Physiotherapists Direct Specialist Referral In The Spotlight

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is calling on all parties to guarantee support for legislative change to enable physiotherapists to refer direct to specialists with a Medicare rebate if elected this weekend.

The change would save $13 million nationally each year.

At present, patients won't receive a Medicare rebate if a physiotherapist refers them directly to a medical specialist. Physiotherapists must refer  patients to a GP for them to qualify for the rebate, but with the extra doctor visit carrying a Medicare cost, time and resources are taken from GPs and patients must also pay the cost of gap payments.

APA Queensland President Richard Newsham-West has written to all political leaders on behalf of 3,300 Queensland physiotherapists seeking support for this legislative reform, which was detailed in the APA’s Pre-Budget Submission for 2015-16 – along with other demands for how leaders could ensure a healthier Queensland.

“We have been pleased to see the Newman LNP Government confirm they’ll pursue this issue within Queensland hospital and health services for physiotherapists to refer to specialists, and hear the ALP share their verbal support,” Mr Newsham-West said.

“We’ll be urging whoever’s successful this Saturday to stick to their promises and see this change – enabling better health outcomes for patients and the healthcare system – come into effect.”

The APA also urged Queensland leaders to improve physiotherapy access for rural and remote communities, to further invest in and support advanced and extended practice physiotherapy roles, as well as committing to sufficient remuneration, retention and professional opportunities for physiotherapists.

It also requests support of the APA’s plans to promote limited prescribing rights for appropriately credentialed physiotherapists