Flat feet

When public outpatient services are not routinely provided

  • Child aged < 8 years with functional impairment (for example recurrent falls) as a result of flat foot
    Note: consider referral to physiotherapy
  • Flexible flat foot (i.e. arch reconstitutes on heel raise) without pain

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria

Category 2
Recommended to be seen within 90 calendar days.

  • Symptomatic flat foot (for example pain, limp, stiffness)
  • Unilateral flat foot
  • Child aged ≥ 8 years with functional impairment as a result of flat foot

Category 3
Recommended to be seen within 365 calendar days.

Ongoing concerns in a child aged < 8 years with functional impairment as a result of flat foot despite physiotherapy and parental reassurance

Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Reason for referral
  • Details of the presenting condition, including symptoms and their duration
  • Provisional diagnosis
  • Patient health summary (such as relevant medical history, relevant investigations, current medications and dosages, immunisations, allergies and/or adverse reactions), including specifically:
    • x-ray: feet – weight bearing – anterior to posterior (AP)
    • lateral and oblique views

If available

  • Nil​

Important information for referring health professionals

If there is a change to a patient’s condition while waiting for their appointment, referring health professionals may further investigate and manage the situation, or send an updated referral to the outpatient service. Where there are significant concerns about a patient's condition, referring health professionals may check HealthPathways for urgent/same day advice or contact the relevant clinical team.


 

Current as at: Monday 23 March 2026
Contact page owner: System Purchasing