What should you expect from your initial consultation?
At your initial visit your physiotherapist will perform a thorough physical assessment enabling them to diagnose your condition. Once your condition has been diagnosed your physiotherapist will then explain it to you and specific treatment will be recommended and commenced to help solve your problem. This process is likely to take between 30 – 60 minutes depending on complexity.
What qualifications will my physiotherapist have?
Physiotherapists undergo an intensive 4-year university course to attain a degree in physiotherapy, which specifically trains us to be experts in the assessment and treatment of all musculoskeletal conditions (ie bones, muscles, ligaments and nerve). We study anatomy and physiology to a standard similar to Doctors. Physiotherapists also traditionally work very closely with Doctors and Medical Specialists in mainstream medicine, and undertake regular education to ensure that we stay up to date with the latest research and treatment techniques.
Do I need a Doctor’s referral to make an appointment?
A Doctor’s referral is welcome but not necessary if you are attending one of our clinics as a private patient. You do however require a referral from your Doctor if your problem is related to a workplace injury, motor vehicle accident, or if you are a Veterans’ Affairs patient.
Do I receive a rebate for physiotherapy treatment from my Private Health Insurance Fund?
If you are in a Private health Insurance Fund and are covered for Ancillary Cover or “extras’’ then you will be eligible to receive a rebate. Currently there is only limited funding for treatment of chronic conditions via Medicare.
If I am covered by my Private Health Insurance Fund how do I claim for my treatment?
At our clinics we use an electronic payments and claiming system called HICAP’s. This system allows you to automatically claim your rebate from your Health Fund immediately following your treatment. All you need is to present your Health Fund Card to one of our receptionists who instantly process your claim. Once this is completed all you are required to do is pay the ‘gap amount’ (the difference between the treatment fee and the rebate you received from the Health Fund). This can be paid with cash, cheque, credit card or EFTPOS.
Is physiotherapy covered by Medicare?
There are some provisions for limited physiotherapy costs to be covered under Medicare. To find out all necessary details ask your GP or contact us for more information.
