Why is the spine so important? 

 

The spine is the framework that supports and protects the spinal cord. It has been likened to the body’s switchboard. Nerves leave the spinal cord through small openings between the spinal bones (vertebrae). The nervous system controls and coordinates all organs and structures and functions of the human body. This helps to maintain homeostasis (natural physiological balance).

If the normal movement of the spine is disrupted, the impulses  that travel along nerves can be compromised. This may present as pain (either local or referred) or stiffness, or there may be other symptoms instead.

 

 

What causes the spine to dysfunction? 

 

Posture is an obvious one. But we know that when we are exposed to emotional stress or toxins in the environment, we can feel a response in our musculoskeletal system. 

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Who can see a Chiropractor?

 

Chiropractors are Primary Care practitioners, and so a referral is not required. We are trained in diagnosis. It is part of our role to take an entire health history (not just for the specific problem you may come in with). All elements of health work together, and part of the holistic approach is to know how all the bodily systems interact. We then decide how to personalise Chiropractic care to suit your condition, or if it is more appropriate to refer you to a different practitioner. This way we are safely able to care for patients in a variety of age groups, and with a variety of specific health requirements. 

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Chiropractors are registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

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Do you accept GP referrals (GPCCMP) claims? 

 

Yes. GPCCMP is a Medicare system to give coordinated care for chronic health complaints. The most common reason we see GPCCMP patients is to help manage spinal pain or movement restriction. Also to improve spinal function to help you continue all your chosen daily activities. 

For this, we do require a referral from your GP/doctor. Once the correct paperwork is in place, we process the claim at the time of your appointment. Remember to bring your Medicare card!!

 

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Do you accept TAC and Workcover claims?

 

Only for current patients of our practice.

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Please let us know at the time of booking if your visit could possibly fall into the category of TAC or Workcover. This may change the type of appointment you need. TAC and Workcover have specific requirements from us, and we want to make sure we have time to complete any additional evaluation and document it correctly.Bring your claim acceptance paperwork with you. 

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We do not bill TAC or Workcover directly as they have made recent changes to their system. They have advised us to ask you to pay on the day and you can claim yourself. If you do have a claim and don't declare it to us, this may change the nature of your claim

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Please note we do not accept Workcover or TAC claims for new patients to our practice. This is due to the extensive requirements they place upon us. If you do have a claim and don't declare it to us, this may change the nature of your claim.

 

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What types of Private Health Insurance do you accept?

 

We have a Hicaps terminal in both practices. This accepts all the major Private Health Insurance companies. All eligible claims are processed on the spot. If you are unsure whether you are covered for Chiropractic, or whether your chosen Health Insurance is included in Hicaps, please contact your company before attending. If for any reason a claim does not get processed on the spot, we will give you a receipt and you will be able to claim this yourself. 

 

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What if I cannot attend my appointment? 

 

We are grateful if you let us know as soon as possible.

If you phone and let us know, we can help reschedule your appointment on the spot. Importantly, if you let us know you will not be attending, this then makes your appointment time available for somebody else to utilise. 

The answering machine is always available to leave messages if you are phoning outside regular Practice hours. 

We do have a missed appointment policy. If you do not attend, or give less than one hours notice, you may be charged the missed appointment fee. (Cost of your visit)

 

 

Do you take x-rays?

 

No. We do not take x-rays on site. If the Chiropractor determines that x-rays are required, they can refer you for spinal x-rays (that are covered by Medicare??) If any other films are required, the Chiropractor can communicate with your GP and it would be followed up that way. 

 

 

Should I attend when I am sick? 

 

Depends. 

If you are not feeling well and are unsure of whether to attend, please phone and ask us. 

Some illnesses and highly contagious and you definitely should not attend, especially Covid or Covid-type illnesses. 

However, we do like to take a case-by-case approach as some patients have found relief from some symptoms with Chiropractic care. A more common one is suffering from rib pain after a lot of coughing. If there is a suspicion that you could still be contagious we may still be able to see you, but take extra precautions like masks/liberal disinfectant and scheduling the appointment outside regular consulting hours so there is no contact with other patients, and there is time for extra cleaning. 

We do not sacrifice the health of one patient for another, and are very particular in taking extra precautions with contagious illness as we do have immunocompromised patients that require a safe environment. 

 

 

How long do I have to wait after surgery before attending an appointment? 

 

This is personal choice. Again, we take a case-by-case approach. Surgery and the resultant rest periods can result in a whole myriad of aches and pains. Chiropractic may be appropriate for some of those. We can modify patient consults so that you do not need to lie down on the table. Similarly, appointments outside regular hours may be possible if we know that you may require some assistance (someone to drive you) or you may be quite slow moving or immunocompromised.