FAQs

Following are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

You are welcome to contact us via email with any particular queries you may have prior to making an appointment [email protected]

1. DO I NEED A REFERRAL?

Private Patients: No, you do not need a referral to see a Hand Therapist as a private patient. However, if you require a splint, your health insurance agency is more likely to contribute to the cost (depending on your level of cover) if your doctor requests a splint in writing.

Workcover / TAC / DVA: Yes, you will need a written referral if you are claiming through a compensable body such as Workcover, TAC or DVA

Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC): In certain circumstances, Medicare will contribute to the cost of up to five allied health visits, for patients suffering from a chronic condition and requiring input from at least two different allied health professions. An EPC plan counts as a referral and must be completed by the referring GP. These referrals are only appropriate in certain circumstances.

2. DO I NEED TO PAY ON THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT? WHAT PAYMENT METHODS ARE ACCEPTED?

Yes, payment is required on the day of treatment. Instant health fund claiming via HICAPS is available at our Geelong, and Torquay clinics. (please note that you need to be covered for Occupational Therapy to claim a rebate back from your health insurer for your appointment). We accept VISA, Mastercard, cash and cheques. Payments can be made over the phone in pre-arranged circumstances. An administration fee may apply to accounts not finalised on the day of treatment. Workcover, TAC and DVA bills are sent to the insurer directly by Geelong Hand Therapy.

3. IS THERE AN OUT OF POCKET FEE IF I HAVE AN EPC PLAN?

Yes. Patients attending with an EPC plan will have a portion of their appointment rebated by Medicare. Patients pay for the full appointment then we process a medicare rebate. The current rebate is $60.35 per appointment.

4. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Workcover patients need to bring their claim number and the contact details of their employer. Confirmation of workcover status is required prior to treatment and if Geelong Hand Therapy is unable to obtain information regarding the workcover claim, the worker may be liable for payment on the day, in which case an itemised tax invoice will be provided for reimbursement at a later stage.

TAC patients need to bring their claim number and accident date & their referral from a GP. 

Private patients will need to bring their private health insurance card with them to claim a rebate back if applicable. Otherwise, you do not need to bring anything to your appointment.

5. I HAVE HAD X-RAYS AND SCANS DONE. DO I NEED TO BRING THESE TO MY APPOINTMENT?

No. All therapists at Geelong Hand Therapy have online access to all of the imaging companies in the Geelong region, and can look up the results of any scans online prior to your appointment. Please let our team know where you have had your scans done at the time of booking.

If you have had scans done outside of the Geelong region, please bring these with you if possible.

6. CAN I CHOOSE WHICH LOCATION I WOULD LIKE TO BE SEEN AT?

Yes. Geelong Hand Therapy works across two locations across Geelong and Torquay. You can book an appointment online at a specific location, or speak to our reception team who will accommodate your requests. Please be aware that only certain therapists work at particular sites on a limited number of days, and so requesting a specific location may mean that your appointment is scheduled for a slightly later date. Our team will discuss this with you if you have a condition or injury that needs to be seen urgently.

7. WILL I SEE THE SAME THERAPIST DURING MY TREATMENT AT GEELONG HAND THERAPY?

Yes. We like to ensure that patients remain under the care of one therapist while accessing our services to promote continuity of care. There may be circumstances where care is shared across multiple therapists, such as Workcover patients requiring multiple visits a week, if you require appointments at specific dates or times, or when therapists are on leave. Rest assured that our team works closely together in these instances and will be fully aware of your history and treatment plan. If you are required to see another therapist, this will be discussed with you and your consent will be gained first. If you would prefer your appointments to remain with one sole therapist in these instances, this is fine and will be accommodated.

8. I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THAT I HAVE A BROKEN BONE, CAN I BE SEEN TODAY?

In most cases, yes. We reserve a small number of appointments for urgent appointments that require same-day treatment. Please call our reception directly if you require urgent treatment.