FAQs
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to be seen at Encompass Therapy. Medical referrals will be required if you wish to claim part or all of the cost of your consult through Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) scheme or through the Chronic Care Management Plan (CCMP) subsidised by Medicare (see below).
Can I claim through Medicare for Encompass Therapy services?
Encompass Therapy is a registered Medicare provider. Medicare provides claim benefits for chronic medical conditions and for clients with complex care needs. If you are living with a condition that has lasted, or is predicted to last, for six months or longer, you may be eligible for Medicare assistance under the Chronic Care Management Plan (CCMP). Chronic conditions covered include cancer, lymphoedema, arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. Eligible patients are entitled to Medicare benefits for up to 5 allied health consults (including Occupational Therapy) per calendar year.
To be eligible for Medicare benefits, you will require a referral for Occupational Therapy services from your General Practitioner and our services must be part of an overall care plan. A gap payment will also be required. After your first and fifth consult, Roseanne will provide written feedback to your GP to ensure that your care plan is being followed.
For more information you can refer to the Allied Health under Medicare Information
Does Encompass Therapy accept referrals under other third party programs?
Encompass Therapy accepts referral and provides services under the following: Medicare CCMP, Workcover, Aged care packages, NDIS. Please contact us regarding the necessary referral details.
What private health fund rebates are available?
It is recommended that you contact your private health fund directly to determine if Occupational Therapy treatment is covered and what rebates are available per session. Some funds also offer rebates on the cost of medical compression garments and devices as well as on the cost of consultations. You will be provided with an itemised invoice that you can submit to your health fund.
What is access to the Encompass Therapy clinic rooms like?
Konara building in Broadmeadow is well signed with a distinctive mural on the side of the building and the word “Konara” in large letters on the front of the building. Free undercover parking is available as well as street parking if your would prefer. Access via the undercover park leads directly to a lift up to level 1, while the front entrance has some stairs to negotiate. Public toilet facilities are available on level 2.
What should I bring to an Occupational Therapy appointment?
Any information regarding your medical condition may by useful when assessing your needs and determining goals for treatment. Please remember to bring any test results, medical reports and/or medication information with you to the appointment.
If you are undergoing lymphoedema treatment, please bring any previously worn or prescribed garments with you to the appointment.
If you are undergoing hands on treatment, you may feel more comfortable wearing shorts rather than long pants or jeans which would need to be removed for assessment and treatment.
What if I need to change or cancel an appointment?
Please refer to Encompass Therapy terms and conditions. See below.
Your appointment time has been specifically set aside for you alone as this practice values your time. We understand things can change due to unforeseen circumstances. With at least 48 hours notice an appointment can be rescheduled. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice a cancellation fee will apply. If you do not attend an appointment full cost of the consult is payable. If you are running late for an appointment, kindly contact us by phone. Late arrivals will be seen for the remainder of their appointment time only so that subsequent appointments can remain on schedule. Payment is due in full at the end of each treatment session. Payment by cash, debit or credit card will be accepted.
What is Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation (DNS)?
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilsation (DNS) is a therapy approach that retrains the central nervous system to use natural motor patterns for efficient movement. Key concepts include:
Core as a Functional Cylinder
DNS defines the core as more than just abdominal muscles. It’s a cylinder involving the diaphragm (breathing muscle), pelvic floor and spinal/abdominal muscles and tissues. These work together automatically to stabilise the spine and provide a strong base for movement.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Proper breathing pushes the diaphragm down and out, creating intra-abdominal pressure - a natural “pelvic stability belt” that stabilises the spine and provides a base for movement.
Joint Centration
Joint centration ensures optimal alignment, like a ball sitting perfectly in its socket (eg. shoulder or hip). This alignment allows for safe, efficient movement and reduces tissue damage. DNS exercises restore this ideal joint positioning.
Developmental Movement Patterns
DNS mimics the natural movement progression of babies - rolling, crawling, standing - to help the brain relearn correct muscle activation and movement patterns.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is a client-centred health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. As an Occupational Therapist, I believe that our ability to engage in meaningful occupation is at the core of our health and wellbeing. That is where the profession of Occupational Therapy was born… with the recognition after World War 1 that returned soldiers needed to feel that they could again engage in the range of tasks and roles that they had performed prior to sustaining their physical, psychological and emotional injuries. They needed more than rest and physical rehabilitation – they needed to feel that they were capable and valued members of their families and communities.
Occupational therapy services typically include:
An individualised evaluation, during which the client and therapist determine goals for treatment
Customized intervention to improve the client’s ability to perform important tasks and life roles that may include hands on treatment of the client as well as modification to task and environment to promote task performance
Outcome based evaluation and review to refine treatment goals in partnership with the client.