Cost of living – Insights so far
Note: This report reflects 116 survey responses and was last updated on Wednesday 16 April 2026.
Overview
Thank you to everyone who shared their experience. With a larger response base than earlier updates, this report confirms many of the patterns already emerging, while also highlighting where pressures are beginning to translate into more substantial changes for practices.
The insights below bring together what you told us across all survey questions, combining narrative feedback with high‑level patterns to reflect how podiatrists and their patients are being affected by the current cost‑of‑living environment.
Key takeaways
Cost pressures remain significant: patient affordability and rising practice expenses continue to affect day‑to‑day operations.
Adaptation is becoming normal: many podiatrists are actively adjusting how they work, rather than holding steady.
Experiences vary widely: some practices remain stable, while others are facing uncertainty or making difficult changes.
The conversation is ongoing: there is no single experience - and no single solution.
Who responded
To help provide context for the insights that follow, this section summarises who took part in the survey. Responses came from a mix of practice owners, employees and contractors, with most identifying as APodA members.
How are things tracking in your practice?
When asked to reflect on how things are tracking overall - taking into account cost‑of‑living pressures, patient affordability and the cost of doing business - around one‑third of respondents described their practice as steady for now. The largest group, however, reported noticing shifts that require adjustment, while a smaller but important proportion described feeling uncertain or actively changing how they operate.
What changes are you noticing in practice and with patients?
What colleagues are experiencing
- More patients are delaying, cancelling or spacing out appointments due to cost pressures.
- Travel costs, particularly fuel, are affecting both patient attendance and staff logistics.
- Spending on orthoses, footwear and other non‑urgent items is declining.
- Practice costs continue to rise, including consumables, insurance, fuel, freight and administration.
- Some practices are downsizing, relocating or reconsidering service offerings rather than taking on additional debt.
- Recruitment and retention of podiatrists is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in regional or high‑cost areas.
- There is growing concern that current funding and pricing models (including Support‑at‑Home) do not reflect the real cost of care delivery.
- Questions about retirement, succession and long‑term viability are surfacing more often.
In your words
“Significant decline in patient numbers and average patient spend.”
“Some patients are not able to afford to travel to attend appointments.”
“Our greatest problem is getting staff – the cost of housing locally is so high we can’t get any job applicants.”
How are podiatrists adapting right now?
What’s working (or helping a bit)
- Adjusting fees and, in some cases, adding travel or fuel surcharges.
- Being firmer about cancellations and offering payment plans for higher‑cost items.
- Reducing consumable use and rethinking service delivery, including limiting home visits or trialling telehealth.
- Using informal peer networks (such as small WhatsApp groups) to share information and support.
- Improving efficiency through tighter scheduling, supply ordering and travel planning.
In your words
“Put up our fees to reflect increased costs to us.”
“Offering people payment plans for orthotics.”
“We are having to limit home‑based services… to provide efficiencies.”
What would be useful for you right now?
What you're are asking for
- Reduced administrative burden: simpler, clearer processes with NDIS, Support‑at‑Home and other third‑party providers.
- Practical business guidance: support with fee setting, cost calculation, contracts, AI and telehealth.
- Fairer funding and rebates: Medicare, aged care and disability pricing that reflects real costs.
- Workforce support: help with recruitment, retention, succession and regional workforce challenges.
- Connection and peer support: opportunities to stay connected and reduce professional isolation.
- Advocacy and visibility: a strong, clear voice for podiatry with government and the public.
In your words
“Some guidance on how to calculate & set fees.”
“Continued networking opportunities to stay connected.”
“Help to reduce the administration required when dealing with NDIS and aged care providers.”
Anything else you want us to know?
What’s sitting underneath
- A growing sense of fatigue and concern about long‑term sustainability.
- Worries about workforce supply and the future pipeline of podiatrists.
- Concern for new graduates entering practice in a challenging environment.
- Recognition that patients are also under increasing financial pressure.
- Some respondents indicating they had nothing further to add, reflecting varied experiences.
In your words
“It’s inevitable and very difficult to see a way forward at the moment.”
“Private practice ain’t what it used to be.”
“We need more podiatrists, particularly in rural and regional areas.”
Where to from here?
This snapshot reflects a wide range of experiences - from practices that feel steady for now, to those navigating significant change. It’s clear that many podiatrists are adapting in practical ways, while also looking for guidance, clarity and connection.
This is not the end of the conversation. Your feedback will continue to inform our advocacy, planning and member support. If you see your experience reflected here - or if you feel something is missing - we encourage you to keep the dialogue going.
If you haven't provided your input yet, you can do so here: Your practice, your patients, your perspective.