Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Do I need a referral for Livewell?

 

We would prefer a referral from your GP to ensure that team at Livewell can offer you the care you require. Your referral should outline your diagnosis and any other relevant medical history. This will also ensure we can work closely with your treating GP and/ or specialist to give you the tailored program you require.

 

Q: Are there any Medicare or private health fund rebates/Workcover/Qcomp/Private Health Fund?

 

Yes. See below for more details.

 

Private Heath Funds

 

Private patients may receive a rebate from their private health fund if cover includes ancillary services for occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology. If you’re unsure, give your health fund a call and they can confirm this information for you. LiveWell also offers HICAPS to provide you with on-the-spot health fund rebates.

 

Enhanced Primary Care Program

 

A rebate from Medicare may be available if your GP approves you for the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program. Patients are entitled to 5 Allied Health consultations per year as allocated by the referring GP.

 

Workers’ Compensation, CTP and DVA

 

Patients with approved Workers Compensation Claim, Compulsory Third Party (CTP) and Department of Veteran Affairs do not have to pay for their consultations. We will directly bill the relevant insurance company or DVA. Referrals are required and an up to date medical certificate for Workers Compensation patients.

 

Medicare

 

Patients seeing our Pain Management GP with a registered medicare card will be able to recieve a rebate for the consultations.

 

Q: What should I bring to my appointment?

 

- Your referral

- Any relevant x-rays, scans and tests and reports

- Your health fund card

​- Your medicare card

- Your workers compensation medical certificate and claim number information if applicable.

 

Q: What’s involved in the initial consultation?

 

An in-depth assessment involving past history, current presenting symptoms, goals and a physical assessment. From this initial consultation your clinicians will develop a detailed treatment plan.

 

Q: Why would I see a psychologist for my pain?

 

Pain has biological, psychological and emotional factors and may cause feelings such as anger, hopelessness, sadness and anxiety. To treat pain effectively, you must address the physical, emotional and psychological aspects. Understanding and managing the thoughts, emotions and behaviors that accompany the discomfort can help you cope more effectively with your pain, and can actually reduce the intensity of your pain.

 

Q: I have already seen a physiotherapist, how is this different?

 

Physiotherapy treatment for chronic pain aims to empower people to manage their conditions. Self-management strategies are part of a persons centred approach that looks to educate people around pain science, lifestyle modification and the optimisation of function and independence. There is often a less hands on approach although manual therapy and other pain relief modalities may be indicated.

 

Q: Will treatment hurt?

 

While most treatments are designed to improve your function and decrease pain, there can be occasional discomfort during various activities. There should not be elevated pain for any length of time following exercise or treatment. If this is the case then these techniques may not be suited, and modifications can be made to better suit your needs.

 

Q: Will you cure my pain?

 

While complete pain relief would be optimal, at LiveWell Pain Management Centre we aim to enable patients to better manage their pain and re-engage in meaningful activity. This often comes with some reduction in pain but a complete resolution of pain is not always feasible.