Patient Registration.
To be completed and signed by a guardian/parent if under the age of 18.
Rebates
Private Health Funds
All our therapists are registered to provide either Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Myotherapy or Remeial Massage services.
Private patients may receive a rebate from their private health fund if cover includes ancillary services for OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PHYSIOTHERAPY, MYOTHERAPY or REMEDIAL MASSAGE. Depending on the insurance policy there may also be a rebate applicable to some splints and equipment required. Please advise our reception staff when booking if your cover only includes services of a physiotherapist and we will try and match you with an appropriate therapist.
HICAPS facility is available at Helping Hands at our Brighton rooms for on-the-spot health fund rebate for most heath funds.
Medicare
Enhanced Primary Care Plan – Medicare EPC – Chronic Disease Management – Allied Health Services Under Medicare.
In some circumstances, rebate from Medicare may be available if your GP approves you for the Chronic Disease Management Program. Patients are entitled to 5 allied health services in a year. A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for six months or longer, for example arthritis, diabetes, burns, musculoskeletal conditions and stroke. We are able to offer both Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services under the program.
TAC
Workers Compensation, Transport Accident Commission (TAC) or Department of Veteran’s Affairs DVA.
Patients with approved Workers Compensation Claim, TAC and Department of Veteran Affairs are not required to pay for their consultations. We will directly bill the relevant insurance company. Referrals are required and WorkCover patients require an up to date medical certificate at all times. In the case where your employer is paying your work related injury then we will bill the employer directly for your care.
FAQs
Do I need a referral to be seen at Action Rehab?
No. Only patients who are having their consultations paid for by a 3rd Party (eg. WorkCover, TAC) need a referral.
Does my private health insurance cover my consultation?
Yes. All our therapists are registered with ALL private health insurance agencies. For more information visit the rebates page.
What should I bring to my appointment?
- Any x-rays, scans and tests relevant to your condition
- A copy of your new patient form completed on line (if possible)
- Your workers compensation, TAC or DVA claim number information if applicable, or your accident or employer details.
- Your referral letter if you have one (not required for private patients not under WC or TAC)
What is a Hand Therapist and why would I need one?
Our therapists have chosen to focus on hand therapy following their undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy, In some cases this has meant 6 years of study. We each made the choice to devote ourselves to this concentration of practice and there are direct benefits to our patients from our choice. Our team are passionate, hard working individuals, committed to excellence. The diligence required developing comprehensive knowledge and skills in hand therapy is evident in our care. Each patient and their symptoms are viewed as unique and challenging. If you have a shoulder, elbow, sprained wrist or hand injury, book an appointment to see Action Rehab.
I just need an orthotic/splint/brace. Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes. All our braces are custom made by our team of hand therapists. Our therapists need to formally assess your condition in order to treat it. During the consultation they will give you education and exercises to further assist your recovery. We will continue your care after the initial splinting phase to ensure you regain your strength and range of motion through exercises.
I’ve only just had surgery. Isn’t it too early to start rehabilitation?
No. Hand Therapists generally see patients within the first three days following surgery to fabricate orthotics/splints/braces and remove bulky post surgery dressings. Initially the rehabilitation is focused on reducing swelling, fitting these splints and keeping unaffected joints moving. Our Hand Therapists are experienced in simple wound care also and can even remove your stitches where instructed to by your Doctor!
I’ve got an appointment with my surgeon in 2 weeks. Why do I need to see you before then?
Generally once the surgery has been done our therapists will manage your care. Following the advice of the surgeon we will remove your dressings, protect you in a splint and get you moving. Over the next few weeks we will strengthen you and return you to your activities of daily living. During this time we liaise closely with your surgeon keeping them informed of your care. It is important you see your therapist regularly for this and so often appointments with your therapist will happen much more frequently than your surgical appointments.
I’ve been referred to Ben Cunningham. Do I need to see him or can I see one of your other therapists?
As the business owner, Ben’s contact details are often on the referral letters and many referrers know Ben, however all the therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in the treatment of hand/wrist/elbow and shoulder rehabilitation as well as tennis elbow treatments so it does not matter which therapist you are booked in to see.
Why wouldn’t I just go to my local Physiotherapist? Why come to Action Rehab instead?
At Action Rehab our therapists are experienced in the care of shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand injuries and we have been helping people with conditions of the upper limb for the last 20 years. Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists only treat upper limb conditions. We undergo further training in upper limb management and our experience can be seen on our About Us page. We have a good working relationship with local Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Osteopaths and many refer to us for hand injuries so if you would like us to talk to your local therapist then please let us know. It might also be worth asking your local therapist if a referral to Action Rehab would assist your recovery further? Remember when it comes to your shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand, your outcome is our passion! Book an appointment today!
How long are the consultations?
Initial consultations are booked in for 30-40 minutes depending on the complexity of your injury. Follow up consultations are booked in for 30-40 minutes. Your time will never be cut short if you need it. The frequency of your reviews will depend on the complexity and severity of your injury and how you are progressing.
