Haven't seen a physio before? Just moved into the area and looking for a new physio? Been seeing a Chiro and not completely satisfied? Want to know what to expect at your appointment? Here's some frequently asked questions...
What Is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a registered health profession that specialises in treating musculoskeletal injury and pain.
Physiotherapy is aligned with the scientific model of evidence-based medicine, which means you can be confident you are getting the best help available. Physios use the same concepts of pathology as GPs and surgeons.
Physiotherapists have completed a 4-year university degree. "Sports Physiotherapists" have gone on to study a post-graduate Masters degree with a focus on sports related research, injury prevention, and treatment.
You don't need a doctor's referral to see a Physio.
You don't need to be an athlete to visit a Sports Physio. All welcome : )
Physiotherapy is aligned with the scientific model of evidence-based medicine, which means you can be confident you are getting the best help available. Physios use the same concepts of pathology as GPs and surgeons.
Physiotherapists have completed a 4-year university degree. "Sports Physiotherapists" have gone on to study a post-graduate Masters degree with a focus on sports related research, injury prevention, and treatment.
You don't need a doctor's referral to see a Physio.
You don't need to be an athlete to visit a Sports Physio. All welcome : )
Services?
Fit As A Physio provides a range of services, including:
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WHAT Injuries DO PHYSIOTHERAPISTS TREAT?
Physios are experts in diagnoses and treatment of the whole body, including a range of common injuries:
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WHO ARE YOU?
You've got something that hurts.
You either remember the exact time it started with a knock / sprain / strain, or the pain started gradually. If the pain started gradually you may know it's because of something repetitive you had to do, or you can't think of any good reason for it.
Most people know they need to do something to help it get better, or, you've tried "wait and see", and it just isn't going away.
It's time to get help.
You'd like to know:
You want reassurance that it's not something too serious. It's good to know you are doing the right thing to look after yourself.
You either remember the exact time it started with a knock / sprain / strain, or the pain started gradually. If the pain started gradually you may know it's because of something repetitive you had to do, or you can't think of any good reason for it.
Most people know they need to do something to help it get better, or, you've tried "wait and see", and it just isn't going away.
It's time to get help.
You'd like to know:
- "What is it?"
- "What to do about it?"
- "How long it will take to get better?"
- "Why has it happened to me?"
- "What to do to avoid it happening again?"
You want reassurance that it's not something too serious. It's good to know you are doing the right thing to look after yourself.
How To Book An Appointment?
Phone 9969 6925, email here, or book your physio appointment online here.
Appointments are usually available within the next 24 hours.
You do not need a doctor's referral.
Appointments are usually available within the next 24 hours.
You do not need a doctor's referral.
What To Bring?
Your appointment will always start on time, so please come a couple of minutes early to your first appointment to complete some paperwork.
Please wear appropriate clothing to expose the area requiring treatment. I can lend you a pair of shorts if you need them.
Please bring any investigations you have (x-ray, CT, MRI, etc). If you've got a letter from a doctor, or an operation report, bring that along too.
If you have private health insurance, bring your membership card so you can claim your rebate on the spot.
Please wear appropriate clothing to expose the area requiring treatment. I can lend you a pair of shorts if you need them.
Please bring any investigations you have (x-ray, CT, MRI, etc). If you've got a letter from a doctor, or an operation report, bring that along too.
If you have private health insurance, bring your membership card so you can claim your rebate on the spot.
What To Expect?
Your initial appointment will be 45-60 minutes. This allows time for a thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment.
I dedicate your appointment time exclusively to one-on-one time with you.
I will ask a lot of questions about your injury - a big part of making an accurate diagnosis comes from information you can tell me. Then we'll do some clinical assessments to confirm the diagnosis.
I'll go to some trouble to try and explain what you've got, in language you can understand, "why you" and "why now", and most importantly "what to do about it".
You will receive treatment at the initial consultation that, more than likely, will include hands-on treatment, and stretching and strengthening exercises to continue at home.
You will be given a plan for the on-going management of your injury, including the exercises you need to continue. I laser-focus this to just the one or two most beneficial things for you, so you're not burdened with too much to do.
I dedicate your appointment time exclusively to one-on-one time with you.
I will ask a lot of questions about your injury - a big part of making an accurate diagnosis comes from information you can tell me. Then we'll do some clinical assessments to confirm the diagnosis.
I'll go to some trouble to try and explain what you've got, in language you can understand, "why you" and "why now", and most importantly "what to do about it".
You will receive treatment at the initial consultation that, more than likely, will include hands-on treatment, and stretching and strengthening exercises to continue at home.
You will be given a plan for the on-going management of your injury, including the exercises you need to continue. I laser-focus this to just the one or two most beneficial things for you, so you're not burdened with too much to do.
HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS WILL I NEED?
At your first appointment we will discuss the time frame for your complete recovery, and plans for further treatment if required. I would usually see most people two or three times on average.
Follow-up appointments are 25 minutes. We would usually book one or two appointments per week to continue hands-on treatment and progress your exercise program.
After your first visit you are welcome to contact me by phone or e-mail to discuss your progress.
Follow-up appointments are 25 minutes. We would usually book one or two appointments per week to continue hands-on treatment and progress your exercise program.
After your first visit you are welcome to contact me by phone or e-mail to discuss your progress.
PAYMENT OPTIONS?
Payment is required at the time of your appointment. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, cash, and EFTPOS are accepted.
You can claim your private health insurance refund on the spot using HICAPS, and only pay "the gap" (NB: You must bring along your membership card).
View the consultation fees here.
You can claim your private health insurance refund on the spot using HICAPS, and only pay "the gap" (NB: You must bring along your membership card).
View the consultation fees here.
HEALTH FUND REBATES?
If you have "Extras" cover with any Private Health Fund they will pay a rebate for part or all of the cost of your appointment. Rebates vary from fund to fund and depend on the level of cover you have. Contact your health fund to find out how much you get back.
IS PHYSIO COVERED BY MEDICARE?
The Chronic Disease Management (formerly Enhanced Primary Care or EPC) on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) enable GPs to plan and coordinate the health care of patients with chronic or terminal medical conditions, including patients with these conditions who require multidisciplinary, team-based care from a GP and at least two other health or care providers.
A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for six months or longer. Whether a patient is eligible for CDM services is a clinical judgement for the GP, taking into account the patient’s medical condition and care needs.
Patients being managed by their GP under a GP Management Plan (item 721) and Team Care Arrangements (item 723) are eligible for Medicare rebates for physiotherapy on referral from their GP. You can receive up to five sessions per calendar year.
There is more information about EPC referrals HERE. The referral form is HERE.
We DO NOT bulk bill for Medicare patients. You can claim the Medicare rebate at your appointment by swiping your Medicare card after you have paid the consultation fee for the session. The Medicare rebate (currently $53.80) is refunded on-the-spot into a cheque or savings account, by swiping your debit card (not a credit card).
A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for six months or longer. Whether a patient is eligible for CDM services is a clinical judgement for the GP, taking into account the patient’s medical condition and care needs.
Patients being managed by their GP under a GP Management Plan (item 721) and Team Care Arrangements (item 723) are eligible for Medicare rebates for physiotherapy on referral from their GP. You can receive up to five sessions per calendar year.
There is more information about EPC referrals HERE. The referral form is HERE.
We DO NOT bulk bill for Medicare patients. You can claim the Medicare rebate at your appointment by swiping your Medicare card after you have paid the consultation fee for the session. The Medicare rebate (currently $53.80) is refunded on-the-spot into a cheque or savings account, by swiping your debit card (not a credit card).
WORKERS COMPENSATION?
If you are injured at work, notify your employer to start a Workers Compensation claim. Once you have seen your GP, obtained a medical certificate, claim number, and contact details for your employer's insurance company's claim manager, we can bill the insurer directly for the cost of your appointments.
CTP GREEN SLIP INJURIES?
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident you need to see a doctor, request a certificate of fitness, and notify your insurer. You can have two sessions of physiotherapy before you need to lodge your full insurance claim. If you need more treatment, lodge an application for personal injury benefits with the insurer. Once you have a medical certificate, claim number, and contact details for the CTP insurance company's claim manager, we can bill the insurer directly for your appointments.
Should I book a Massage or a Physio Appointment?
Massage appointments are best for general muscle soreness, recovery, or relaxation. Or, you may want to continue some hands-on after recovering from an injury.
If you have something specific that hurts, you will get better value from a physio appointment, that will tell you what it is and what you can do to fix it yourself. The physio appointment will definitely include some massage, so you are not missing out on hands-on treatment.
If you have something specific that hurts, you will get better value from a physio appointment, that will tell you what it is and what you can do to fix it yourself. The physio appointment will definitely include some massage, so you are not missing out on hands-on treatment.
About Fit As A Physio
Fit As A Physio is owned and operated by Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist, Fergus Tilt.
Fergus:
Read more about Fergus HERE.
Fergus:
- Has worked locally in Mosman since 2001
- Has been the physio for Mosman Rugby Club since 2003
- Has a post-graduate Masters degree in Sports Physiotherapy
- Is an APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist
Read more about Fergus HERE.
DO I NEED A DOCTOR'S REFERRAL?
You do not need a referral to see a physio.
