning; or
• contact police or another authority.

Immediate action may be taken where there is a serious safety risk.

 

35. Complaints and feedback

We welcome feedback and aim to address concerns fairly, respectfully and promptly.

A patient may make a complaint:

• verbally;
• by telephone;
• by email; or
• in writing.

Complaints should initially be directed to our Support Team or Practice Management. Please provide sufficient information for us to investigate the concern and respond appropriately.

Making a complaint will not adversely affect a patient’s right to appropriate care.

We may:

• acknowledge the complaint;
• request further information;
• review relevant records;
• speak with involved team members;
• explain our findings; and
• propose an appropriate response or resolution.

Patients are not required to complete our internal process before contacting an external complaint body.

A person may contact:

• the Health Complaints Commissioner Tasmania healthcomplaints.tas.gov.au regarding a complaint about a Tasmanian health service; or
• the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) / Podiatry Board of Australia: ahpra.gov.au, including for concerns regarding the conduct, health or performance of a registered podiatrist.

36. Feedback surveys and non-essential communications

After an appointment, we may invite patients to complete a feedback survey. Participation is voluntary.

By providing contact details, patients agree that we may contact them about:

• appointments and recalls;
• treatment-related information;
• referrals and reports;
• invoices and accounts;
• product orders;
• service updates;
• patient information; and
• feedback surveys.

Patients may opt out of non-essential or promotional communications at any time.

Opting out does not prevent us from sending communications reasonably necessary for treatment, safety, accounts or appointment administration.

 

37. Personal property

Patients and visitors remain responsible for their personal property while attending our clinics.

Footprints Podiatry Tasmania is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property except where loss or damage was caused by our failure to exercise reasonable care or where responsibility cannot lawfully be excluded.

 

38. Website information

Information provided on our website, social media, newsletters or patient information resources is general information only.

It:

• is not individual medical advice;
• does not establish a practitioner–patient relationship;
• should not be used to diagnose or treat a condition without professional assessment; and
• may not apply to an individual’s circumstances.

Patients should obtain personalised advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

While we take reasonable care to keep information accurate and current, healthcare information may change over time.

 

39. External websites and third-party links

Our website may contain links to websites, products or services operated by third parties, including:

• government agencies;
• health insurers;
• funding organisations;
• footwear brands and suppliers;
• professional associations; and
• other health services.

Links are provided for convenience and general information.

Unless expressly stated, a link does not mean that Footprints Podiatry Tasmania:

• controls the external website;
• endorses every statement, product or service;
• guarantees the accuracy or availability of the content; or
• accepts responsibility for the third party’s privacy, security or business practices.

Patients access external websites at their own discretion and should review the relevant terms and privacy policy.

 

40. Intellectual property

Unless otherwise stated, website content developed by Footprints Podiatry Tasmania, including text, graphics, branding, patient information and downloadable resources, is owned by or licensed to Footprints Podiatry Tasmania.

Content may be viewed or downloaded for personal, non-commercial use.

It must not be reproduced, republished, modified, commercially exploited or distributed without permission, except as permitted by law.

 

41. Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies:

• a consumer guarantee;
• a right or remedy;
• liability that cannot lawfully be excluded; or
• any other protection available under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation.

Our goods and services come with consumer guarantees that cannot be excluded. Depending on the circumstances, a failure to comply with a consumer guarantee may entitle a consumer to rectification, repair, replacement, refund, cancellation or compensation.

Any clinic adjustment period, warranty, returns policy or change-of-mind policy applies in addition to—not instead of—those rights.

 

42. Changes to these Terms and Conditions

We may amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time to reflect changes in:

• our services;
• clinic procedures;
• funding arrangements;
• professional requirements; or
• applicable law.

The current version will be published on our website with its effective date.

The version in effect when an appointment or purchase is made will generally apply to that appointment or purchase, subject to any legal or clinical requirement that applies immediately.

 

43. Severability

If any part of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, that provision will be read down to the extent necessary or removed.

The remaining provisions will continue to apply.

 

44. Governing law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Tasmania and the applicable laws of the Commonwealth of Australia.

 

45. Contact details

Footprints Podiatry Tasmania

Burnie Clinic
127a Wilson Street, Burnie, TAS 7320

Ulverstone Clinic
56 Alexandra Road, Ulverstone, TAS 7315

Telephone: (03) 6425 7333
Email: appointments@footprintspodiatry.com
Website: footprintspodiatry.com.au

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For complaints, please contact:
Practice Management: admin@footprintspodiatry.com

Sources             

• Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)
• Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
• Services Australia (Services Australia)