Wednesday, 08 September 2010
CHANGES to ACC legislation last year that required people to make partial payments for physiotherapy is not all doom and gloom, according to one Whakatane practitioner.
Helen Inglis opened a private physiotherapy and accupuncture clinic a few weeks ago and says she has no lack of clients.
Mrs Inglis said the new legislation required people to pay a small fee toward the cost of their physiotherapy treatment, whereas – prior to October 2009 – ACC covered the full cost.
This could potentially create two different outcomes, she said.
The cost could prevent people who were struggling financially from seeking physiotherapy or it could empower them to take responsibility for their own health by having to shoulder some of the bill.
Mrs Inglis is hoping it is the latter and, if her bookings are anything to go by, she might be right.
Physiotherapy is an important part of a person’s injury rehabilitation and injury prevention, she said, and people should view the small co-payment as an investment in their health.
As with most health treatments, early intervention is beneficial as injuries that are left too long – or that are not seen to at all – can become more problematic than injuries that a treated quickly.
Mrs Inglis’ consultations consist of a one-on-one, 30- to 45-minute assessment, treatment and education, which includes teaching clients how to help themselves and how to prevent future problems.
Specialising in treating musculo-skeletal conditions, which include work and sport injuries, post-surgery rehabilitation and body aches, pains and sprains, she has worked in in Whakatane for nearly 12 years, mostly at Whakatane Hospital.
Mrs Inglis is also a registered acupuncturist – a skill she can use in conjunction with physiotherapy to provide pain relief and assist the body’s healing process.