DO I NEED A DOCTORS REFERRAL TO SEE A PHYSIOTHERAPIST?
No, generally you do not need a doctors referral to see a physiotherapist.
However, in circumstances where an injury relates to a Third Party Insurance claim (Workcover, Motor Vehicle Accident, DVA) a referral from your GP is necessary.
WHAT ARE YOUR BILLING ARRANGEMENTS?
Fees are payable at the time of consultation by cash, EFTPOS, or credit card.
We are able to directly bill Worker's Compensation and Third Party Compensation Claims, once the required information (claim number, case manager, insurance company) is provided to reception staff.
We also provide treatment for Medicare Allied Health Care patients, However the account needs to be paid in full and then we the rebate is returned to your account from Medicare.
HOW LONG DO APPOINTMENTS TAKE?
Our appointment times are very generous as we respect the importance of your condition and pride ourselves on listening to you and providing the education you need to become involved in your management.
Initial Musculoskeletal consultations may take up to 40 minutes and Subsequent Consultations up to 30 minutes. Pelvic Health Conditions are more complex, and for initial consultations and pessary fitting appointmtnts we allow 60mins with review appointments between 30-40mins
If it has been longer then 12 months since you last attended an initial consultation may be necessary to capture any changes in your condition and health.
Longer consultations are available in the event of complex conditions or multiple areas of injury. This enables an appropriate amount of time to be spent on each condition. Speak to our reception staff if you feel this may be necessary.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Wear loose comfortable clothing. If you have a foot or lower limb condition it can be a good idea to bring your sports shoes so they can be reviewed too.
If you have previously been provided with braces/supports bring these so that we can assess their suitability for your condition.
If you have any written reports following investigations such as X-rays, Ultrasounds, CT or MRI scans (which are relevant to your injury) please bring them along
If you have private health insurance and plan to use this, please bring your membership card with you
Full payment of account on the day is required. Gap payment is required for Allied Health Plans (medicare) payment of which is required at the appointment.
CAN I USE MY HEALTH FUND?
Yes, if you have physiotherapy extras cover . You can claim the rebate at your appointment by swiping your card through the HICAPS machine.
DO YOU CHARGE A FEE FOR LATE CANCELLATION OR NON ATTENDANCE.
Potentially. The clinic is very busy and has a waiting list. We offer an SMS or email reminder service which will remind you 24 hours ahead of your scheduled appointment time. If you are unable to attend, please call the clinic to provide 24 hours notice of your cancellation. We understand that work, family, illness may not give you 24 hours notice, but if repeated appointments are missed without due notice, we reserve the right to charge 50% of the billable rate.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT A TYPICAL PHYSIOTHERAPY APPOINTMENT?
No one appointment is ever the same as somebody else's. Each person's history, condition and needs are assessed on an individual basis. However, a typical session includes;
1. Discussion with your therapist about your injury/condition, the history associated with this and what your goals of physiotherapy are.
2. The physiotherapist will assess your injury by observing your posture, movement, strength and use clinical techniques to accurately diagnose the structure or at fault movement pattern
3. Provision of treatment, which may include hands on therapy, dry needling, taping, or soft tissue mobilisation relevant to your condition
4. Discussion of lifestyle factors which may have contributed to your injury. This can help in managing the condition and preventing recurrence.
5. Provision of exercises which aim to protect the healing structures, improve strength co-ordination or flexibility as indicated from the examination. 6. Discussion re goal setting and future treatment requirements as necessary.
6. Provision of exercises which aim to protect the healing structures, improve strength co-ordination or flexibility as indicated from the examination.