Question 1

Are you a preferred provider with any Health Fund?

Accepted Answer

We are preferred providers with HCF and NIB. This means that you may be eligible to benefit from a gap Free initial consult depending on your level of cover.

We are not preferred provider with other health fund that might mean that the rebate for your appointment is less. This will depend on the health fund and your level of cover.

The difference is that if you choose a preferred provider, you get a higher rebate initially BUT you will use up your allocated amount of cover quicker.  
So, if you have treatment with us, your rebate might be lower initially, but it will last you longer.   It may mean that your cover will last closer to 12 months rather than running out completely after a few months.

The size of the rebates and therefore the speed that you use it will depend on the level of cover you have selected.

Question 2

Is the amount available less if I don't see a preferred provider?

Accepted Answer

No. It is important to note that whether you choose a preferred provider or not, it doesn’t change the overall amount of money your health fund will give you for physio per year.

Question 3

Why aren't you a preferred provider with the other health funds?

Accepted Answer

Actually, we did apply but were disappointed to find that some of the health funds had enough providers in the area and were not prepared to take on anymore.
It demonstrated an important lesson to us. 
Being a preferred provider has nothing to do with quality of service or skill, it was purely a first come-first served situation.

Interestingly, the health funds can imply that preferred providers are better therapists. This isn’t the case – there are no quality standards involved in being a preferred provider.

Question 4

What is Physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapy is a scientific health profession focusing on the treatment of the musculoskeletal and movement systems of the body. Physiotherapy aims to rehabilitate and improve pain and movement disorders associated with the musculoskeletal system.
Physiotherapists are highly skilled in musculoskeletal and neurological systems.  Physios use evidence-based assessment and treatment techniques. Employing unique hands-on techniques in association with proven modalities. At Daw Park Physiotherapy we feel that highly skilled hands-on techniques, individualized exercise programs and education are key. So, to assist patients correct musculoskeletal dysfunction, normalizing and improving movement and function.

Question 5

How is Daw Park Physiotherapy clinic different to other physiotherapy clinics?

Accepted Answer

Daw Park Physiotherapy therapists have many years experience practicing around the globe. Our team are constantly involved in professional development, so to ensure we stay abreast of the latest research. Keeping up to date regarding the assessment, treatment and management of musculoskeletal complaints. Therefore, as a result at Daw Park Physiotherapy Clinic our treatments incorporate the latest scientific research.
All treatment sessions are private one-on-one treatment sessions. So, rest assured you will receive individually tailored treatment administered by a knowledgeable, caring and enthusiastic physiotherapist.
Daw Park Physiotherapy also boasts a strong network of skilled practitioners in other disciplines. This is something which can only be developed over years of practice. Therefore, when you seek your treatment at Daw Park Physiotherapy you open up access any of these knowledgeable practitioners. All specialists in their own field meaning a quicker, faster and lasting recovery.

Question 6

Do I need a Doctor's referral before starting physiotherapy ?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a referral as a private patient. Physiotherapists are primary care clinicians qualified and skilled in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions. As a result, physiotherapists are experienced in being the primary point of contact for musculoskeletal conditions. Competent in assessing, treating and developing the necessary management plans for the majority of musculoskeletal complaints.
You do however need a current doctor's referral in some circumstances. If you are claiming under Workcover, CTP (motor vehicles scheme), Veterans Affairs or the Medicare chronic disease management plan schemes a doctor's referral is necessary.

Question 7

Can I  use my private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Daw Park Physiotherapy is registered with most private health insurance plans, Medicare, Veteran’s Affairs and third-party insurance/compensable carriers.
For your convenience Daw Park Physiotherapy is connected to HICAPS which enables you to “swipe” your health fund card and claim your rebate at the clinic. As a result, you simply pay any gap remaining. It is important to note that each health fund as well as each level of cover is different. So, it is best to contact your particular fund to get an accurate estimation of your coverage.
If you have private health cover and subscribe to the “extras” package cover you should be eligible to claim a part of your treatment fee. However, as stated before different schemes have different structured cover. So, you are best advised to check your level of cover directly with your insurer.

