Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for Physiotherapy from my Doctor?
To see a Physiotherapist for a normal private consultation, no. You can simply call us or book online to make an appointment. If you have ancillary cover for Physiotherapy as part of your Private Health Insurance, some of the cost of treatment will in all likelihood be covered, how much will depend on your individual level of cover.
If you are seeking treatment for an injury sustained at work or after a motor vehicle accident, you will require a doctor’s referral to allow us to claim directly from your insurer. Also, if your doctor has referred you to physiotherapy under a Medicare funded Primary Care plan, we will require a copy of that specific referral to claim your treatment costs from Medicare.
If you are covered under the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA), we require a current referral from your doctor for Physiotherapy services. There is no gap when claiming through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
How much will it cost?
Patients covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Workers Compensation insurance, or approved for treatment from a Motor Vehicle accident will not be required to pay any gap for treatment received.
Patients covered under a Medicare subsidised Care Plan as referred by their doctor will be required to pay a small surcharge for treatment received. The scope of these programs is limited to a maximum of 5 sessions per calendar year spread across all Allied Health Practitioners. The number of sessions allocated to Physiotherapy is set by your GP, so make sure you discuss this with them. If you have been referred specifically for a Women's Health issue or Pelvic Assessment, these consultations do require more time with our specially trained Physiotherapist and there will be a gap payment on top of the Medicare subsidy.
Privately insured patients are eligible to claim a rebate from their Health Fund for services received by a Physiotherapist. We offer the HICAPS facility onsite, so the claim is processed immediately and you only have to pay the gap. Simple!
Are there specific Physiotherapists for specific conditions?
All the Physiotherapists at Belmont City Physiotherapy Clinic are qualified to treat any musculoskeletal or sporting condition. We also have Masters qualified Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists working within the practice. These practitioners have additional University qualifications that provide a greater depth of knowledge and expertise for more complicated issues.
If you are seeking treatment or advice for a Pelvic floor or Women's Health issue, please advise our reception staff when booking your appointment and they will ensure you are seen by our specifically trained Women's Health Physio.
Can I claim from my Private Health Fund on the day?
Yes. Belmont City Physiotherapy Clinic uses the HICAPS facility which allows processing of same day rebates for most Private Health Funds. Not all Private Health funds use HICAPS (though most do) and we can check this on the day for you. How much you receive back will vary with your insurer and your individual policy, so unfortunately we cannot tell you this until we physically process a claim on your behalf.
Can I request a female Physiotherapist? Can I request a male?
Absolutely. It is important that the patient and the therapist establish a comfortable rapport. Please inform the reception staff when making your initial booking if you have a preference to see a female or male Physiotherapist.
Can Physiotherapists refer me for X-rays or other investigations?
As Health Professionals, Physiotherapists can refer patients to private radiology clinics for a range of investigations including X-Rays and MRI’s. The cost of the service when referred by a Physiotherapist as opposed to a GP or Specialist may be slightly higher or there may be a gap payment involved. Discuss this with your Physiotherapist if and when needed.
Do you do Home Visits?
As a general rule, no. However, depending on the availability of our therapists, Belmont City Physiotherapy will endeavor to assist any client unable to physically get in to the clinic, or we may be able to provide contact details for a service more appropriate to your needs.
How long will my Physiotherapy session take?
Treatment times vary depending on your condition and your individual circumstance. Initial consultations generally take longer than the subsequent sessions as the Physiotherapist gets a full history of your case and performs a thorough initial assessment. On average, you can expect your session to last approximately 45 minutes.
Treatment for some specific or very complex conditions may require the Physio to spend more time with you, examples may include Women’s Health issues, significant multi-traumas resulting from accidents, or second opinion reviews for Insurance companies. Please ensure you mention the nature of your complaint with our reception staff when booking your appointment so that sufficient time is set aside.
Is Physiotherapy covered by Medicare?
Under normal circumstances, no, Physiotherapy in private practices is not covered by Medicare. However, patients referred to Physiotherapy by their doctor under a Team Care Plan are eligible to claim a subsidy on up to five (5) allied health (eg. Physiotherapy; podiatry etc) sessions per year from Medicare. You must discuss your eligibility for this program with your GP.
Is Physiotherapy covered by my Private Health Insurance Fund?
If you have ancillary health cover in your Private Health Insurance policy, then Physiotherapy is an eligible item. If you only have hospital cover and no ancillary cover in your policy, you probably will not be able to claim. As such, we always recommend our patients carry ancillary cover in their policies. The amount of cover your Private Health Fund provides will depend entirely on your level of cover and your individual health fund.
Is there a discount for concession and senior cards?
Seniors / Concession Card holders receive a 10% discount off the normal fee. Pensioners receive 25% off the normal fee.
Is there a gap to pay when covered by Workers Compensation or Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance?
If you have an eligible claim through Workers Compensations Insurance or Motor Vehicle Insurance, you will not be required to pay a gap for treatment received for your injuries. Belmont City Physiotherapy will liaise with your insurer to arrange direct payment to the clinic for any treatment you receive.
In the case of Motor Vehicle Insurance claims, there can sometimes be quite lengthy delays between the time of your accident and when liability is accepted by the insurer. We understand that your injuries require treatment and often can't wait, so in most cases we will commence your treatment in good faith. However, please understand that if your claim is denied by the insurer, ultimate liability for the accounts lies with you, the patient, and we will advise you in due course of any delays or potential issues.
What are your opening hours?
Belmont City Physiotherapy is open for your convenience and health 6 days a week.
Monday to Friday: 7am - 6pm
Saturday: 8am - 1pm
Sunday: Closed
What do I bring to my first appointment?
Bring along any relevant medical referrals, reports or x-rays/scans etc that are easily accessible. If you have had scans taken but do not have them handy, that’s no problem. Your Physiotherapist can chase these up if they require.
If you are covered under Workers Compensation; Motor Vehicle; Enhanced Primary Care plans; or Department of Veteran Affairs, please bring along appropriate paperwork, including claim numbers and doctors referrals.
If you are covered for ancillary benefits in a Private Health Fund, please bring along your Private Health Insurance card so that we can process payment directly on the day to claim your eligible rebate.
What do I wear to my appointment?
Preferably loose, comfortable clothing but this is not essential. Your therapist may request you bring in shorts or some specific footwear if relevant for the condition you are being treated.
Why should I see a Physiotherapist rather than another health professional?
Physiotherapists are University trained health professionals who provide assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal and sporting injuries. We are recognised as experts in the fields of manual therapy, exercise prescription and rehabilitation.
There is some degree of overlap between Physiotherapy and other professions such as chiropractic and osteopathy. What distinguishes Physiotherapy from other professions is our close alignment with Western medical principles, our unrivalled and detailed training and knowledge of biomechanics and anatomical principles, and our holistic approach to treatment. Physiotherapy is an evidence-based profession with clinical research supporting it’s efficacy and validity.
At Belmont City Physiotherapy Clinic, you can be confident you will receive correct and research based information, top quality treatment, and guaranteed professionalism at all times.