FAQs

Do I need a referral for physio?

Physiotherapists are a “first contact practitioner”. This means that you do not need a referral from your doctor to see us. Having said this, we work closely with many doctors and other health professionals to help people gain the best from their bodies. We also accept referrals from other coaches, personal trainers, health practitioners or even family/friends. 

Do Physio's bulk bill?

No. If you need help paying for physiotherapy treatment. the Government’s Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program provides financial assistance for up to five sessions per year for people with chronic conditions or 10 sessions if you are ATSI. You need to see your doctor regarding this program. For significantly reduced-cost physiotherapy you can visit the University of Canberra student-led clinic. A few times a year we host students who can be seen using your private health without a gap payment, phone the clinic for more information. 

Can I claim on my private health fund?

Yes. If your private health fund coverage includes physiotherapy treatment you can process your claim at the time of treatment with our Hicaps facility. Hicaps is an electronic claim system that offers members of private health funds with extras covering the convenience of processing their claims on the spot. To make use of this service all you need to do is provide the receptionist with your health fund card when paying your account. This means no more queuing at health fund branches and no more filling in claim forms.

Is physio covered by medicare?

Physiotherapy is not generally covered by Medicare, although, there are some exceptions. People with chronic and complex care needs who are being managed through an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) multidisciplinary care plan may be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for up to five physiotherapy services per year on referral from a GP. Patients need to pay their account at the time of treatment and then claim a rebate from Medicare. To find out more details about Enhanced Primary Care, call the reception staff.

Do you treat department of veterans affairs (DVA) patients?

Yes. When treatment commences, DVA clients need to provide us with a D904 Form from their referring doctor. As well as the D904, we also require DVA card details. After that, all that is needed is to electronically submit the claim online to DVA.

Do you see NDIS clients?

Yes we do. We can treat self-managed and plan-managed clients in the clinic, for NDIA-managed participants you will need to be seen in our Mobile clinic which is a fully registered NDIS provider. 

Does Southside Physio treat workers compensation clients?

Southside Physiotherapy treats compensable clients and liaise with insurance companies on a regular basis. In order to directly bill the Insurance Company, the reception staff will need the name of your Insurance Company, your claim number and your claim manager (if known) and a letter from the Insurance Company stating that liability has been accepted for that condition. Up until liability has been accepted by the Insurance Company, accounts are payable by the client. Please note some Insurance Companies do not pay the full cost of consultations. In these cases we ask that the client pay a Gap Charge fee towards the cost of their treatment. To enquire as to which Insurance Companies do not pay the full amount and the associated Gap Charge fee, please call our friendly reception team. We are happy to assist our clients however we can.

What conditions are treated by a Physio?

Musculoskeletal Problems:– Any muscle or joint problem, even Temporomandibular Joints.

Sports Injuries: – Muscle strains, for example hamstring and calf tears – Joint sprains, for example, ankle and knee injuries – Overuse injuries, like tendonitis, bursitis – Joint stiffness or dislocation.

Back and Neck Pain: – Back and neck pain can come on suddenly, or over a longer period of time. Either type of injury is amenable to treatment. Back and neck pain can also produce leg or arm pain.

Occupational Injuries/Pain, Postural and Repetition Injuries: – Neck, back, arm, headaches as well as injuries from falls and trips can all be treated.

Arthritis: – All forms of arthritis can benefit from physiotherapy.

Men’s Health: Post prostatectomy, peyronies disease, erectile dysfunction, pelvic floor, incontinence – and more. 

Women’s Health: – Pregnancy and menopause may present specific challenges for backs, necks, fitness, weight management and continence in women. Post-delivery exercises are useful for regaining abdominal strength. Physiotherapy may provide a quick and easy treatment for mastitis. Women who have had breast surgery also benefit from physiotherapy.

Incontinence: – There is a large body of high-quality research that supports physiotherapy in the management of continence in men and women. It is important that you see a physiotherapist with training in continence problems. 

Paediatric Physiotherapy : – Developmental delay, chronic illnesses, genetic conditions,  Musculoskeletal conditions: Osgood Shlatters disease, Severs disease and knee pain, poor posture and scoliosis, and sprains and strains.

Other Conditions That Are Treatable Are: – Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand problems. Hip, knee, ankle and foot problems. Chest problems – acute and chronic. Headaches. Non-specific lower back pain. Postural problems. Impaired mobility, falls risks, and poor balance. Muscle spasms and muscle weakness.