By the KMW Podiatry team. Last reviewed November 2026.
For many people with disability, foot health affects mobility, comfort and independence. Podiatry can sometimes be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), but how you access it depends on what is in your plan and how your funding is managed. This guide explains the basics and how KMW Podiatry works with NDIS participants in Adelaide.
Can NDIS funding be used for podiatry?
Podiatry can be funded by the NDIS as a therapy support when it is related to your disability and meets the NDIS “reasonable and necessary” criteria. Therapy supports are usually listed under Improved Daily Living Skills, a capacity building support category. According to the NDIS therapy supports guideline, podiatrists who provide NDIS therapy supports must be registered with Ahpra.
Foot care for a health condition that is not related to your disability is usually funded through the health system instead, for example through a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan with Medicare.
Examples of where podiatry may be related to a person’s disability include:
- foot pain or skin and nail problems that affect mobility or the ability to stand, walk or transfer
- difficulty with self-care of the feet and nails because of a disability
- gait, balance or footwear needs linked to a neurological or physical disability
- prescription of orthoses or advice on medical grade footwear
Whether a particular support is funded is decided by the NDIA based on your plan and circumstances.
Understanding how your plan is managed
NDIS funding can be managed in three ways, and this affects which providers you can use.
Self-managed
You manage the funding yourself, pay providers and claim from the NDIS. Self-managed participants can choose registered or unregistered providers.
Plan-managed
A plan manager pays providers on your behalf. Plan-managed participants can also choose registered or unregistered providers.
NDIA-managed (agency-managed)
The NDIA pays providers directly. Under NDIS rules, NDIA-managed funding can only be used with registered NDIS providers.
How KMW Podiatry works with NDIS participants
KMW Podiatry is not a registered NDIS provider. This means we can see plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants, but we cannot provide services paid from NDIA-managed funding. Before booking, please check:
- that podiatry or therapy supports are included in your plan and relate to your disability
- how your funding is managed
- your plan manager’s details, if you have one
Read more on our NDIS podiatry page.
Clinic or home visit?
Appointments can be at one of our clinics across Adelaide and Gawler, or through a home visit where available, which can suit people who find travelling or clinic environments difficult. Let us know about any access needs, communication preferences or support people when you book.
What happens at the first appointment?
Your podiatrist will usually:
- talk with you (and your support person, if you like) about your goals, health and daily activities
- assess your feet, skin, nails, circulation and sensation
- look at how you walk, your balance and your footwear
- provide treatment where appropriate, such as nail and skin care
- discuss a plan, which may include orthoses, footwear advice, exercises or regular reviews
Reports and plan reviews
The NDIS therapy supports guideline explains that, for capacity-building supports, participants should be able to show progress toward their goals, and providers may be asked for evidence before a plan reassessment. Your podiatrist can provide a progress report if needed. Let us know when your plan review is coming up.
What to bring
- your NDIS number and plan details, or the relevant part of your plan
- your plan manager’s contact details, if plan-managed
- a list of medicines and any relevant reports
- the shoes, orthoses or aids you use most often
- a support person, if you would like one
Frequently asked questions
Can I use NDIS funding for routine nail care?
It depends on whether the support relates to your disability and meets NDIS criteria. If you cannot safely care for your nails because of your disability, it may be considered. Your plan and the NDIA decide what is funded.
I’m NDIA-managed. Can I see KMW Podiatry?
KMW Podiatry is not a registered NDIS provider, so we cannot be paid from NDIA-managed funding. You may be able to use other options, such as a private appointment, a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan or private health extras.
Do I need a referral for NDIS podiatry?
A referral is not always required under the NDIS, but a GP letter or other reports can help explain your needs. Check your plan and talk with your plan manager or support coordinator.
Can NDIS fund orthotics or special footwear?
Orthoses and some footwear may be funded if they relate to your disability and are reasonable and necessary. Some items may need quotes or assessments before they can be funded.
Book an NDIS podiatry appointment
If you are a plan-managed or self-managed participant, book an appointment online or call 1800 962 113 and tell us how your plan is managed.
This article is general information only and is not medical or NDIS planning advice. NDIS rules change from time to time; check the NDIS website or talk with your plan manager or support coordinator for current details. KMW Podiatry’s podiatrists are registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia through Ahpra.
