FAQ for seeking allied health treatment during stage 4 lockdown for Melbourne

• You do not need a GP referral to see us.
• You can travel more than 5km to seek treatment from your existing practitioner, but only within 5km if you are a new patient.
• You have to require “urgent care” - essentially you have to be in enough pain that you are unable to perform activities of daily living or sleep. Also, lack of treatment “would result in a significant change/deterioration in the patient/client’s functional independence necessitating escalation of care... (treatment provided is aimed at) avoiding a hospital admission or emergency department presentation”, according to the DHHS.
• You have to fill out pre-screening questionnaires to meet this urgent care criteria and for Covid-19 symptoms.
• Routine treatment or non-urgent  treatment is NOT permitted. If you do not meet this urgent care criteria, consider a telehealth appointment instead. You’ll be surprised how much osteopaths can help you through advice, education and showing you things to try at home.
• Allied health practitioners need to wear a disposable surgical mask and eye protection while treating, patients need to wear a face covering. 

Until Sept 13, only telehealth appointments  will be available in the booking system. If you really need a face-to-face appointment, please do not hesitate to get in contact with me so that we can determine if you meet the criteria of “urgent care”. At the same time, perhaps I could give you advice that may help remotely.