Quick Questions!
Q. Do I need a referral?
A. No. As Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners you do not need to see or obtain a referral from a doctor.
Q. Is Osteopathic treatment available under Medicare?
A. No. Treatment is partly covered by major health insurance companies under their extra cover or ancillary cover. Osteopathic treatment is covered by WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission or equivalent and no referral is needed(expect in Queensland)
Q. What if I need a medical certificate?
A. Osteopaths are no longer able to issue medical certificiates. These can only be given by a General Practitioner. Most employers will honour a Certificate of Continuing Incapacity issued by a registered Osteopath.
Q. What is the difference between an Osteopath and a Physiotherapist?
A. Osteopaths treat in a similar way to Physiotherapists. The major difference between the two is that Physiotherapist's use a large range of mechanical equipment to treat their patients along with manual techniques.
Q. What is the difference between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?
A. Chiropractors concentrate mainly on the spine and frequently use X-rays to diagnose and treat their patients. Chiropractors treat their patients by "adjusting" the spine. On the other hand, Osteopaths use X-rays less frequently and restore function to a joint etc. by extending the range of movement the joint can make using a variety of techniques.
Chiropractic and Physiotherapy are no threat to Osteopathy. In fact, most Osteopaths have a good working relationship with both Chiropractors and Physiotherapist's to provide the best possible care for their patients.
Page last updated: December
2nd, 1999
Maintained by Brett
Vaughan