You do not require a referral to see a physiotherapist for discomfort, pain or injury which are usually either covered by ACC or else a Private appointment.
Please see information below on our services that do require a referral.
Sports Physician Appointments:
Clients will require an appropriate referral from another health practitioner (GP, Physiotherapist, Medical Specialist, Osteo, Chiropractor or Podiatrist) to see Dr Ruth Highet.
Orthopaedic Specialist Appointments:
The Orthopaedic team at WSM include, Andrew Matthews and Andrew Meighan – both are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and have undertaken extensive postgraduate training overseas. A referral from either a GP, Sports Physician, Physiotherapist, or other medical practitioner is needed before an appointment with one of the WSM Orthopaedic specialists can be made.
Podiatrist Appointments:
John Sloan offers specialised quality care in lower limb biomechanical assessment, orthotic design, footwear advice and treatment aimed at reducing any lower limb pain or discomfort and improving the function of the lower limb.
He will assess the lower limb biomechanics of the individual and following this will give advice on gait re-education (walking pattern), as well as giving specific exercises to address any imbalances noted in the assessment. At times, an orthotic insole may be required to improve foot and lower limb alignment, to correct function and to aid in the prevention of injury.
To see John Sloan, a referral from another medical practitioner is advised as this enables a detailed record of injury issues to be available to the podiatrist, further enhancing the outcome for our patients. However MSK based issues or injuries can be booked without a referral.
Physio concussion Appointments:
We set up an acute concussion service to expedite and improve outcomes in concussion sufferers following the scientific evidence which recommends an active approach. We are targeting concussion in a bid to improve our impact, and reduce inequities that are caused by inconsistent access to concussion services across different demographics. We have had feedback from Rugby New Zealand that many players are not always aware how to seek support following a concussion, and may not even be aware that they have had a concussion.
Concussion requires a medical diagnosis, so if one of our physiotherapists suspects a concussion we will refer you to your GP before one of our appropriately trained physiotherapists can manage your rehabilitation. Physiotherapists are well placed to manage concussion as we understand appropriate advice regarding concussion, the musculoskeletal system - particularly the neck, the benefits of aerobic exercise, and the systems responsible for your balance, headaches and dizziness, as well as the various contributions from the effects of concussion on your brain itself.
Physio ACL Testing Appointments:
The ACL RIPT is a test designed for people who have undergone an ACL reconstruction surgery, to help determine the function of the knee. The idea behind this is to determine if it is safe to return to sports or particular activities. The ACL RIPT is partially funded by ACC and is run throughout other areas of New Zealand. The ACL RIPT is undertaken no earlier than nine months post-surgery, typically around 12 months post-surgery and consists of a series of hopping tests, a strength test, an agility test and a questionnaire gauging your confidence. Clients will require a referral from their surgeon or physiotherapist.
Gradual process ACC claims:
If your appointment is for a gradual process injury and your claim has not been registered with ACC you will need to visit your GP in the first instance to register this. If your GP deems it appropriate to register a claim with ACC and submits it, you can then see a physiotherapist under ACC for as many treatments until a cover decision has been made. Both provider and patient will be notified by ACC of the decision, which usually takes two weeks or more.