Frequently asked questions about physiotherapy
Here you will find some information that is useful to know about The Physio Nook. Of course, if you can’t find an answer to a question you have, always feel free to contact us
Do you have a Money Back Guarantee?
Yes. We realise that your first visit to a new health practitioner can be daunting and you may not know what to expect. In recognition of this and to make you feel more secure about your decision to trust us at The Physio Nook with your health, we promise that during your initial consultation…
- You will be made to feel welcome and comfortable throughout your consultation;
- You will leave our centre with a better understanding of your pain or injury, and that you will have a much better idea of how it needs to be managed and treated; and
- We will provide you with a quality physiotherapy treatment that is appropriate for, and beneficial to, your particular condition.
If you do not feel that we have delivered on these promises, please contact us within 7 days of your initial consultation and we will refund the full cost of that first visit to you. Your satisfaction is our ultimate priority.
What happens in an initial consultation?
When attending The Physio Nook for the first time, you will be asked to fill in a new patient information form. If you would like to save time, you can print one off and bring it with you to your first appointment by clicking here.
We will endeavour to make your first visit to our clinic a comfortable and rewarding experience.
At your initial consultation, your physiotherapist will:
- Conduct a thorough examination including history taking and a physical assessment;
- Give you a working diagnosis of your condition;
- Commence “hands on” treatment;
- Give you a management plan, including exercises and an idea of the frequency and duration of your treatment.
Most initial consultations with us take 30 minutes. If you would like to find out more please feel free to contact us.
What should I expect in subsequent consultations?
When you return for your second consultation, usually within a few days of your initial consultation, your physiotherapist will ask for your feedback about any changes in your condition and the effect of the treatment. You can also ask your physiotherapist any questions you may have for them. Communication is always really important.
After this discussion, your physiotherapist will re-evaluate your condition by performing another physical assessment. This doesn’t need to be as involved as the initial physical examination which will leave more time for treatment and for any new exercises to be prescribed.
By the end of the second consultation, you should be beginning to feel the benefit of the treatment, with subsequent consultations then helping you well on your way to recovery and helping you achieve the best possible results for your pain or injury.
Most subsequent consultations take about 25 to 30 minutes.
Do I need a referral to see a physio?
There are large variations in healing or recovery times for each individual and each condition we see. We will provide you with a good idea of what you can expect after we have fully assessed you. For most clients that present for physiotherapy, it is unusual to be “fixed” in one session, as most will require a course of treatment and home exercises.
Our goal for each and every person we see at The Physio Nook is to get you back to normal, pain free function as quickly as possible, and to provide you with strategies so you can then independently maintain your own healthy body for the long term.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
At The Physio Nook, we realise that unexpected things can crop up and prevent you from attending an appointment.
Therefore, unlike many clinics, we do not charge a cancellation fee if you call and let us know that you won’t be able to make it to a scheduled appointment. We don’t even ask for 24 hours notice, please just call us as soon as you become aware that you will not be able to make it, anytime before your appointment is due.
However, if you simply don’t show up for your appointment without letting us know, we will charge you a $50 non-attendance fee.
As you can understand, we block off time for each client and our clinic often runs at full capacity, at times with a waiting list. We greatly appreciate your consideration of us and our other clients in ringing ahead if you need to cancel your appointment.
Does Medicare cover physiotherapy?
In some circumstances, yes. However, Medicare does not provide a rebate for Physiotherapy services unless your doctor has placed you on an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program and completed the appropriate paperwork, in consultation with you. When your doctor has done this, you are eligible for up to five physio visits with only a small gap payment payable by you. If you have any queries regarding this, please ask one of our physiotherapists or your local doctor.
However, most Private Health Insurance policies with ancillary or “extras” cover do provide a rebate. For your convenience, direct electronic claiming through the HICAPS system is available at the time of your consultation at The Physio Nook’s clinics.
What about when I stop coming?
At The Physio Nook, our care for you continues after your need for “hands on” treatment stops.
A few weeks following your last appointment with us, your physiotherapist will either telephone or SMS message you personally to ensure your improvements have been maintained, answer any questions or concerns you may have, and offer any further advice that may be necessary.
We care for our clients for the long term.