Can I see a physiotherapist during stage 4 lock down in Melbourne?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Victoria, have made it very clear that, during stage 4 lock down restrictions, you should still seek the healthcare you need. You are still allowed to get the physiotherapy care you need during stage 4 lock down.
There has been some confusion in the general public about what is allowed and what isn't allowed for physiotherapy services in Melbourne currently.
The main point that you need to be aware of are:
- You DO NOT need a GP referral to see our physiotherapists
- You CAN travel outside the 5km radius to receive healthcare - (use your appointment SMS as proof of service)
- DHHS have encouraged everyone who needs healthcare to continue to receive healthcare, though you may only attend the clinic in person if the absence of care will mean that your condition and function deteriorates, and that you may need to seek further care for this deterioration.
- Telehealth exists for all patients, no matter what condition you may be dealing with. We are here to help you!
Lock Down Rules For Physiotherapy In Melbourne
What do the stage 4 lock down rules mean for Physiotherapy in Melbourne?
According to the DHHS physiotherapy guidelines, if you are in pain, and worried that your condition may deteriorate or worsen, which may possibly result in you needing an escalation of care (e.g. a requirement for specialist input/review, an increase in care needs and/or alternate accommodation, avoiding a hospital admission or emergency department presentation) then you are definitely allowed to seek physiotherapy care.
Please don't underestimate your condition! Recently, we have had people attend our physiotherapy clinics, with what they thought were minor issues, and they turned out to be serious injuries, some being stress fractures.
If you are unsure whether or not you should attend, but you are in pain, then we'd prefer to see you for a face to face consult, at one of our Melbourne Physiotherapy clinics for a face to face consult. This will allow you to gain a firm diagnosis and plan for your recovery. Where required, we'll continue to see you in the clinic for face to face physiotherapy consultations.
If we feel your condition doesn't require further immediate care, then we can review you via telehealth, to continue to provide you physiotherapy care, and help you fix your injury or problem. If this doesn't suit, you will have to wait until after lock down to receive face to face care, though we will give you a plan to help you get through this time.
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Do I need a GP referral to see a Physiotherapist during stage 4 lock down?
No, you do not need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist during lock down.
There was some initial confusion relating to this, but the DHHS have confirmed that, just like normal, you do not need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist during stage 4 lock down.
Can I travel more than 5km to go and see a physiotherapist during stage 4 lock down?
Yes, you can most definitely travel outside the 5km restriction zone to seek healthcare.
You can use your appointment confirmation email, or the appointment reminder SMS as proof that you have an appointment.
How can you seek physiotherapy care during Stage 4 Lock Down In Melbourne?
To help you decide what you should be doing in relation to your physiotherapy care, our physiotherapists have set aside each day to take your calls and help guide you through the process. We feel the more clarity for people at the moment, the better!
A reminder: DHHS have advised you to continue to seek the healthcare you require.
Don't forget - we are here to help you with all your physiotherapy needs across Melbourne during stage 4 lock down.
Stay safe Melbourne!
Source: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/health-care-and-social-assistance-restrictions-covid-19
August 2020
How can we help you?
At Melbourne Sports Physiotherapy our overall goal is to get you moving pain free as soon as possible.
But, we also want you to actually move better and live a healthier, more active and fulfilling life!
If your sports, fitness training or work has been wearing your body down, book in with one of our expert massage therapists so we can help you reduce your pain or stiffness.
If you are showing some signs of this condition or simply want help prevent this from happening in the future then book in with one of our highly experienced therapists today!
You can make an appointment by calling 03 9498 0205 or booking online.