In cases where the podiatrist prescribes a surgical appliance for a claimant, the podiatrist shall notify the employer or carrier of the need for such appliance and direct the claimant to the employer or carrier for the purpose of securing from said employer or carrier authorization for the purchase of such appliance before the same is furnished to the claimant by the appliance dealer. Such appliance also may be furnished by the podiatrist who is in charge of the case or by a podiatrist who is not in charge of the case upon certification of need by the attending podiatrist or by the physician having supervision of the case. If the appliance is furnished by a podiatrist who is not in charge of the case, neither the podiatrist or physician in charge of the case nor the podiatrist furnishing the appliance shall directly or indirectly request, receive, or participate in the division, transference, assignment, rebating, splitting or refunding of the fee or price for, or directly or indirectly request, receive or profit by means of a credit or other valuable consideration as a commission, discount or gratuity in connection with the furnishing of, such appliance.