Do I need a referral?

No. It is not usually necessary to have a Doctor's referral to consult an Osteopath, unless you are eligible to claim through Medicare (see next).

There are increasing numbers of General Practitioners referring patients to Osteopaths and it is increasingly common for your Osteopath to communicate with your G.P. Osteopaths will also refer patients to appropriate Diagnostic Examinations and/or other specialists, when necessary.

Is Osteopathic treatment available under Medicare?

Yes, in some instances.

The rules on Osteopathy and Medicare have recently changed. As stated on the Medicare website: www.hic.gov.au

"From July 2004, people with chronic conditions and complex care needs who are being managed through an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) multidisciplinary care plan may be eligible for up to 5 allied health services per year on referral from their GP.

Services from Aboriginal health workers, audiologists, chiropractors, chiropodists, dieticians, mental health workers, occupational therapists, osteopaths, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists and speech pathologists, are included under these items.

GP's must use the EPC allied health referral form to refer their patients to an eligible allied health professional."

Patients should enquire with their GP's to see if they are eligible for osteopathic treatment under this scheme. Caroline Stone is an eligible health care professional able to provide allied health services under this scheme.

Workers Compensation.

Treatment is usually covered by Worker's Compensation insurance and no referral to consult an Osteopath is needed (except in Queensland). Medical certificates issued by Osteopaths are honoured by most employers.

Private health insurance.Like Dentists, most major health insurance companies cover part of the cost of Osteopathic Treatment is covered under their ancillary or extra cover schedules, so individual patients much check their policy for details. Patients are usually required to pay the osteopath's bill upfront, and then claim back from their policy.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is manual medicine which aims to maintain the normal balance between all the systems of the body by focusing treatment on musculoskeletal components. Treatment of the muscles, other soft tissues and joints will affect the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems of the body. In other words, osteopaths look at the human body as a 'total picture.'

Osteopathic Training.

Osteopaths are government-registered practitioners of manual medicine. In Australia, there are three undergraduate osteopathic courses, which are five years full time. Your AOA member can be found under the Osteopaths classification in Yellow Pages in your capital city or by contacting the Association.

How is Osteopathy different?

Osteopaths typically spend between half and hour and forty minutes with patients, carefully reviewing all aspects of the problem. Ultra-sound and heat machines are rarely used by Osteopaths as they prefer a direct hands-on manual approach. Some manipulation is used (depending on the case) but a lot of other techniques are also employed such as soft tissue massage, stretching, joint articulation and other very gentle techniques. This means Osteopathy is safe for everyone from young babies to the very old.Where symptoms are undiagnosed, patients may be referred prior to treatment.

How many sessions will I need?

This does vary depending on the individual, although the Osteopath can give an indication on the first visit. Many problems are resolved within two to three treatments but other more chronic problems or where tissue damage is quite marked, may require some maintenance treatment.