Frequent Questions
01. What qualifications does an Osteopath have?
Australian Osteopaths need to have completed between 4.5- 5 years of full-time tertiary education. Depending on the university attended, the course structure varies from a double Bachelor qualification to a Bachelor and Masters qualification.
Osteopaths in Australia are required by law to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and complete 25 hours of continued professional development annually to maintain registration. Additionally, the majority of Osteopaths in Australia are also registered with Osteopathy Australia, our governing body.
02. Do I need a referral?
No. Osteopaths are primary health care professionals and do not require a referral.
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, you may be eligible for a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan. Your GP will need to complete the required referral if you wish to claim part of your consultation through Medicare.
03. Can I use private health insurance?
Osteopathy is covered under the “extras” cover of most major health insurers. We offer instant rebates via HICAPS with rebates varying depending on your health insurer. We recommend checking the details of your policy.
04. Is Osteopathy covered by Medicare?
Osteopathic treatment can be subsidised by Medicare if you are eligible for a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) care plan. You may be eligible for a CDM plan if suffering from a chronic medical complaint. If eligible, your GP may provide a referral. When attending Metro Osteopathy with a CDM plan, please bring your referral letter and your Medicare card. There is a small gap fee associated with CDM plans.
05. What to expect from my first consultation?
Upon your first consultation as a new patient, Metro Osteopathy recommends attending your consultation 10 minutes early to fill out our new patient form PRIOR to your consultation. This can also be completed online ahead of time.
Upon entering the consultation room, your Osteopath will ask you numerous questions to better understand you as a person, your presenting complaint, previous histories and associated wants, needs and goals of seeking osteopathic care.
This will transition to the relevant assessment, discussion and proposed treatment plan that will be mutually agreed upon before carrying out treatment. Ongoing consent is provided throughout the treatment to ensure your safety and comfort.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the consultations, please do not hesitate to speak with your practitioner.
06. Length of consultations?
Your first appointment will last up to 45 minutes.
Subsequent appointments will last up to 30 minutes.
Longer appointments are available upon request.
07. What to wear for Osteopathy consultations?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. Within your consultation you may be asked to take off garments so your practitioner can better examine you. This will be communicated and ongoing draping is provided to ensure your comfort.
