Frequently asked questions.
No you do not need a referral to see us. You can make an appointment without a referral as Osteopaths are primary health practitioners. This also means that your Osteopath will be able to refer you for further testing such as x-rays or scans, if required.
‘Extras’ cover for most private health funds includes osteopathic treatment, with rebates varying depending on your provider and level of cover. Our onsite HICAPS facility allows you to process your health claim at the time of your consultation, with you only having to pay the gap.
A chronic disease management plan is a service available through Medicare, coordinated by your GP to allow patients experiencing chronic pain (pain greater than 6 months) access to a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Osteopathy is one of the available services. For more information, please speak to your GP.
Yes! You will need to pay for your appointment upfront and then we will process the Medicare claim for you. This will be refunded into your account associated with Medicare within 48 hours. If we are having problems with your Medicare card or you do not bring the appropriate cards on the day (a savings or cheque account card and Medicare card), we will email or print a receipt for you to claim with Medicare independently.
Osteopathy is covered under these schemes, but regretfully we do not treat patients under DVA, TAC or Workcover. You’re still very welcome to see us under your private health insurance or as a standard patient.
At North Canberra Osteopathy, all of our Osteopaths have completed university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurological and orthopaedic testing, and Osteopathic techniques. We are members of the Australian Osteopathic Association, registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and regularly undergo further professional development and postgraduate study.
Yes, absolutely! We have lots of ways to modify our techniques to make them comfortable and appropriate for pregnancy. We also have a special pregnancy cushion that makes it comfortable to lie face-down for your treatment.
Yes, we see lots of babies at the clinic, it’s one of our special interests at North Canberra Osteo. Most of the babies we look after are tight, asymmetrical, or uncomfortable, either from their birth or from their position in utero. We also see babies who are having issues with feeding. If you’re unsure about bringing your baby in, we’re very happy to talk to you first to see if we can help.
Dry Needling is a treatment technique where fine filament needles are inserted into the trigger points of muscle to promote the muscle fibres to relax, relieve the hyper-irritability of the sensory nerves, reduce inflammation, improve flexibility and provide better circulation to the surrounding tissue. Not all of our practitioners have further training in dry needling, so if you would like this modality included in your treatment please give us a call, and we’ll make sure you’re in with the right person.
Osteopathy is a ‘hands on’ therapy. We recommend you wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes. Treatment gowns are available at the clinic
Please bring any current or relevant scans, X-rays or medical reports. If you’re currently wearing a brace or splint, please bring it along also. For babies, please bring along their blue book.
Yes, we are on the ground floor with one step up into the clinic. We have a portable wheelchair ramp for wheelchair and pam access, and extra wide doorways throughout the clinic.
Please note that our clinic has a late notice policy. If you need to reschedule an appointment you must provide us with at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid a fee.
Late notice and missed appointment fee: $80
We understand that sometimes life gets in the way of scheduled appointment times, and we do take extenuating circumstances into consideration.
Your medical information is private and confidential, and is stored securely. You will be asked for your consent prior to any information being disclosed to a third party such as your GP or your health insurer, unless compelled by legislation. You can ask for a copy of your own file at any time.
Informed consent is defined as, ‘a person’s voluntary decision about health care that is made with knowledge and understanding of the benefits and risks involved’. During the appointment we will discuss the risks and benefits regarding treatment and the explanation for our diagnosis and treatment plan. Throughout the appointment, please do not hesitate to tell us if you have any questions or concerns with something that is said or a technique used. Likewise, should you become uncomfortable at any point, please say stop immediately and we can cease the treatment. If you have any further questions or concerns please contact the clinic on 02 6249 7541 or email admin@northcanberraosteopathy.com.au.
