Resources for Australian Podiatrists

Could your podiatry website be breaching Ahpra advertising rules?

Identify potential issues fast with our free audit tool.

Understand the Ahpra advertising requirements that apply to podiatry websites, with real examples of common compliance issues and a free AI-powered audit designed to review your website.
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Why podiatrists specifically?

Most podiatry advertising issues don't start with bad intentions

Podiatry advertising in Australia is governed by the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and regulated by the Podiatry Board of Australia and Ahpra.

If your website contains unsupported treatment claims, clinical testimonial content, or language that suggests specific outcomes can be expected from treatment, you may be at risk of breaching these advertising requirements. Compliance breaches can be reported by anyone, and significant penalties may apply where advertising is found to be non-compliant.
Podiatrist performing foot examination in a clinical setting.

The practical reality.

In many cases, the content that creates problems was originally written to educate patients or promote services. Marketing language can very easily drift into territory that creates unrealistic expectations, overstates the benefits of treatment, or makes claims that are difficult to substantiate. What reads as helpful information to a practice owner may be interpreted very differently by a regulator.
Demonstrating that your website content has been reviewed and that obvious risks have been addressed can be an important part of responding to concerns if they arise. This guide and audit tool are designed to help you take that first step.
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The Five Rules

What Ahpra actually checks for on a podiatry website

These are the five advertising prohibitions under Section 133 of the National Law, written for podiatrists and illustrated with examples commonly found on podiatry websites.
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Information should be accurate, supported and not misleading (Section 133(1)(A))

Patients rely on podiatry websites to understand conditions, treatment options and practitioner expertise. Advertising can become misleading not only when information is incorrect, but also when claims overstate the benefits of treatment, make implications of a superior service that cannot be substantiated, or create an impression that is not supported by evidence.

Likely breach

"We heal plantar fasciitis."

Better wording

“We provide assessment and treatment for plantar fasciitis, with management tailored to each individual's needs and circumstances.”

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Offers and incentives must be explained clearly (Section 133(1)(B))

Discounts, introductory consultations and promotional offers can be advertised, but patients must be given enough information to understand exactly what is being offered. Important terms, conditions, eligibility requirements and exclusions must be clearly disclosed.

Likely breach

“New patient special — only $49!” with no explanation of what is included.

Better wording

“Initial podiatry consultation $49 (normally $110). Includes full history, biomechanical assessment and personalised treatment plan. Available to new patients only until 31 December 2026.”

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Testimonials remain one of the most common advertising breaches (Section 133(1)(C))

Ahpra prohibits the use of testimonials that refer to a clinical aspect of a regulated health service. This includes reviews, patient comments and responses from practitioners that discuss symptoms, diagnoses, treatment experiences or outcomes. The rule applies to testimonials displayed on any platform controlled by the practice, including your website, marketing materials, and social media content.

Likely breach

★★★★★ “After years of heel pain, I can finally walk comfortably again thanks to this clinic.”

Better wording

General non-clinical feedback relating to customer service, communication, appointment scheduling or parking can be used.

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Advertising should not create unrealistic expectations (Section 133(1)(D))

Patients should be able to make informed decisions based on balanced information. Advertising should not guarantee results, imply that treatment will be successful for everyone, or suggest that outcomes are predictable when they may vary significantly between individuals.

Likely breach

“Guaranteed relief from foot pain."

Better wording

"We provide assessment and treatment tailored to your individual circumstances."

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Marketing should not encourage unnecessary treatment (Section 133(1)(E))

Advertising should help patients understand when podiatry services may be appropriate, without creating pressure to seek treatment unnecessarily. Fear-based messaging, blanket treatment recommendations and promotions that encourage attendance regardless of clinical need can all create compliance concerns.

Likely breach

“EBook a podiatry check-up every month to keep your feet healthy."

Better wording

"The frequency of podiatry appointments depends on an individual's needs, health status and treatment goals."

Free site audit

Check your website for common compliance issues

Enter the URL of the page you’d like reviewed. The tool will scan the content for potential advertising compliance issues, highlight sections that may create risk under Ahpra’s advertising requirements, and provide practical recommendations to help you improve the wording.

Audit your podiatrist website

Takes about 15 seconds. We don't store your URL or send you anything unless you ask us to.

Tailored to podiatrists

The AI is briefed on guidance from Ahpra and the Podiatry Board of Australia, helping it identify advertising risks commonly found on podiatry websites.

Designed for self-assessment

We don't report issues to Ahpra. The purpose of the tool is to help podiatry practices identify potential advertising concerns and address them proactively.

Guidance, not legal advice

Where interpretation is unclear or a claim may be contentious, we recommend seeking advice from your professional indemnity insurer or a suitably qualified regulatory lawyer.

About this tool. Built as a self-assessment aid based on the Ahpra Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service, section 133 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, and published guidance from the Podiatry Board of Australia. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee compliance. For formal advice, consult your professional indemnity insurer or a regulatory lawyer. Official Ahpra resources are available at ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Advertising-hub.

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We’ll review where your practice is today, where you want to go and what a structured, compliant approach could look like.

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