Do I need to be referred by my doctor for physiotherapy?
Mandurah Physiotherapy staff in Mandurah treat a lot of clients both with and without referral.
It is not necessary to be referred by your doctor if you are a private patient. If for example you have fallen at home or during sport and sprained your ankle then you do not need a referral. If however you are covered under any sort of insurance such as workers compensation, Motor vehicle accidents (if the accident wasn’t your fault), Veteran’s Affairs or Medicare (EPC plan) then you will need to see your Doctor for a referral. If you are involved in a car accident which was your fault then you are not covered under third party motor vehicle insurance and would be classed as a private patient and will be responsible for the account. Also some sports people these days cover themselves with sports insurance and this is a good idea if you are involved in a contact sport. These are often available through your sports club and may be included in membership fees at the beginning of the season. It is not usually a lot of money and covers any accidents or injuries that may occur during training or playing. It is not usually necessary to have a doctors referral to be covered under this insurance however check the fine print in your contract. Usually you will have to pay the account and then claim back from your insurance company unless your club has arranged otherwise. A lot of people these days are covering themselves with private medical insurance as the government gives a 30% rebate to everyone. If you have Axillary cover in your private insurance then this will cover part of your physiotherapy costs and you probably don’t need additional sports insurance if you have full medical insurance. Talk to our front desk staff at our Cooloongup clinic to see whether you are covered under insurance. We are able to give quotes to let you know how much your private health fund rebate will be.