What to expect

The physiotherapist’s overall management of your problem involves:

• Observing and assessing your movement and your overall physical condition
• Analysing and identifying your problems
• Developing a treatment program with you (and your family or carers) and, where appropriate, other members of the health care team
• Managing the treatment or training program based on your jointly agreed goals
• Evaluating progress, modifying treatment if necessary, and stopping treatment once goals have been reached

The brochure ‘What to expect from your physiotherapist’ was produced by the APA to provide information to physiotherapy consumers on choosing a physiotherapist, what to expect from your physiotherapist and what to do if you are not satisfied with the physiotherapy treatment received.  This brochure is also available in Chinese, Japanese or Korean.

No need for referral

A doctor’s referral is not necessary to see a physiotherapist in private practice, although frequently your doctor will work in partnership with a physio to plan and manage treatment for a specific condition.

What will it cost?

Physiotherapy services are generally not rebatable under the Federal Government Medicare scheme; however a proportion of treatment costs are rebatable under all higher tables of private health insurance schemes. The Trade Practices Act prevents the Australian Physiotherapy Association from providing a recommended schedule of fees for physiotherapy services. As a physiotherapy patient you can expect to pay an initial consultation fee, and subsequent visits will incur a reduced standard consultation.

Medicare subsidies for physiotherapy

Did you know that Medicare can cover physiotherapy for some people? In June 2004, the Federal Government introduced access to Medicare funded physiotherapy. The Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program provides more preventive care to older Australians. The program also improves care co-ordination between GPs and health professionals who provide care for people of any age with chronic conditions and complex care needs. Through the EPC program, certain people can gain access to Medicare rebates for up to five allied health and three dental services per year. A chronic condition is one that is of more than six months duration. Your GP will be able to assess whether you have complex care needs. To access Medicare funded physiotherapy, you will need to speak to your GP about whether you are eligible for this initiative.

If eligible, you and your doctor will develop a care plan. You will then be able to access up to five Medicare funded allied health services in a calendar year. Your physio will communicate with you and your doctor about your progress and at the end of your treatment there is an opportunity for your GP to review the care plan and discuss your future healthcare needs.

For more information about the EPC program talk to your physiotherapist and your GP, go to the Medicare Australia website: www.medicare.gov.au, or call Medicare Australia on 132 011.