FAQs

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Do I qualify for ACC?

You can find out more about what is/isn’t covered by ACC here.

Does ACC cover the full appointment cost?

If your discomfort, pain or injury is accepted as an accident by ACC, then they will fund some of your physiotherapy treatment costs. 

* Why the surcharge?

ACC contribute to the rehabilitation of your injury, by providing partial funding for the physiotherapy services offered in this clinic.

Your surcharge pays for provision of accredited, highly skilled and experienced physiotherapists providing quality care in a convenient city location.

How much will my appointment cost?

Check out our price list here

Do you do acupuncture?

Yes, we have some physiotherapists who are trained in acupuncture and some who are trained in dry needling.  If you would like dry needling or acupuncture as part of your treatment please make this known when you book your appointment so we can ensure you are booked with one of our physiotherapists who is trained in this area.  Find out more about acupuncture as a treatment technique here

Do I need a referral?

You do not need a referral to access physiotherapy services. 

However some of our services require a referral from your GP or other medical practitioner  to access funding pathways.

Click here to find out about our services that require a referral.

How long will my physio appointment be?

Initial physiotherapy appointments (first time seeing us for any new injury) are 40 minutes long.

Follow up appointments are generally 20 minutes long. 

If you have not seen your physiotherapist for longer than 3 months you will need to book in for a 40 minute appointment.

What should I expect from my physio appointment?

Firstly, you will meet our friendly admin team who will ask you to complete a consent to treatment from, and explain whether it will be possible to claim part funding from ACC for your treatment. You can find out more about what is/isn’t covered by ACC here.

Your physiotherapist will then take you through to a private treatment room for your initial assessment. This will be an opportunity for your physiotherapist to get to know you, understand your pain, discomfort or injury, assess the causes, devise a treatment plan and set some goals with you. This will usually start with a physical examination to determine pain sensitive structures and any biomechanical factors. Your physiotherapist will explain everything to you as they go along. Expect to be actively involved in your treatment.

Treatment will often begin by identifying the pain response and addressing any factors identified in the assessment process. We have a large team of physiotherapists who use a range of treatment techniques. Commonly used treatment techniques that our team use include: manipulation, acupuncture, soft tissue release, mobilisation, trigger point release, and strengthening exercises. Treatments will be individualised and directed at returning to full function, e.g. a running programme for a runner.

Usually you can remain fully dressed for your treatment, but if your clothes are restrictive or if your physiotherapist feels it will be beneficial for you to partially disrobe they will discuss this with you. We have gowns and shorts available for you to change into if you are comfortable doing this. We can also provide a chaperone or you are welcome to bring a friend or whanau member with you to your treatment sessions.

Sometimes your physiotherapist may feel you will benefit from an immediate referral for onward investigation. This could be for an ultrasound scan, x-ray or specialist opinion. This will be discussed with you and the appropriate referral made. Sometimes your physiotherapist may try and resolve things by starting treatment, and use the option of onward referral if you aren’t responding as expected and achieving your treatment goals. A skilled Physiotherapist is an expert at understanding when to refer you on for further investigation or opinion.

Within 1-4 sessions most conditions should show some improvement. You should be able to see or feel improvement in your problem. At all times your physiotherapist will have your wellbeing at the heart of their decision making. Your physiotherapist will also be concerned with your long term wellbeing and minimising the likelihood of your injury recurring. This is where you will be asked to actively participate - ensure you understand what exercises are being prescribed and ask as many questions as you need to. As with anything, clients who get the best results are the ones who are really committed to their own recovery.

Can you directly bill my insurance company for my physio appointments?

We have a direct billing arrangement with Southern Cross.  Please provide us with your membership number if you would like us to see if we can direct bill Southern Cross for your physio appointments.

What happens if I need to cancel my appointment?

Please give at least 12 hours notice if cancelling to avoid fees.  If you call after hours please leave a message as we will clear these first thing in the morning.

 

Ways to contact us?

Call us on 049097609

Email admin@wellingtonsportsmed.co.nz

What if I want to complain?

Wellington Sports Med Limited appreciates that you are our client.  As part of our continuing service improvement we invite you to give us feedback and make suggestions.  The easiest way to do this is via email to admin@wellingtonsportsmed.co.nz or if you wish to email the CEO in directly, you can email amy@wellingtonsportsmed.co.nz.

 

If you are unhappy with any part of the service, it is your right to report a complaint and we will endeavor to deal with it sensitively and promptly.

 

Complaints about the treatment provided will be fully investigated by another physiotherapist in this practice, with the involvement of the New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists if this is deemed necessary.

 

If you do not feel we have been able to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction you can escalate to the Health and Disability Commissioner. We will give you full details of how to do this if the complaint reaches this stage.  Leaflets outlining your rights are available for you to take away and the code of rights is displayed in the reception area.

Can I have a chaperone?

We can provide a chaperone or you are welcome to bring a friend or whanau member with you to your treatment sessions. 

Your physiotherapist retains the right to say no to this request where they deem it to be disadvantageous to treatment or a safety hazard.

How long will my recovery take?

Within 1-4 sessions most conditions should show some improvement. You should be able to see or feel improvement in your problem. At all times your physiotherapist will have your wellbeing at the heart of their decision making. Your physiotherapist will also be concerned with your long term wellbeing and minimising the likelihood of your injury recurring. This is where you will be asked to actively participate - ensure you understand what exercises are being prescribed and ask as many questions as you need to. As with anything, clients who get the best results are the ones who are really committed to their own recovery.

Do you have gender neutral bathrooms at your facility?

Yes we have gender neutral bathrooms at our Wellington Sports Med facility.

Where can I park?

There is ample parking at the ASB Sports Centre Car parking on-site free of charge.

What are your opening hours?

Monday: 8am - 6pm

Tuesday: 8am - 6pm

Wednesday: 8am - 6pm

Thursday: 8am - 6pm

Friday: 8am - 5pm

 

If you need urgent medical assistance out of hours telephone your GP surgery who will advise you of your nearest emergency medical clinic.

What do I do if there is an emergency?

In case of emergencies the building alarm will sound. Meet at the assembly area as directed by your staff member and remain there until wardens give the ok to re-enter.