Frequently Asked Questions
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopaths in Australia are allied health professionals who have at least 4 years of university training. Osteopathic care includes a wide range of hands-on techniques, exercise prescription and ergonomic advice to help you move better, feel better, and recover from injury.
Our osteopaths have special interests in a range of areas including paediatrics, women’s health and breathing, as well as general osteopathy for people who just need their back or neck pain sorted out.
Do I need a referral to see an Osteopath?
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 Xrays or scans, if required.
What training do Osteopaths have?
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.
What do I wear to my appointment?
Osteopathy is a ‘hands on’ therapy. We recommend you wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes. Treatment gowns are available at the clinic.
What should I bring to my appointment?
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.
Can I have Osteopathic treatment during my pregnancy?
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.
Is Osteopathy suitable for babies and children?
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. Book your baby in with either Betsy or Anna.
What is dry needling?
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.
Is there parking near the clinic?
Yes, the Hackett Shops has lots of free parking, and you’ll be able to get a park close to the clinic without any trouble.
Is the clinic accessible for wheelchairs?
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.
What are your opening hours?
Monday 8am to 5pm, Tuesday 8am to 7.30pm, Wednesday 8am to 7.30pm, Thursday 8am to 7.30pm, Friday 8am to 1.30 pm and Saturday 8am to 1.30pm.
Late Notice Policy
Please note that our clinic has a late notice policy. If you need to reschedule an appointment you must provide us with at least 12 hours’ notice to avoid a fee. If you miss an appointment without notice, the full fee will apply.
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.
What can I expect from my appointment?
During the appointment we will take a detailed history about your presenting complaint and your medical history. We will then proceed to do an assessment including a musculoskeletal assessment and medical assessment depending on your case. Once a diagnosis and treatment plan has been formulated, we will discuss our findings with you and ask for your informed consent, and if you’re happy to, begin the treatment.
What is informed consent?
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.
What happens to the information I tell you or give you during the appointment?
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.
What are your consultation fees?
We have Osteopaths and Senior Osteopaths at the clinic. Senior Osteopaths have many years of experience, and appointments with a Senior Osteopath are charged at a slightly higher rate. All our Osteopaths are fully registered and insured, and are skilled manual therapists. To find the right practitioner for you, head to our ‘About Us’ tab and you can have a look at all our profiles.
Osteopath:
Initial consult $160
Subsequent consult $129
Senior Osteopath:
Initial Consult $172
Subsequent Consult $140
Concession (low income families, pensioners)
$30 reduction on our standard fees
Is Osteopathy covered by private health?
‘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.
What is a Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan and is Osteopathy covered?
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.
Can I claim under the Chronic Disease Management plan on the spot?
Through HICAPS we are able to claim back the Medicare rebate on the spot. Please be aware that Medicare can only give the rebate back on a savings or cheque account and not a credit account. You will need to pay for your appointment upfront and we can process the Medicare claim on the spot with the rebate refunded into your account with 48 hours. If we are having problems scanning 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.
I’m with DVA / Workcover / TAC, can I see an Osteopath?
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.
