When do I need a referral?
Physiotherapists are Primary Care Practitioners which means that you can see them first when there is an issue/injury without needing to see a GP/specialist.
We can even help refer you for imaging such as X-Rays and Ultrasounds, so you don’t need to wait around to see a GP, wait for the results and come back to us.
We can diagnose problems and use evidence-based practice treatments to help you recover. Problems/injuries specifically around muscles, joints and movement is sometimes better diagnosed by a physio than a GP – as we specialise in this area. GPs see a range of conditions and don’t specifically treat these areas.
Seeing a Physio early helps to give you a prompt diagnosis, allows you to begin treatment, move better and feel better faster.
If you want subsidised Medicare sessions (EPC) or bulk billed images this is when you would see a doctor (but it doesn’t need to be first) as we can write letters to the GP asking exactly what you need and avoid seeing a Physio first anyway to find out the problem and then come back to the GP with our recommendations.
When should I still see a doctor?
If you have an injury involving trauma, not involving muscle, bone or joint, or are unsure who to see – the GP should be your first contact (or emergency if it’s a broken bone etc.)
As mentioned above you can see a Physio first to diagnose your Musculoskeletal problem and we can write a referral to the GP for imaging/medication/further referrals to a specialist and recommend going on an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan for up to 5 sessions in any 12 month period.
These sessions can only be used if you have a chronic condition and it’s been present for more than six months. This may include post joint replacements that aren’t healing, diabetes, heart conditions, ongoing pain conditions etc.
The other time to see a GP first is if you need Work Cover treatments or treatments approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs then you need to see a GP first to have your treatment plans approved before coming into the physio.
Summary
Physiotherapists can see you without a referral and help you diagnose your problems and injuries. This will help you get treated fasted and hopefully recovery quicker as you started your rehabilitation process promptly.
You would need to see a GP first if you are requiring DVA and Work Cover treatment plans, and if you want a Medicare EPC before your first visit. GPs can also refer for bulk billed images and see you if you are totally unsure in what health professional/specialist you need to see.