Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the structure and function of the whole body and uses hands on treatment to enable the body to heal itself after injury.  To learn more about Osteopathy, please click here.

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What training do osteopaths have?

Osteopaths complete a 5 year full-time university course to become qualified as primary healthcare practitioners.

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Do I need a doctor's referral?

No. A doctor's referral is not required to see an Osteopath. However if your injury is WorkSafe, TAC or DVA funded you will require a doctors referral.

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What can I expect at my initial osteopathic consultation?

Your osteopath will ask you a series of questions regarding your current injury/complaint and past medical history.  A physical examination will then take place to gain further information about your complaint and help form a diagnosis. Osteopathic treatment includes a variety of techniques which can include soft tissue massage, , joint manipulation and muscle energy technique depending on the type of injury you have. Wearing loose and comfortable clothing is recommended as some undressing may be required. Gowns are available to wear for patient comfort.

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Initial osteopathic consultations last approximately 45 minutes. We would be grateful if you could arrive at the clinic ten minutes early with your new patient form filled in. Return consultations last approximately 30 minutes.

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What do I need to bring?

Please bring any past x-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound scans and reports.. To clam private health insurance you will need your health fund card. If you have a referral from your GP (DVA, WorkSafe, TAC, CDM), please bring the referral letter, medicare card and related documentation with you.

 

Payment and private health fund claiming

Payment is required in full at the time of your consultation. If you have private health insurance please check your level of cover and rebate for osteopathy prior to treatment. A HICAPS facility is available for you to receive your on-the-spot health fund rebate. We also accept cash, EFTPOS and credit card (Visa or MasterCard.)

 

Medicare Chronic Disease Management Scheme (CDM)

Osteopathic treatment is not covered by Medicare. However, if you have a care plan set up by your General Practitioner you are eligible for partially subsidised treatments. Eligible patients can have up to five osteopathic visits per year partially funded by Medicare.

 

To be eligible, patients must suffer from a condition for a minimum of six months. Examples of conditions covered by CDM include arthritis, repetitive strain injuries, neck related headaches and migraines, chronic low back pain or muscular pain. It is up to your GP's discretion as to whether you are eligible to participate in this program.

 

Please note that upfront payment is required at your consultation. As Medicare doesn't cover the full cost of your consultation you will be charged the full consultation fee. You can then claim your on-the-spot rebate with your Medicare card via our HICAPS machine.

 

Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)

If you hold a gold card with DVA you may be eligible to receive fully funded osteopathic treatments. You must have a referral from your GP to be eligible. There are no up-front or out of pocket costs with a GP referral.

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WorkSafe and TAC patients

If osteopathic treatment has been approved please bring all documentation with you to your initial appointment (employer/insurer details, claim number, GP referral). Please be mindful that full payment is required at your consultation. We do not bill third parties. We will provide you with a receipt for treatment which you can submit for reimbursement towards your consultations. Please keep in mind that you may have an out-of-pocket expense.

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What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?

As a courtesy to our osteopaths, please provide 24 hours notice if you are unable to attend your consultation. As osteopathic appointments are in high demand a cancellation fee applies for short notice cancellations (50% of fee) if we are unable to fill your appointment time.

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In the interest of not infecting other patients or your practitioner, if you are ill, please reschedule your appointment.