Patient Info

Find answers to the most common questions when booking or receiving treatment at Hand Therapy Experts.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to book an appointment?

No, a doctor’s referral is not required for private patients. However, if you’re claiming through workers’ compensation insurance or compulsory third party (CTP), a doctor’s referral is necessary.

Are hand therapists physiotherapists or occupational therapists?

Hand therapists can be either a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who have undertaken additional training to provide expert assessment and treatment in hand and upper limb conditions.

What should I bring to my first consultation?

If you’ve had X-rays, ultrasounds, CT or MRI scans, bring the images and scan results with you.

If you have a doctor’s referral, please provide the referral at the start of the consultation.

What can I expect during my consultation?

– One-on-one consultation with a thorough assessment of your condition
– Careful consideration of relevant hand surgery protocols, recovery timeframe and lifestyle factors
– Treatment based on evidence and our extensive experience in treating hand, wrist and elbow conditions
– Customised treatment plan and if necessary, fabricating a splint during your appointment
– Referral to our network of trusted medical specialists
– Free access to our digital library of rehab exercises via TrackActive

Is hand therapy covered by Medicare?

In some cases, yes. For chronic conditions under the Chronic Disease Management plan, you may be eligible for partial coverage of the consultation fee with a GP referral. You are still required to pay the gap of the consultation fee after the Medicare rebate. If you have a Chronic Disease Management plan written by your GP for physiotherapy sessions, please bring the referral to your appointment so it can be claimed.

I have private health insurance. What will I get back from my health fund?

How much your health fund covers depends on your level of cover. If you are covered for customised orthoses/splints, we will provide a letter to your health fund to help you claim money back on your customised splint.

Do I need to pay on the day?

Yes, private patients must pay on the day of the appointment. If you are using the Chronic Disease Management plan through Medicare, you need to pay the appointment cost in full first before claiming Medicare rebate.

If you are claiming through worker’s compensation or compulsory third party and don’t have approval for physiotherapy or a claim number yet, you may be required to pay for the consultation and claim through the insurer once you have approval.

Still have questions?

Contact Hand Therapy Experts at 1300 33 HAND or book a consultation!