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Tag: Physio

Moreton All Body CareNewsPhysio
By Georgie Vinton Information , , , , , , , ,

Accessing Allied Health services through Medicare

People with Chronic Medical Conditions and Complex Care needs can access Medicare Rebated Allied Health Services under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) (previously known as an Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC)).

A Medicare rebate is available for a maximum of five services per patient each calendar year. Additional services are not possible in any circumstances.

The patient will have to pay the difference between the fee charged and the Medicare rebate. Fees will vary between practices and Allied Health providers.

Patients must have a GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements prepared by their GP, or be residents of a residential aged care facility who are managed under a multidisciplinary care plan.

Referrals to allied health providers must be from GPs.

Allied health providers must report back to the referring GP.

A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for six months or longer, for example, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions and stroke. There is no list of eligible conditions. However, the CDM items are designed for patients who require a structured approach and to enable GPs to plan and coordinate the care of patients with complex conditions requiring ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team.

Patients have complex care needs if they need ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team consisting of their GP and at least two other health or care providers.

If you feel that you may be eligible for services under a CDM/EPC we recommend you discuss your needs with your GP.

You are entitled to choose who you are referred to for any services allocated under a CDM/EPC and can ask to be referred to any provider who accepts CDM/EPC’s.

If you are unsure about how to access these services please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be able to provide you with further information.

By Georgie Vinton Physiotherapy , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What does a Physiotherapist actually do?

Ever wondered what a physiotherapist actually does? Physiotherapists are professionals trained at assessing, diagnosing and treating a range of conditions and injuries to all areas of the body with the overall goal to improve function and reduce pain levels. At Moreton All Body Care we not only see people with sporting injuries and sore backs but also patients with repetitive strain injuries, neck pain or headaches, patients requiring rehabilitation after surgery or general muscular/arthritic/bursitis aches and pain. These can include workcover related, third party claims (e.g. motor vehicle accidents) and department of veteran affairs (DVA) patients.

During a standard 30min consult, physiotherapist’s conduct a range of special tests to determine the cause and contributing factors to your symptoms. Based on this they are able to advise you on the best treatment approach and provide manual therapy if appropriate. Follow up appointments are generally required to review your injury, and to progress your treatment and exercises as you get better. If this is the case the physio will discuss this with you. A medical certificate can be written if you require time off work or sport.

Treatment techniques commonly used include:
– Joint mobilisations to reduce stiffness and help restore any deficit to your range of motion. If your joints aren’t moving freely they become irritated and can be a cause of pain or place more load on surrounding structures which causes dysfunction. For example, your spine is made up of multiple levels (vertebrae) and if there is a stiff link it will change the way you move. Gentle manipulations can move and stretch the stiff area to get your joints moving again.
– Soft tissue techniques such as massage or trigger point release is an effective way of accelerating the body’s healing and recovery process by bringing more blood flow and oxygen to the area. It can relax tight or overworked muscles that are creating excessive stress on your joints.
– Prescription of individualised strengthening exercises to be performed at home to quicken your recovery.
– Stretches to lengthen tight muscles, stretch joints and/or help with posture correction.
– Pilates program development to improve strength, stability and flexibility. This can be matwork or reformer based.
– Dry needling (similar to acupuncture) of myofascial tissue. Points are stimulated to create local, spinal segmental or supraspinal pain modulating effects.
– Taping to restrict joint movement and minimise further structural damage to ligaments or muscles. Also used to improve biomechanics to address movement dysfunctions contributing to pain
– Education regarding your condition, appropriate rest required, activity modifications and load management strategies to minimise any further exacerbation of your condition. They are able to provide guidance as to whether scans (e.g. ultrasound, xrays, MRI) are required.

All treatment techniques are accommodated to your specific needs. It is never too early or late after an injury or onset of your pain to seek assistance by a physiotherapist. A referral by a GP is NOT required.