Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctors’s referral?

A doctor’s referral is not necessary if self-funded or to claim health insurance, but one is required for motor accident, workers compensation, veterans and Medicare (EPC) treatments.

What should you expect from your initial consultation?

At your initial visit your physiotherapist will perform a thorough physical assessment enabling them to treat your condition appropriately. Your physiotherapist will then discuss your problem(s) with you and specific treatment will be recommended and commenced to help solve your problem. Please arrive 10 minutes early to fill out initial paperwork, so you will have this completed before your appointment.

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. We are also BUPA Members First Healthcare Provider leading to less gaps for any of our physiotherapy services. Costs vary for assessment, treatment and hydrotherapy, and within insurance companies there are different levels of cover so we cannot anticipate your gap fee. We recommend that you ring us for charges and contact your insurance company to find out the gap fee.

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 qualify for this you must be suffering from a condition that has been present, or is likely to be present for at least 6 months and your GP must be currently using a personally managed EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) multidisciplinary plan. If you meet these two criteria then this may enable you to receive up to 5 Medicare funded treatments per year. To find out all necessary details ask your GP or contact us for more information.

What are the costs and the gap fees?

Costs vary for assessment, treatment and hydrotherapy, and within insurance companies there are different levels of cover so we cannot anticipate your gap fee. We recommend that you ring us for charges and contact your insurance company to find out the gap fee.

Do you offer pensioner discounts?
Yes we offer pensioner discounts on initial assessment and treatments.
Can I attend if not insured?
You are still welcome to book if not insured, but your “out of pocket” expenses will be higher. When appropriate, a Pool Pass may be purchased in advance to reduce costs.
Do I need to book to come?
For all land and pool treatment sessions, self-directed pool exercise, and classes, you need to book ahead to limit numbers. Also the pool is hired out at times so please call first.
Can I just come in and swim?
The pool is a dedicated hydrotherapy pool for rehabilitation, management of ongoing conditions and classes. Gentle swimming is fine, but it is too warm for regular swimming, and this may make it difficult for others to exercise.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Many people attend who cannot, or no longer can swim because of joint problems, and still benefit. There are rails all around the pool and floatation equipment if required.
Will someone be able to assist with me dressing?
We do not have the staff available for dressing or undressing clients but we welcome carers that may assist in the disabled change room. Slip-on / slip-off footwear also makes it easier.
Would I benefit from aquatic physiotherapy or hydrotherapy?
Many conditions benefit from aquatic physiotherapy and self-managed hydrotherapy programs, in particular where reduced weight-bearing is of benefit while exercising, such as arthritis, recovery from leg fractures, joint replacements, chronic back injuries, stiff shoulders and multiple joint problems that can be treated together. Mobility and balance may also be improved in many other conditions such as stroke, or Parkinson’s disease.
When is using the pool inadvisable?
If you have a febrile condition (a temperature), skin lesion, very high or very low blood pressure, major heart failure, are incontinent of faeces, unstable epilepsy, major kidney failure.  Using the pool is also inadvisable if you have a  compromised immune system, are within six weeks of radiation therapy / having a stroke / a heart attack, or if under the effects of drugs that impair your judgement or cooperation.