Evidence based practice / physiotherapy is the integration of best research evidence with clinical experience and patient values.
Best research evidence means research that is patient centred and clinically relevant.
Clinical experience means using clinical skills and past experience to understand each patients/clients unique health status and values.
Patient / Personnel values mean the unique preferences, concerns and expectations that an individual brings to the clinical encounter.
When these three elements are integrated, clinicians and clients form a therapeutic alliance which optimizes the clinical outcomes and results in improved quality of life.
(Modified from Sackett et al, Evidence Based Medicine, 2nd ed, 2000)
APA Website
Manipulative Physiotherapy is the term used to describe the field of physiotherapy practice which relates to disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Manipulative physiotherapists have completed post-graduate training in spinal and peripheral joint manipulation. The term "manipulation" involves applying a small quick controlled thrust technique to a joint to restore movement and reduce pain.
Clinical reasoning is the foundation of professional clinical practice. In the absence of sound clinical reasoning, clinical practice becomes a technical operation requiring direction from a decision maker. It is the role of professional health care practitioners to practice in a manner which demonstrates professional autonomy, competence and accountability, to engage in lifelong learning and to contribute to the development of the knowledge base of their disciplines.
In order to achieve these outcomes health professionals need to be able to reason effectively, to make sound and defensible clinical decisions and to learn through their clinical experience and other avenues in order to continually develop their knowledge as the basis for making effective clinical decisions and useful contributions to the knowledge of the field. (pxiiv, Clinical Reasoning in the Health Professions. Higgs and Jones, 1995)
Physiotherapists are a "first contact practitioner", this means 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 accept referrals from Ballet Schools / Dance Teachers, Gyms and Personal Trainers, Massage Therapists, Coaches, Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi instructors.
If you intend to claim your health costs on your tax, ask us for a copy of your doctor's referral and keep your receipts.
The Government EPC program provides for financial assistance of up to 5 treatments per year for people with chronic conditions. You need to see your doctor regarding this program.
For your convenience Woden Integrated Physiotherapy offers the Hicaps facility. Hicaps is an electronic claim system which offers members of Private Health funds with extras cover 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.
At Woden Integrated Physiotherapy we accept most credit cards excluding American Express and Diners Club.
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.
Woden Integrated Physiotherapy treats compensable clients and converse 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 order for us to keep treating our compensable clients, we are obliged to ask that any gap payment be paid by the client. To enquire as to which Insurance Companies do not pay the full amount and the gap amounts payable please do not hesitate to call the reception staff. We are happy to assist our clients however we can.
Physiotherapists at Woden Integrated Physiotherapy treat Department of Veterans Affair patients. The patient on commencement of treatment must present with a D904 Form from their referring doctor. As well as the D904, we also required the clients DVA card details. After that, all that is needed is to electronically submit the claim online to DVA.