Question 8

Can I claim Physiotherapy on Medicare?

Accepted Answer

A common physio FAQ. The answer to which is generally no. Physiotherapy is not covered by Medicare, however Medicare now offers a Chronic Disease Management Plan scheme. This scheme was previously referred to as the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program. If you are eligible under this scheme at Daw Park Physiotherapy Medicare will part pay for up to 5 physiotherapy treatments. This is per calendar year and eligibility is at the discretion of your GP. Noting that this program is only for people with chronic conditions.
Patients must be referred by their GP to claim under the Chronic Disease Management Plan scheme. If you have any queries regarding this service or Medicare contribution towards treatment, please don’t hesitate to call. Currently the Medicare schedule fee for allied health services (including physiotherapy) under the CDM scheme is a Medicare rebate of $61.80 for each of the 5 sessions.

Question 9

Do you treat Workcover patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. And providing you have the following information with you on your initial visit we can bill your insurance company directly. 
 • Your insurance company's details.
 • Your claims officer's details.
 • A Doctor’s referral prescribing physiotherapy treatment.
 • A valid claim number.
At the time of your first session if your insurance company has not yet accepted liability. Or, if you do not have the above listed information with you on the day, you will be billed at the time of consultation. You can then send this invoice to your insurance company and be reimbursed for the session. Once we have confirmation your sessions are approved, we will simply bill your insurance company directly. So, there is no-out of pocket expenses for you.

Question 10

What happens in the first treatment?

Accepted Answer

A great Physio FAQ. The physiotherapist will take a comprehensive history of the current problem and perform a physical examination of the area and any relevant associated areas. This includes any necessary functional testing. Your physiotherapist will then devise a treatment plan that may involve ways of relieving pain, restoring mobility and function.
 • Techniques used may include any number of techniques. Ranging from hands on manual therapy for joints and soft tissues, exercise prescription directed at improving strength, mobility, posture, biomechanics as well as shockwave modalities. All physical treatment is coupled with the appropriate and necessary education.
 • Exercise prescription and education is a crucial element of any physiotherapy session. So, you can learn techniques to use at home as well as develop vital understanding to manage and improve your condition independently. This way you can “self-treat” between any necessary treatment sessions.
 • As well as these exercises and education play an important role in having patients become actively involved in any preventative measures. At Daw Park Physiotherapy if applicable we can refer you for alternative treatment, or assessment within our vast network. If it is deemed physiotherapy at the current stage of your complaint is not the best option for you, we can easily guide you in the right direction.

Question 11

What should I wear for my first session?

Accepted Answer

We are always happy provide a change of clothes, or a gown for your to wear during the session if you forget to bring your own appropriate clothing to a session. Otherwise you can simply bring your own shorts and singlet top (depending on the area being treated) so you feel comfortable for the treatment session.
 • If you have a lower limb sports injury, or any lower limb complaint where you feel footwear may play a role. We suggest that you please bring with you any running shoes, football boots, work or casual shoes you feel relevant.
Not all areas being treated will require you to change but physiotherapists prefer to see the area they are working on. This way we have easy access to assessing strength and movement of the area, as well as palpating necessary structures in and around the area. Which is why sometimes getting changed into shorts and a singlet top is preferred by our team. Although not ideal if you prefer not to get changed or expose the relevant area during the session, we can work around this. Our physiotherapists are experienced in assessing and working through clothing if this makes you more comfortable.

Question 12

What should I bring for my first session?

Accepted Answer

This is a very important Physio FAQ. Other than a change of clothes, or any appropriate footwear and sporting equipment listed in the above Physio FAQ. Please bring along any recent and relevant x-rays, reports, or referrals you may have. As well as this if you are claiming under a third party insurance, WorkCover scheme, or Medicare EPC scheme please bring along the relevant documentation for this also.

Question 13

How long does each session take?

