General Practitioners - the first point of contact (Making the most of the relationship)

Department of Veteran Affairs

Private Health Cover

Allied Health Professionals

General Practitioners - the first point of contact

You should establish a relationship with a general practitioner in your area, as they are the first point of contact for anyone with any medical problem. A GP can establish an enhanced primary care (EPC) plan for you if you have complex, chronic health conditions. This may involve referring you to more specialised health care professionals (listed below) (17). You MUST have a referral if you wish to claim a rebate of up to $50.05 for each visit to the listed health care professionals (16). Unfortunately, the rebate is limited to a total of five visits per year across all allied health professionals (16). For example, if you are referred to a dietitian for two consultations, and an exercise physiologist for three consultations, you would have used up all of your EPC rebates for the year. For those living in rural areas, the more allied health services (MAHS) program may be more appropriate. The MAHS may provide you with certain allied health services free of charge (13). You should speak to your GP about what services are available to you in your area as it is not standardised and is highly dependent on the services available (13).

You can find a general practitioner through the health directory ‘find a general practitioner’ service.

Making the most of the relationship:

• If you have a specialised health condition, try to find a specialist you trust in that field.
  

• If you perform regular self assessments, (i.e. skin) you will be more aware of what is normal or abnormal.
  

• If you have regular screen testing (i.e. Prostate Cancer screening (PSA), Bowel Cancer screening (FOBT)) for health conditions, you are equipping your doctor with more information, so they will be able to give you better advice about your health.
  

• You have to be honest, otherwise health professionals cannot do their job effectively.
  

• It is the health professional’s responsibility to analyse your individual situation and give you appropriate advice to keep you healthy or to help make you healthier.
  

• It is your responsibility to follow the health professional’s advice. This might mean you have to make a lifestyle change, take medication at the right frequencies and doses, keep your follow-up appointments and see specialists when required.

Things to consider:

• Write down all the questions you want to talk to the health professional about (for example all the symptoms you’re experiencing).
  

• Be aware of your family medical history.
  

• Bring all the medications and supplements you take.
  

• Write down the health professional’s recommendations.
  

Department of Veteran Affairs

If you have served, or are still serving, in the defence of the nation the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) may be able to provide financial assistance. This is dependent on your situation (i.e. blue, white or gold card holder) (18). If you think this might be applicable to you, review the Department of Veteran Affairs ‘eligibility and claims’ information to see how DVA can help. To be able to receive the rebates from DVA your first point of contact will be your GP. From there you will require a referral to the health care professional.

Private Health Cover

Depending which health insurance provider you are with, and what level of cover you have, you may be eligible for rebates for some health care services. If you are unsure what private health cover is best for you, visit ‘private health’. This is a free service which allows you to:

• Search a database of all policies offered by Australian health funds. This can help you to review your current policy or choose a new one.
  

• Print out statements which outline the key features of any health insurance policy.
  

• View a list of insurers to see which policies are available and review other information about each insurer.
  

• Check if your local private hospital is covered by your insurer using the agreement hospitals search.
  

• Ask questions about private health insurance.

 

Allied Health Professionals

Aboriginal Health Worker

Audiologist

Chiropractor

Diabetes Educator

Dietitian

Exercise Physiologist

Mental Health Worker

Nurses

Occupational Therapist

Osteopath

Physiotherapist

Podiatrist

Psychologist

Social Worker

Speech Pathologist

Have a read over these descriptions of different allied health professionals and understand what services they offer. You will notice there is a bit of overlap between some of the health care services offered by the allied health professionals. Also, what services you thought the professional offers may not necessarily match up with what the allied health professional actually offers. For example an occupational therapist doesn’t necessarily aid those injured by work incidents. Occupation can also refer to your daily living, so they can also assist people whose ability to perform daily routines has been inhibited (i.e. stroke patient).

Aboriginal Health Worker

An Aboriginal health worker provides a vital link between Aboriginal communities and health care services. As well as offering emergency care, they are trained to use their knowledge of Aboriginal culture to promote good health practices within communities. Aboriginal health workers also assist and encourage Aboriginal people to take a strong role in controlling and managing their health (10).

Aboriginal health workers have diverse roles, including: (10)

• Treatment for disease and injuries

• Maintenance of health records

• Language interpretation for clients

• Cultural education for people outside communities

• Counselling and referral for crisis problems

• Input, planning, development and monitoring of health programs in their community

To locate an aboriginal health worker in your area, look at Australia Indigenous Health Info Net’s ‘Map of Aborginal Medical Services in Australia’

Audiologist

Audiologists specialise in the assessment, prevention and non-medical management of hearing impairment. They should not be confused with audiometrists or hearing aid technicians (9). An audiologist is capable of:

• Performing hearing assessments,

• Fitting hearing aids, cochlear implants and other prosthetic hearing devices,

• Counselling you and your partner about hearing impairments and tinnitus,

• Providing hearing conservation programs,

• Community hearing awareness education programs (9).

Audiologists work in hospitals, community health centres, hearing aid clinics, private practices, university clinics and some medical practices (9). To locate an audiologist in your area go to the Audiology Society of Australia and click on the consumer information link to see the directory of services for your state.

Chiropractor

Chiropractors focus on the diagnosis, correction and prevention of disorders of the muscle and skeletal systems (10). Chiropractors alleviate impacts on the nervous system by monitoring:

• Muscle dynamics,

• Posture and

• Misalignments of the spine, pelvis and limbs (10).

The nervous system is meant to be protected by the skeletal system, however if it is out of alignment can hurt the nervous system (14). Nerves stimulate every part of the body, so an impairment of the nervous system can lead to all kinds of problems (14). When receiving treatment from a chiropractor, you may be required to have x-rays which can be quite costly (14). The Chiropractors Association of Australia’s website features a ‘locate a chiropractor’ service.

