GC Hand Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does a Hand Therapist do?

    Hand Therapists are Occupational or Physiotherapists who specialise in assessing and treating Hand and Upper Limb conditions. All our therapists are members of the AHTA. Hand Therapists provide conservative treatment for a variety of conditions as well as assisting with patient recovery following surgery. Our Hand Therapists can assist with:

    • Monitoring and treatment of wounds
    • Custom made splint manufacture
    • Casting after injury
    • Pain management/techniques
    • Improving function
    • Odema Management
    • Scar Management
    • Massage/Heat Treatment
    • Sensory and desensitization education
    • Adjusting to life after injury
    • Assist with Return to Work, sports, hobbies and pre-injury activities
    • Home exercise programs
    • Handwriting assessments and advice
    • Advice on Workplace ergonomic setup

    We provide regular reports to referring Doctors to keep them informed and updated.

  • What should I expect at my initial appointment?

    At your initial consultation, your therapist will conduct an evaluation with you and discuss any relevant history, referrals and any treatment and/or prescriptions you may have already received. This evaluation will assist your therapist in learning where you are currently, what symptoms you have, and to learn what goals you are hoping to achieve. Your therapist will work with you to work out a plan to help you achieve the best outcome for your circumstances. If indicated, you will receive treatment in your first consultation, such as the manufacture of a splint/orthosis and/or exercise prescription.

  • Which conditions does GC Hand Therapy treat?

    At Gold Coast Hand Therapy we provide active hand therapy for the treatment of finger, hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder conditions. Our Occupational and Physiotherapists specialise in assessment of injuries, splinting, casting with treatment of chronic conditions, recent injuries and post-surgery rehabilitation.

  • I have a Care Plan and my Doctor says it's free, is that right?

    Unfortunately we do not bulk bill, there is an out-of-pocket expense. Medicare provides a $58.30 rebate if you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan (EPC or Care Plan). We require full payment for the appointment and any incidentals at the time of the consultation. We are able to process the Medicare rebate at the clinic as long as we have a copy of the Care Plan, your Medicare card and an EFTPOS card linked to Cheque or savings. Medicare will not rebate onto a Credit card.

     

  • I have a Private Health fund, am I covered?

    It depends on your Extras coverage. Hand Therapy comes under either Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy depending on which therapist you see. We have HICAPS available at all our clinics for claiming Please contact your health fund to determine your coverage. Codes for health funds are below:

    Occupational Therapy:

    Initial Consultation code 100

    Subsequent Consultation code 200

    Physiotherapy:

    Initial Consultation code 500

    Subsequent Consultation code 505

  • Who can be referred?

    Privately funded patients.

    Patients funded by Workers Compensation or third party insurers (e.g. Workcover Qld, Allianz, CGU, GIO, Suncorp) – with prior approval.

    Patients funded by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA), with prior approval (Form D904 from their Health Practitioner or referral from a Specialist). 

    Patients using a GP Management Plan/Enhanced Primary Care Plan.

    Patients who are Plan Managed under NDIS are able to have their bill sent directly to their Plan Manager if we have received pre-arranged approval. Those that are self-funded, can pay at the clinic and then request reimbursement from NDIS.

  • Do I need a referral?

    If you are funded by Workcover or Department of Veteran Affairs, you will require a referral.  Some Private Health Funds require a Doctors referral before you can claim on a custom-made splint. If you are self-funded you can self-refer.

  • What should I bring with me to my appointment?

    Please bring any Xray, Ultrasound, MRI reports and/or referral with you to your appointment. If you have a Care Plan, please bring your Medicare card and an EFTPOS card for us to process your rebate. If you are claiming through your health fund, please bring your Private Health card with you.

  • How much will it cost?

    Please contact us directly to discuss to obtain pricing relevant to you. Any splints/braces or other products are charged separately. 

    For patients funded by DVA and Workers Compensation, there is no out of pocket cost, as long as the patient is able to provide a current DVA claim number and D904/referral or Workers Compensation insurance claim number, current Work Capacity certificate and approval from applicable insurance provider. 

    For patients using an EPC plan, full payment is required at the time of consultation. Patients will need the EPC/GPMP plan, Medicare Care card and an Eftpos card in order for us to process the Medicare rebate at the time of consultation. Patients are left with a small out of pocket cost.

    Patients who have Private Health Fund coverage may receive a rebate on the cost of their consultation depending upon their individual coverage. Please check with your Provider if you are covered for Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy (dependant on which practitioner you have booked with at our clinic). We have HICAPS available at each clinic for claiming consultations, splints and incidentals will need to be claimed direct with the health fund separately.

  • Where are we?

    Biggera Waters

    34 Hollywell Rd, Biggera Waters, Queensland, 4216.
    PH: (07) 5500 5617
    FAX: (07) 5500 5391

    Robina

    4/43 Commerce Drive, Robina QLD, Australia
    PH: (07) 5578 7977
    FAX: (07) 5578 9077

    Tweed Heads

    Unit 4/1 Sands Street, Tweed Heads, New South Wales, 2485.
    PH: (07) 5536 3171
    FAX: (07) 5536 1514

    Ballina

    3/31 Cherry Street, Ballina, New South Wales, 2478.
    PH: (02) 6686 6587
    FAX: (02) 6681 1945

     

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  • What are the Covid-19 vaccination requirements at GC Hand Therapy?

    • We remain available for consultations to both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients.