Osteopathy for the whole Family
For Healthy Living
Andrea Hood
B A Sc(Osteopathy),
MA Osteopathy
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see an Osteopath?
No, an Osteopath is a primary health care practitioner.
Can I claim my Osteopathic treatment on Private Health Insurance or Medicare
Most Private Health Insurance with ‘extras or axillary’ cover a portion of treatment cost. Medicare does not cover Osteopathic treatment unless you are under an Enhanced Primary Care (ECP) plan organised by your General Practitioner.
What is an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan?
The EPC plan is an addition to the Medicare scheme which allows eligible patients with chronic conditions up to five allied health services such as Osteopathy per year. This may include conditions like arthritis, repetitive strain injuries (e.g. tennis elbow), neck related headaches, chronic low back pain, muscular pain etc. It is up to your GP’s discretion as to whether you are eligible to participate in this program. If you wish to choose an EPC plan, you will need to organize this with your General Practitioner prior to your first Osteopathic consultation. Standard Osteopathic consultation rate still applies. You will be able to claim back $48.95 from Medicare and therefore only a gap fee is the expense to you.
Is Osteopathic treatment claimable under Workcover or Veterans Affairs?
Yes, you must be able to provide details of your Workcover claim number and details for your case and the name of the contact person you were given from the insurer.
Patients who are covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs must first obtain a referral from their General Practitioner made out to the Osteopath.
Should I bring my X-Rays with me?
Please bring any X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans or any other test results that you feel are applicable to your first consultation. Osteopaths are able to refer you for x-rays or further testing should they be required (may incur additional costs).
What happens during my first appointment?
Upon arrival, you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire about your personal information. A detailed history of your condition as well as the relevant medical history are taken by the Osteopath. You should bring a list of your medications along.
A thorough physical examination will follow and the findings are discussed with you. Treatment techniques consist of manual therapy including soft tissue massage, joint manipulation, stretching as well as pain reduction techniques. Your treatment may also include advice on posture, exercise or dietary changes to aid in your recovery.
Your initial consultation will last up to one hour; any subsequent consultations are between 40 – 60 minutes.
How many treatments will I need?
In general, the longer the problem has been there, the longer the recovery takes, but factors such as posture, compliance with exercises and frequency of treatment can directly affect your recovery. You will be given a clear idea as to your prognosis.
What is the difference between Osteopathy, Chiropractic and Physiotherapy?
This is one of the most common questions asked. There are some similarities between the three professions. The main differences are found in the principles of treatments applied. Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit. This means that dysfunction or damage to one area of the body can have effects on other regions of the body. Osteopathic treatment aims not only to treat the symptoms of the problem, but the cause behind them. In doing so, all of the techniques are hands-on and are specific to your individual condition and medical history.
Please don’t hesitate to ask further questions on your next appointment.