Did you know that Medicare provide a rebate for Physiotherapy?

The Australian government recognise physio as a vital treatment option for many conditions. These include chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia and back pain.

We want you to access the help you need, and can explain the rebate process.

 

What is Chronic Disease Management?

Chronic disease management is a care plan initiated by a GP’s referral to a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist (or other allied health practitioners) for management of a health condition.

 

Am I eligible?

CDM’s are designed for people who are dealing with a chronic condition for longer than 6 months (or if your condition is likely to be present for 6 months or greater). Examples include (and are not limited to) persistent musculoskeletal pain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease or neurological diseases.

 

What does it do?

A CDM entitles you to 5 physiotherapy (or exercise physiology) visits per calendar year. 

 

Is there an age restriction on CDM’s?

No! CDM’s are for anyone who satisfies the criteria, regardless of age.

 

How much do I get back?

Medicare will give you a rebate of $54.60 for each of the 5 visits. If you have reached the Medicare safety net threshold, you may be eligible for a greater rebate.

 

How does it work?

1. Visit your GP to have your eligibility assessed.
2. Your GP will fill out a care plan which you will bring to your next physiotherapy or exercise physiology appointment.
3. Your physiotherapist will then liaise with your GP, giving them regular updates on your progress.

 

If you think you are eligible make an appointment with your GP, or give us a call to discuss it on 8544 8484.

As you rush back to blow off the workout cobwebs; do so with caution.

Your body doesn’t like change. It doesn’t like quick increases (or decreases) in load. At a cellular level (and too complex for this blog!) collagen and elastin density changes, blood cell population is altered and nerve firing patterns change.

How does this affect your spin/ pump/ HIIT etc class?

Over the last 3 months (or so) we have all been out of our usual routines. For some, there has been an increase in exercise as we have found ourselves with more time but for the majority the type of exercise has significantly changed.

Now we are allowed back into our regular routine. But should we go back?

Absolutely!
It is important to get back to the gym; run group or outdoor training. The mental health benefits have been proven again and again. A break from home schooling and working from home is essential.

Physically lets back to setting goals, building strength and improving function. But lets do it safely.

Give your body time to adapt once again to the demands of your exercise routine. Start at around 50% load to what you were doing.
The definition of load is not just number of sessions but also includes intensity of sessions, rest between sessions and within sessions. For example if you were running 10km x 3/wk and haven’t been running at all during COVD lockdown this week you should return with the aim of running 5km x3/wk with a run/walk program.  Run 5mins; walk 1min. Have an active rest day the day after before repeating the SAME program. On the 3^rd day we will increase the load but by no more than 20% (ideally more like 10%). This could be that you reduce your walking by 20%, increase your run time by 20% or increase your level of effort while running  by 20% BUT NOT ALL 3!

As we have discussed in previous blogs (LINK) stretching is important and should be done AFTER your sessions. Focus instead on an active warm up before (and make it specific to the activity you are about to undertake).

If you are carrying a COVID related cleaning injury, “Netflix neck” or want some advise to help you return to sport and exercise without injury… call us on 8544 8484.

As you are aware the Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a of measures to assist in slowing the spread of COVID-19. We at Lifestyle Physiotherapy are responding to the immediate call to comply.

At this stage the restrictions do not apply to health care settings, schools, supermarkets, public transport and workplaces. This situation may change. In the meantime, we will continue delivering physiotherapy services in our clinic while supporting our more vulnerable patients in their homes.

Implementing social distancing measures

We have removed all soft furnishings from the clinic and will be providing minimal seating in the waiting from. Please refrain from arriving early to your appointment.

What changes will you see?

On arrival to the clinic, you will have your temperature taken via electronic (non-contact) infrared thermometer. As low-grade fever is considered a possible symptom, temperatures over 37.5 degrees will be asked to leave the clinic to seek further medical advice. Staff will also be tested on arrival, and at 3 hourly increments throughout the day.

While we pride ourselves on our hygiene practices, we now include a full disinfection of all surfaces within the clinic space, including tables, chairs, door handles and EFTPOS terminals.

We are encouraging our staff to avoid unnecessary physical contact, to more diligently cover coughs and sneezes, to wash their hands thoroughly and more frequently, and use the hand sanitisers throughout the clinic. We also ask all patients to use hand sanitiser on arrival and departure from the clinic. The front door remains open to minimise physical contact.

Appointments will be undertaken in alternate treatment rooms, and reception staff will direct you to the room shortly before the physiotherapist has completed their current appointment. This allows the treatment room to be disinfected thoroughly between patients and any towelling used to be removed. This also reduces congestion in our waiting area while follow-up appointments are scheduled.

Exercise prescription will take place where possible with patients own exercise equipment (bands etc), alternatively the physiotherapist will demonstrate with resistance bands reserved only for the clinic.

Finally, and for some most saddening of all is the removal of the lolly jar!

What happens If Australia goes into lockdown?

Currently the Australian Physiotherapy Association is engaging in discussions with the Australian Health Department regarding the role of physiotherapists in this current health crisis. It will be decided if physiotherapy continues to be considered a primary healthcare provider. Assuming this does not change we will remain open with the aim of easing loads on GPs. During possible shutdown periods we would be available for telehealth consultations and alternatives for vulnerable patients.

The wellbeing of our patients

We all pursued a career in physiotherapy because we care about people. We will always do what we can to assist our patients to regain their health and ultimately love their life. During such uncertain times we understand the anxieties our patients are communicating. Know that we always have and always will have your best interest in mind. We will continue to monitor government advice but in the meantime are here to continue providing thorough and personalised treatment.

Staying informed

To stay informed, you can check this Australian Government daily update and NSW Health advice.

We will continue to share information or changes to our clinic as they develop. Please contact me if you have any questions of concerns.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to protect our vulnerable and our much-loved community.

Kind regards

Lauren Atlee
Principal Physiotherapist

lauren@lifestylephysiocronulla.com.au

02 8544 8484