FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES A PHYSIOTHERAPIST DO?
Physiotherapists are trained in enhancing the mechanics of the human body. Physiotherapists are health care professionals who work to both prevent and rehabilitate injury and work with all different types of people from those involved in sport to older populations wanting to stay active.
In New Zealand, physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand and have a current Annual Practising Certificate.
WHAT DOES A PODIATRIST DO?
Podiatrists are highly trained health professionals who provides specialised footcare and treatment of lower limb conditions for people of all ages. Our Podiatrist, Linus is able to provide proficient treatment in relations to a variety of conditions and injuries from hip down to the toes. In addition, many people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and inflammatory arthritis are encouraged to seek help from a podiatrist on a regular basis.
In New Zealand, anyone practicing podiatry must be registered with the New Zealand Podiatrists Board and have a current Annual Practicing Certificate.
WHAT DOES AN ACUPUNCTURIST DO?
Acupuncturists are highly trained healthcare professionals who deliver holistic care for various conditions and injuries through acupuncture. Acupuncture is a treatment that uses very thin steel needles inserted into the skin to stimulate specific points in the body. The goal is to relieve a health condition or symptom, such as pain. The practice comes from traditional Chinese medicine. Scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness for some conditions.
HOW DOES ACC WORK?
If your condition/injury is the result of an accident and you can describe the time, the place and the cause of the injury, we can electronically fill out the ACC claim form and submit this to ACC on your behalf. Or, if you already have an existing ACC claim number, obtained through your GP or the hospital, we can use that claim number. If your ACC claim is then approved, ACC will subsidise the costs of your physiotherapy treatments and you will just pay a surcharge for each visit.
If your condition is not the result of an accident, but perhaps due to gradual wear and tear, arthritis, or is a condition you were born with, you will not be subsidised by ACC and will be charged a Private Consultation fee.
CAN I GET TREATMENT COVERED UNDER PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE?
If you have private medical insurance, you may be able to claim back part, or all, of your treatment costs. Please contact your insurance company to find out what your policy covers. Normally you would make the payment for your consultation and receive reimbursement from the insurance company given that the treatment is covered under your policy.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE INITIAL CONSULTATION?
Your first appointment is often a bit longer. The treating clinician will gather information about your injury, assess and formulate a treatment plan for you which may include: injury education, hands on treatment and home exercises and stretches. If required they can also refer you to xray, ultrasound scan or to the specialist.
Please bring any relevant information that may include your doctor’s referral, hospital discharge letters, medication list, reports for x-ray, ultrasound or MRI.
If you are seeing the Podiatrist, please bring your shoes for daily activities as well as work shoes or any footwear that you wear for sports/exercises.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
You can wear your normal clothing but bring some lighter clothing such as shorts and a t-shirt for physical assessment and treatment.
HOW MANY VISITS WILL I NEED?
The number of treatments will vary depending on the problem and individual. After a thorough assessment, the clinician will discuss their treatment plan for the rehabilitation process. Clinicians may recommend seeing other members of Fixme Clinic for the multidisciplinary care which would allow faster recovery through the broadened spectrum of treatment.