javascript slideshow by WOWSlider.com v8.0m
Q. Do I need a doctor's referral to see my physiotherapist?
A. No referral is necessary for a physiotherapy consult.
Q. Is there a waiting period before my first appointment?
A. Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology appointments can generally be made within 1-2 business days. This is dependent of patient availability throughout the day and also with late night appointments.
Q. What can I expect from my initial physiotherapy consultation?
A. On arrival please check in with the receptionist, you will be required to complete some paperwork. This includes your relevant contact details, consent for assessment and treatment and some information the Physiotherapist requires regarding your main complaint, pain levels and functional limitations. It is not necessary to have had any additional investigations prior to your Physiotherapy appointment but if you have had x-rays/MRI's completed please bring them with you. If you have any questions regarding the paper work or need any assistance with completion please ask the receptionist. The Physiotherapist will take you into a private consultation room. If you wish a support person to join you during the consultation just let the Physiotherapist know. Initially they will take a thorough history of your current problem to learn how your pain behaves and how your current problem limits you in your life. Enquiry about your general health, activity levels and work situation will help tailor the Rehabilitation Management Plan to you. Following the history taking, a thorough Physical Examination will take place. You may be required to remove some clothing to expose the body part in question and if you have a hip or knee problem it is advised that you bring some shorts to change into. The Physiotherapist will assess your posture, ask you to move through different movements repeatedly or to hold positions to see how your pain responds to different loading. This helps determine the correct direction of exercise and mobilisation you will need to resolve the problem. Following the examination the Physiotherapist will discuss the findings and outline a Rehabilitation Management Plan and schedule follow up appointments. At Platinum Physiotherapy our treatment approach encourages self management and we will discuss and educate you on how you can play a part in returning to and maintaining your optimum well being and function.
Q. What do I wear?
A. Your physiotherapist will require you to remove enough clothing to be able to view and assess the problem area. If the problem is on your upper body you would need to remove your shirt and for your lower body you would need to remove your pants, so bring a pair of shorts and singlet if you wish.
Q. What can a physiotherapist treat?
A. Physiotherapists are qualified to treat all areas of the body. They are specialists in functional movement, and are therefore, able to treat spinal problems, general aches/pains, muscular and ligamentous injuries, sports injuries, whiplash injuries, headaches, fractures, arthritic pain, paediatric issues, post-operative rehabilitation and also to assess and correct postural problems related to work and everyday life. We can therefore tailor an individualised treatment plan for you.
Q. Can a physiotherapist refer me for X-rays?
A. Physiotherapists may refer for X-rays without the need to see a GP.
Q. Is the cost of physiotherapy claimable under my private health insurance?
A. Yes, physiotherapy may be claimable through your private health insurance. It is best to check your policy for details on benefits and limits on the general (extras) treatments.
Q. Is the cost of physiotherapy claimable under Medicare?
A. People who suffer from a chronic illness or injury may be eligible to claim a rebate on up to 5 Physiotherapy Consultations per calender year. Patients are required to check eligibility with GP first and obtain a valid Medicare Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC). Bulkbilling for Exercise Physiology is available.
Q. Do physiotherapists treat patients that are Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA).
A. Yes, with a doctor's referral. Your treatments will be bulk billed and require no upfront payment provided we have all the appropriate paperwork.
Q. Do physiotherapists treat patients that are Work Cover or compulsory third-party (CTP) claims?
A. Yes, with a doctor's referral and provided we have all the appropriate paperwork such as your insurer and claim number.