Patient Services

Private Patients Workers Compensation FAQ's Fees & Payments

PRIVATE PATIENTS

A private patient is someone who is paying for their treatment costs directly and not wishing to claim under a worker’s compensation, motor vehicle (MVA) or Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) claim. A doctor’s referral is recommended, however, not essential.

WORKERS COMPENSATION PATIENTS

A workers’ compensation patient is someone with a work-related injury or a “workers’ compensation case/claim”. When adequate information is provided, including employer details and a current doctor’s referral, patients are not responsible for therapy costs at the time of treatment. Should their claim not be approved, patients would then revert back to private patient terms and conditions including direct payment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who are hand therapists?

A practitioner in hand therapy is either a registered Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist who, through further education, clinical experience and independent study, have become proficient in the treatment of hand and upper limb conditions resulting from injury, disease or deformity.

Is an Occupational Therapist the same as a Physiotherapist?

No. Whilst both are trained extensively in anatomy and the musculoskeletal system, they have studied separate degrees under the Bachelor of Science banner. Occupational Therapy has a specific focus on holistic health care centered around the patient’s uses of fine motor and cognitive skills, to perform tasks that are meaningful to them.

Do I need a referral from a GP or Specialist?

Referrals are encouraged but not required for private patients. Find out more information here: Private patients - Worker's Compensation Patients

What should I bring with me to my initial appointment?

Please bring your referral if you have one, any x-rays or imaging results or any paperwork relating to your appointment. If you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly Enhanced Primary Care Plan or EPC), you will need to bring this along with your Medicare Card. Department of Veterans Affairs patients will need to bring their DVA card.

Can I claim from Medicare?

No, unless your Doctor has written you a Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly Enhanced Primary Care Plan or EPC) in which case, Medicare will only rebate a portion of your consultation costs. If you have been given a plan, please bring your documentation with you. You will need to pay for your consultation and consumables on the day of your appointment and we will lodge your claim electronically. Please note we are not a bulk billing practice and the current Medicare rebate is fixed at $56.00 per consultation. You are responsible for full payment on the day of your appointment

What will my appointment cost?

Costs vary, however, you will be quoted based on your injury or condition when you make your appointment. Please click here for more information (Fees and payments)

Will my health fund cover any of the cost?

It depends on your fund and your level of cover. We do not process your rebate on site, however, we are able to give you treatment codes prior if you wish to call your fund to discuss your cover.You will be able to lodge your claim with your insurance provider once full payment has been made after your appointment.

How long will my appointment take?

Your initial appointment usually takes approximately 45 minutes, with follow up consultations between 30 – 45 minutes, depending on your condition or injury.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows the therapist easy access to your hand, wrist or arm.

What should I expect on my first visit?

Your therapist will talk with you about your injury or condition and obtain important information about your medical history and your concerns. They will then evaluate and assess your injury/condition and discuss the proposed treatment plan for you. If required, your therapist may provide you with an orthosis or splint and any additional items relative to your treatment. Please note that we traditionally treat in an “open-plan” treating room. If this is a concern, please discuss with your therapist.

What is a splint or orthosis?

Your health fund may refer to a splint or brace as an orthosis. These can be pre-fabricated or custom made. A splint/orthosis is designed to immobilise the affected area in order to assist with joint protection, oedema and overall rehabilitation of the condition or injury.

How much does a splint or orthosis cost?

These vary according to the injured area and also whether they are pre-fabricated or fully custom made. For example, a thermoplastic static finger splint is $32.00. We will give you an indication of the splint type and cost you require, at the time your booking is made.

What happens if my splint hurts or breaks?

Quite often there is an adjustment period to wearing a splint. As they are custom made, if swelling increases or decreases, this can cause the splint to become ill fitting. Sometimes they just require a small tweak here and there to make your splint more comfortable. Simply call us and we will arrange a “splint adjustment” appointment at your nearest clinic at no charge.Please ensure you understand how to care for your splint, as abnormal wear and tear or heat affected splints would not be covered at no charge.

FEES AND
PAYMENTS

We are a private billing practice, with payment required on the day of your treatment. Rebates may be available through your private health insurance, however, we do not process this on site and you will need to contact your fund independently. An estimate of our fees will be provided to you at the time of booking. Failure to attend a booked appointment without cancellation, may incur a fee of $80. Please call 1300 887 798 for further information about our fees and payment options.