Do I need a referral from a medical doctor to see the chiropractor?
No. Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact health care professionals in every state of Australia. This means that patients may be consulted directly without a referral from a medical doctor.
However, your chiropractic treatment costs may be covered if you do have a referral from your medical doctor for one of the following reasons:
Chronic Disease Management/Enhanced Primary Care Program:
If you suffer from a chronic condition (e.g. chronic low back pain), you are able to get a referral from your GP for 5 visits a year to see the chiropractor. These visits will be bulk billed through Medicare at no cost to you.
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA):
If you are a veteran and ask your GP for a referral, the Department of Veterans Affairs pays for the cost of chiropractic care.
Workers' Compensation:
Under the Workers' Compensation Act, you can elect to receive chiropractic care for a work-related injury.
You must tell your employer you wish to be treated by a chiropractor and let us know at the time of booking your first appointment to see us. We will provide you with the relevant paperwork to complete.
We do ask for full payment for our services at the time of each visit, you will be able to put in a claim to be reimbursed for expenses incurred.
Motor Vehicle Injuries;
The Insurance Commission of WA (ICWA) provides payment for chiropractic care for injuries sustained in motor vehicle collisions. You must report your collision and injuries to the ICWA (telephone 9264 3333) who will provide you with a claim number. We will provide you with the relevant forms to complete.
Chiropractors are also able to treat MVA patients without a referral from a medical doctor.
No Referral:
If you don't have a referral the majority of Private Health Insurance Companies will still cover a portion of your treatment costs. We can claim this rebate for you on the day of your appointment via HICAPS, you will only have to pay the remaining balance out-of-pocket. Please check with your Private Health Fund for your level of chiropractic cover.