Accepted Answer

Your initial consultation which includes a comprehensive evaluation as well as treatment takes 40 minutes.  Any subsequent sessions thereafter are usually 30 minutes duration. At Daw Park Physiotherapy we pride ourselves on running on time, occasionally due to unforeseen circumstances we may run 5 minutes late. This however is rare and we respect that our clients are busy people too and require we stick to our session timetable.
For new clients we appreciate if you could arrive a couple of minutes prior to your appointment to allow time suitable time to fill out or provide us with any relevant paperwork.

Question 14

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This is a challenging Physio FAQ to answer. How often you need to come for treatment and how many sessions overall are required depends on the individual complaint. At Daw Park Physiotherapy we understand it is impossible to predict such a thing. With out appropriate assessment and understanding of the complaint anything listed here is guess work. However, a few numbers spring to mind as averages. 2-3 sessions are usually a good number of sessions to get a handle on a complaint. A few sessions will enable our physios to treat and develop a personalized management plan for the majority of complaints.
 • At Daw Park Physiotherapy we aim to help the condition within the shortest possible period. Typically, 2-3 sessions over a 3–6-week period is suitable to address many and most of the conditions seen in the clinic.
You should not expect to continually see the therapist beyond the immediate period of treatment. Typically, Daw Park Physiotherapy does not engage in expensive on-going type treatment. Maintenance sessions beyond your course of therapy unless the condition is chronic in nature and requires regular intervention is not the way our team practice. 
We strive to see you are well educated regarding your complaint. The management of, and your independent plan for prevention of recurrence. As well as this Daw Park Physiotherapy aims to see you achieve your goals in the shortest and safest possible time frames.

Question 15

What is the cost of Physiotherapy treatment at Daw Park Physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

This is our most requested Physio FAQ. And we get it price does matter. An Initial Consultation is $88, and any follow up sessions are $80. If you have private health insurance you can claim a rebate on the spot using our HICAPS machine, meaning you only pay any gap remaining.  However, the exact amount of rebate for each session depends on your insurance company, your level of cover and the structure of their rebate system. It is best to contact your insurance company directly to find out the way your rebates are structured so to avoid any unwanted surprises.
As previously stated with the right documentation Workcover physio sessions are billed directly to the insurer, so there is no-out of pocket expenses. As mentioned in the Physio FAQ above regarding Medicare. In some situations when eligible under the Chronic Disease Management Plan scheme Medicare will pay $61.80 of the session. This is for a maximum of five sessions per calendar year. Any further questions you have regarding costing please don’t hesitate to call us at Daw Park Physiotherapy. However rest assured that we will always do our best to help patients self manage their complaint and keep any physio costs to a minimum.

Question 16

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

At Daw Park Physiotherapy we understand people get busy and from time to time. Emergencies come up and plans change, things that sometimes make keeping your scheduled appointment impossible. If you cannot keep your appointment, please call us as soon as possible so we can reschedule your appointment. We require a minimum of 3 business hours notice prior to your appointment. This is so we have time to offer your appointment to someone else, as we regularly have a wait list.
Daw Park Physiotherapy makes it a policy not to charge for missed appointments. However, we do operate a “three strikes” policy. If you fail to attend your scheduled appointment or provide us with a late cancellation or late rescheduling of your appointment. Where late: indicates notice falling within the three-business hour period prior to your appointment. If this occurs three times, then we will subsequently request that you please pre-pay for any future sessions.
If you cancel or reschedule without appropriate warning or fail to attend any pre-paid session. Then you agree to relinquish this pre-paid amount. We believe this is a fair method of managing any late cancellations for both parties and only penalizes repeat offenders.

Question 17

How can I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Click the ‘book now‘ to take you to Daw Park Physiotherapy booking system. Select the day & time and practitioner you prefer to see and fill in your details. An email and SMS confirmation will be sent to you on booking. As well as an email reminder and SMS the day before your appointment.
Please call us if you have any questions or challenges arranging your appointment.