1. What is physiotherapy?
Please view our dedicated page on “Physiotherapy – what is it?”
2. Do I need a GP referral to see a physio?
GP referrals are needed for all patients covered by:
- Workers’ Compensation
- Third Party
- DVA (Department of Veteran Affairs)
You cannot claim payment for your treatment from any of these payees if you do not have the required paperwork in place. You must visit your Doctor prior to seeing us, as these referrals cannot be back-dated.
DVA referrals are current for twelve months and allow you to be treated during that time, only at the practice specified on the referral. If you wish to change physiotherapy practices you must obtain a new referral from your doctor and we will notify Veteran Affairs of this change. You cannot see two different physios from different practices at the same time, but you may be treated by different physios from the same practice.
For all other consultations you do not require a referral from a GP. However if you have a referral from your GP, bring it with you to your first appointment.
3. How long are appointments?
Our appointments are scheduled 30 minutes apart. We do not double-book our patients and each physio treats only one patient at a time. We have structured our appointment schedule to allow us to treat one problem area. To treat two totally separate areas e.g. neck and ankle, a double appointment needs to be scheduled.
4. What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
Bring your:
- doctor’s referral if you are covered by Workers’ Compensation, Third Party or DVA
- all insurance details for Workers’ Compensation or Third Party claims
- current DVA card if you are covered for physiotherapy
All patients should bring:
- current private health fund card
- X-rays
- Other scans – CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Bone Scan
- GP referral, if you have one
We have more details on what to expect on your “Your First Physio Session” .
5. Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, for late cancellations or missed appointments.
As a matter of courtesy, we request that all patients who are unable to attend their scheduled appointment advise us of cancellations the day before, so that these times can be made available to other patients.
All Workers’ Compensation and Third Party patients need to be aware that their physiotherapy appointments have priority over all other personal commitments. Appointments need to be re-scheduled at least the day before to avoid cancellation fees.
6. What about post-surgery physiotherapy?
We will follow your surgeon’s protocol, i.e. the stipulated rehabilitation regime your surgeon requests. Be aware that these regimes can vary from surgeon to surgeon, so do not compare your regime with your friends. We report back to your surgeon regarding your progress.
7. Does Medicare cover physiotherapy sessions?
Yes, Medicare will partly cover physiotherapy sessions under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Program. Other facts you need to know about CDM:
- CDM plans can only be applied to chronic conditions, i.e. conditions that have existed for a long time
- your GP will decide if you fall into this category
- CDM patients are allowed five Allied Health Service Treatments per year, these five sessions can be allocated entirely or partially to physiotherapy
- your GP must provide the appropriate CDM forms indicating how many treatments are allocated to physiotherapy
- we cannot alter the number of sessions your GP has allocated on your CDM form
- your CDM form must pre-date the physiotherapy sessions being claimed
- CDM patients pay the full amount at the time of consultation and claim their rebate through Medicare afterwards
8. Does private health insurance cover my treatment?
If the policy you have taken out with your health fund covers extras such as physiotherapy, bring your health fund card to each appointment. We can immediately claim your health fund rebate through HICAPS and you need to pay only the balance remaining. This system saves you having to send your invoice into the health fund to obtain your rebate.
The amount of health fund rebate for physiotherapy varies with each fund and the level of cover you have taken. Only members are entitled to contact their fund to obtain these details. We cannot do this on your behalf.
9. What are the terms for payment?
Payment is made after each consultation. We accept HICAPS payments as part of your consultation fee. The remaining balance and any products purchased can be paid by cash, cheque or EFTPOS. We accept all debit or credit cards except AMEX and Diners Club.
10. What is HICAPS?
HICAPS (Health Industry Claims and Payments Service) is an electronic claiming-service, providing members of participating health funds immediate electronic claims-processing and payments at the time of service. The benefit of HICAPS for patients is that the claim is paid by the fund at the time of your consultation so you only need to pay any gap, making it a very convenient service.
11. How do I use HICAPS?
To use HICAPS you must have your current health fund card and be allocated a patient number on it. Each patient must be individually registered with the fund. Your membership must be financial and include extras cover for physiotherapy.
12. What should I wear?
Your problem area will need to be examined. Wear loose and comfortable clothing that can easily be removed.
Please wear underwear which you are comfortable being moved in and seen in.
Please be aware that:
– trousers may need to be removed to examine knees and hips
– tops may need to be removed to examine the spine or shoulder