FAQs
Do I need a referral?
A referral to see a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist for a private consultation is not required. Our therapists are often the first point of call to address multiple ailments. We are more than happy to refer you to your General Practitioner or recommend a specialist if you require additional input for your injuries.
Despite this, your General Practitioner may give you a referral. This can assist in providing our therapists a background on your condition or injury. If this is the case, please bring your referral with you.
The only time a referral is absolutely necessary is if you are involved in a WorkCover or Third Party claim.
Where should I park?
There is street parking available in Kogarah as well as a council carpark conveniently located under Kogarah Town Square, accessible via Derby Street. Once in the carpark, take the lift to Level 2 – Belgrave Street and cross the road to LifeFit Physiotherapy.
What do I bring to my first visit?
Please bring with you any relevant medical information that may assist your physiotherapist in assessing and diagnosing your injuries. This may be in the form of:
X-rays and their corresponding reports
Ultrasounds and their corresponding reports
CT scans and their corresponding reports
MRI investigations and their corresponding reports
Doctors’ reports
If you are in a private health fund, bring your private health fund card in order to claim on the spot.
What should I expect during my first consultation?
On your initial consultation, one of our physiotherapists will complete a thorough subjective and objective examination of your condition. This will allow us to make an accurate diagnosis of your injury and we will endeavour to explain this to you in a way you will understand.
We will then discuss a suitable treatment plan that is unique to your injury and make recommendations regarding activity restrictions, prognosis and a plan to return to previous function.
If required, we may refer you for an x-ray or other diagnostic tests. Most musculoskeletal problems can be addressed by a physiotherapist however, should you require further assessment, your physiotherapist will liaise with your General Practitioner.
Your treatment plan will combine hands-on treatment and exercise prescription for a home based program including strategies to help your injury resolve within a timely fashion. Our goal is to work closely with you to achieve the best and most efficient outcome.
Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions you may have regarding your injury at your initial consultation in order for us to help you.
How long is each consultation?
An initial consultation is 45-60 mins in duration. A follow-up consultation for the same injury will be approximately 30 minutes. Our physiotherapists pride themselves on time management and keeping to their appointment schedules, but occasionally there are unexpected circumstances which may arise.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
The number of treatment sessions required and their frequency will vary depending on the type of injury, its complexity, severity and any other work or sporting commitments you may have. Upon your initial consultation, your physiotherapist will give you a rough estimate of timeframes however, this may change depending on how you respond to treatment. We endeavour to minimise your expense by providing you with self management strategies and exercises to assist with your injury and reduce the reliance on passive modalities.
What do I bring if I am being treated under WorkCover claim?
If you have been injured at work, the first step is to report your injury at work (see appropriate person and fill in forms) and see your General Practitioner. Your General Practitioner will issue you with a Certificate of Capacity outlining your capabilities and a referral to see a physiotherapist. On your initial consultation, you are required to bring the following items with you:
Certificate of Capacity stating physiotherapy or exercise physiology in the management section
Physiotherapy or exercise physiology referral stating the area of injury
Any relevant scans or doctors reports
Date of injury
Claim number and acceptance of liability letter
Insurance details including company, case manager and their contact details
Work contact details
You can attend your treatment sessions even if you have not been issued your claim number, however you may need to pay for your visits until your treatment is approved. Your insurance company should then be able to reimburse you for your costs. You will still need a Certificate of Capacity and General Practitioner referral even if you do not have a claim number.
What do I bring if I am being treated under a Third Party claim?
If you have been involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) and have a Third Party claim, you are required to bring the following items with you on your initial consultation:
Physiotherapy or exercise physiology referral stating the area of injury
Any relevant scans or doctors reports
Claim number and acceptance of liability letter
Date of accident
Insurance details including company, case manager and their contact details
You can attend your treatment sessions even if you have not been issued your claim number, however you may need to pay for your visits until your treatment is approved. Your insurance company should then be able to reimburse you for your costs. You will still need a General Practitioner referral.
Do you have a HICAPS facility for on-the-spot health fund claims?
Yes we have a HICAPS facility. For patients with private health cover, this facility provides on-the-spot claiming of their rebate i.e. you only pay the gap (the difference between the cost of the visit and what the private health insurance pays).
The gap payment is dependent on your level of extras cover and the amount of physiotherapy you have used per calendar year.
LifeFit Physiotherapy is affiliated with the HCF More for Muscles Program which means that some HCF members will have their initial physiotherapy treatment session fully covered. Additionally, we are preferred providers for BUPA, meaning BUPA members will receive a higher rebate (will pay a smaller gap).
The HICAPS facility also allows for electronic claiming through Medicare if you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan, as well as use of credit card and EFTPOS.
Does Medicare cover physiotherapy?
Medicare does not cover physiotherapy unless you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan (previously named Enhanced Primary Care Plan or EPC) that has been given to you by your GP. Your GP will advise whether you are eligible for this plan.
If you are eligible for the Chronic Disease Management Plan, please tell us at the time of booking your appointment.
The Chronic Disease Management Plan entitles you to up to five physiotherapy treatment sessions per calendar year however, physiotherapy is also combined with other Allied Health Professions, so be careful you do not overlap. These sessions do not accumulate with each successive year.
At LifeFit Physiotherapy we bulk bill aged pensioners on the spot electronically if they have a Chronic Disease Management Plan, meaning there are no out of pocket expenses for these visits. For all other patients with a Chronic Disease Management Plan, there is a $30 out of pocket expense.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
We require 48 hours notice for all NDIS appointment cancellations and 24 hours notice for all other appointment cancellations. Failure to do so may incur a late notice fee.
How do I begin hydrotherapy?
Prior to beginning hydrotherapy you will need to book an initial consultation with one of our physiotherapists for assessment of your injury, function and suitability to the pool. Your assessment may include baseline measurements of functional tasks to assist with keeping track of your progress as you improve. We will also ask you specific questions to make sure you are suitable to attend the hydrotherapy pool.
What should I bring to hydrotherapy?
Please bring the following items with you:
Towel
Swimming costume
Thongs (wearing the same shoes from outside into the pool area is not permitted)
Change of underwear and clothes
Bottle of water to stay hydrated during your session
Any medication you may need eg. for angina, asthma, etc
If you are in pain, please ensure you have adequate pain relief 30–60 minutes prior to your session. Please inform your physiotherapist at every session about any changes to your health and/or medications.
You may not enter the pool if:
You have an open wound which is not covered with a waterproof dressing
Your blood pressure is not well controlled
You are incontinent
You have had diarrhoea at any time in the last 7 days
You have an infection, raised temperature or you are feeling unwell