Running a successful podiatry practice in Australia involves more than just providing excellent patient care. It requires effective business management, compliance with regulations, and keeping updated on industry standards.
Here’s a detailed guide that lists essential resources available, with useful links and explanations of their benefits.
Members of the Australian Podiatry Association will already be aware of the resources and support available to them as podiatrists – and as business owners, whether sole traders or company owners.
From the Member Assistance Program, clinical resources, advocacy representation, human resources support, insurance cover and advice, through to Journal Club, Special Interest Groups, member-only social media forums, classified listings, legal insights, CPD, Career Framework pathways, webinars, events, patient resources, and online tools. The APodA has plenty of resources, specifically for podiatrists, alongside real-time advice when you most need it.
How it can help you: Business.gov.au is a comprehensive portal designed to support business management and regulatory compliance. It offers tools and templates to help with business planning, financial management, and understanding legal obligations. This is especially useful for new practice owners or those looking to optimise current operations.
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How it can help you: The ATO provides essential information on tax responsibilities, deductions, and financial management. This helps podiatrists navigate GST, income tax, and other financial matters, ensuring compliance and optimizing financial practices.
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How it can help you: Supported by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) in each state and territory, the Podiatry Board of Australia has established a Registration and Notification Committee to make decisions about registration and notifications matters where the Board has delegated powers under the National Law.
In addition to setting the Code of Conduct, the Podiatry Board of Australia (PBA) registers podiatrists and students; develops standards, codes and guidelines for the podiatry profession; handles notifications, complaints, investigations and disciplinary hearings; assesses overseas trained practitioners who wish to practice in Australia and approves accreditation standards and accredited courses of study.
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How it can help you: The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) provides free assistance and advice on small business issues, including disputes, regulatory compliance, and navigating government processes. This resource helps podiatrists manage challenges and ensure smooth practice operations.
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How it can help you: My Business Health offers tailored advice and resources for small business owners, including health practitioners. It provides insights into business planning, financial management, and resilience.
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How it can help you: Grants and funding opportunities can provide financial support for expanding your practice, investing in new technology, or conducting research. This portal lists available grants, eligibility criteria, and application processes, helping podiatrists secure necessary funds for growth and innovation.
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How it can help you: As health data becomes increasingly digital, protecting it from cyber threats is crucial. The ACSC provides resources and guidelines to help secure your practice’s digital assets, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
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How it can help you: HealthDirect provides a range of health information resources for both practitioners and patients. For podiatrists, it offers clinical guidelines, patient education materials, and updates on health conditions and treatments, ensuring evidence-based care.
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