We look forward to seeing you at the Clayton Sports and Spinal Clinic. Here is some useful information that we hope will make your visit as carefree as possible.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
If this is your first visit to the clinic, then we will need to have a chat with you about what brings you to us, what your goals and expectations are and formulate a plan to manage and treat your condition or injury. It may seem like a lot of talking at the start but it’s important that we get a clear picture of your problem before any treatment commences. Your treatment may consist of a combination of hands on physiotherapy and exercise, including joint and muscle techniques, stretching, massage, supervised exercise, education and Pilates.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Although you can see a physiotherapist without a referral from a doctor, if you have been given a referral by your doctor, then please bring this on the first appointment. Any radiological investigations you may have had would also be helpful. Please allow 30mins for your appointments.
How much does the appointment cost?
The physiotherapy appointment costs vary depending on your circumstances. If you have private health insurance, a medicare referral or other funding packages, the price will differ. Please speak to reception for your individual fee amounts. For patients with no referrals or private health insurance, the price will be $94 for the first appointment and $84.50 for appointments after this.
Please note: Our fees are subject to change. Please call us to make sure you are aware of the most current fees.
Does it matter what I wear?
As part of your assessment and treatment, your physiotherapist will need to physically examine the area concerned. This might involve removing a part of your clothing. Please wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing or you can bring a pair of shorts or singlet to wear underneath.
How can I pay for the consultation?
All fees are payable at the time of the consultation. If you have private health insurance you can claim at the time through HICAPS. We accept cash, eftpos and credit cards.
What if I am running late or can’t attend?
Generally we try to run on time. If you are running late please phone and let us know. If you cannot attend your appointment we require 24hours notice or we may charge you for your consultation.
What do you do when you arrive?
If you are running on time simply take a seat and your physiotherapist will call you in to your appointment. If you have been waiting more than 15mins after your appointment time or are running late please ring the bell at reception.
What if I’m covered under Workcover or TAC?
We take a sports-medicine approach to workplace and TAC accidents, so the only difference is how this is funded. As soon as you have an accepted claim under any of these insurers, you can present to physiotherapy and in most cases, we will bill them directly with no gap.
TAC http://www.tac.vic.gov.au/jsp/corporate/homepage/home.jsp
Workcover http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/WorkSafe
Do you offer afterhours appointments?
Sometimes life gets in the way and you cannot attend within normal business hours. We offer afterhours appointments on most days between 5:30 – 7.30pm with a small surcharge.
Do you accept NDIS/My Aged Care patients?
Yes, we do accept patients with various funding packages including NDIS and My Aged Care. For more information, please speak to reception.
Is Physiotherapy covered by Medicare?
The only way that physiotherapy is covered under Medicare is with a Chronic Disease Management plan issued by your GP. There are strict eligibility guidelines for this plan and you generally require documented chronic illness or disability. Please contact your GP or Medical Clinic for more information.
If you are seeing us under the Medicare Care Plan, there will be an out of pocket (gap) payment to be made. This payment depends on your type of appointment, and if you have a concession card. For more information on your specific out-of-pocket costs, please speak to reception.