Diabetes Educator

Diabetes educators provide diabetes sufferers with information about how to self management their condition (4). Credentialled Diabetes Educators are health professionals who already hold a health professional qualification in nursing, medicine, dietetics or pharmacy and who have also completed post graduate training in diabetes education and care (4).

Diabetes educators will assist you to:

• Understand diabetes, the health condition you or someone close to you may be diagnosed with

• To make informed lifestyle and treatment choices

• Make appropriate food choices

• Incorporate physical activity into daily life

• Use medications effectively

• Monitor blood glucose and understand and use the results to improve diabetes control

• Prevent and treat high and low blood glucose levels and manage diabetes when sick

• Reduce the risk of diabetes complications

• Manage diabetes along with the demands of work, family and social life (4).

You may need to see a diabetes educator when you:

• Are diagnosed with diabetes/pre-diabetes

• Starting medication for diabetes

• Starting insulin therapy

• Are not achieving desired clinical goals, eg. desired blood glucose levels

• Are having recurrent or severe episodes of hypoglycaemia

• Change your lifestyle

• Are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant

• Are thinking about travelling

• Are feeling stressed or ‘burnt out’ by diabetes (4).

The majority of Credentialled Diabetes Educators work in the public health system at diabetes centres, regional hospitals or community health centres (4). A list of some diabetes centres can be found at NADC Services. Credentialled Diabetes Educators also work in private practice (4). These Credentialled Diabetes Educators can be found at ‘Find a Credentialled Diabetes Educator’.

Dietitian

The role of dietitians (also spelled dietician) is to analyse the scientific information for food products, and then educate people about what they should be consuming (11). Dietitians can help you to establish appropriate goals whether you are looking to:

• Have a healthy balanced diet,

• Lose weight,

• Avoid triggering food allergies or

• Food intolerances.

• Manage conditions (i.e. diabetes, heart disease, cancer and digestive problems) (11).

Please note that a nutritionist performs a similar role to a dietician, but does specialise in treating disease with diet (11).

You can access dietitians through community health centres, however waiting lists can be quite long (14). You can look for a private dietitian on the Dietetics Association of Australia, which has an online 'Find a Dietitian' service.

Exercise Physiologist

Exercise physiologists (EPs) are university educated professionals who specialise in the delivery of exercise, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs to help the prevent and manage of chronic diseases, injuries and disability (1). EPs should not be confused with personal trainers, who are not qualified to work in the area of treating disease, injuries and disability with exercise (14). EPs can help those with a diverse range of health conditions including:

• Diabetes and pre-diabetes,

• Cancer,

• Cardiovascular disease,

• Arthritis,

• Osteoporosis,

• Obesity

• Hypertension,

• Musculoskeletal injuries,

• Depression,

• Immunological disorders

• and many more (1,14).

An EP can also develop physical activity programs which can be home based or performed out in the community (14). EPs also use counselling and motivational strategies to ensure the client makes a long term commitment to regular exercise (1). The majority of EPs work privately, however they are also being recruited by hospitals, community health centres, rehabilitation and aged care centres, workplaces, academies of sport, universities, health promotion agencies and fitness facilities (14). You may not have to see an EP individually, group sessions are usually available which makes their service more affordable (14). To find an exercise physiologist, Exercise and Sports Science Australia have a ‘find an exercise physiologist’ service.

Mental Health Worker

A mental health worker provides services to individuals and families suffering with mental health issues (3). They are able to assess and work with people experiencing:

• Depression and other mood disorders

• Anxiety disorders

• Psychosis

• Relationship problems

• Adjustment issues

• Family conflicts

• Personality disorders

• Suicidal thoughts

• Life crises

• Trauma (3).

Mental health workers can help resolve psychosocial problems and improve quality of life (3). Therapy may involve family, as well as individual and group counselling (3). A variety of therapies can be offered through mental health workers including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

• Relaxation strategies

• Skills training for problem solving, anger & stress management and social skills

• Interpersonal Therapy

• Psych-education

• Family therapy

• Narrative Therapy (3).

To find a mental health worker visit the Australian Association of Social Workers and scroll down to the ‘find a mental health worker’ service.

Nurses

Nurses play a critical role in the task of improving patient health and wellbeing.  Working in a vastly varied range of specialties, nurses comprise the largest group of allied health professionals in Australia.  According to the recently released Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's Nursing and Midwifery Labour Force Survey, in 2007 there was a total of 305,834 nurses practicing in Australian health facilities (245,491 registered and 60,343 enrolled).

Areas of medical nursing practice include:

• Advanced Practice Nursing,

• Cardiac Nursing,

• Continence Nursing,

• Critical Care Nursing,

• Correctional Nursing,

• Dental Nursing,

• Emergency Care Nursing,

• Flight Nursing,

• General Nursing,

• Neonatal Nursing

• Pediatric Nursing,

• School Nursing,

• Surgical Nursing,

• Urology Nursing and many more. 

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists (OTs) can help a diverse range of people with the aim of helping patients better participate in their chosen life activities (not necessarily work activities) (2). OTs clients can have problem including:

• Physical,

• Psychological,

• Developmental and

• Neurological (2).

OTs tend to have a close relationship with physiotherapists, training clients to perform particular movements required for active daily living (2). An occupational therapist can also alter your surrounding environment to make it work for you (i.e. placing rails next to steps or a chair in the shower) (2). An OT will assist an individual to reach and maintain their highest level of functioning and maximize their level of independence in all areas of living including:

• Self care

• Domestic tasks

• Work

• Recreation

• Social interaction

• Community access

• Mobility (2).

Majority of OTs work in the public health sector (hospitals and community health centres) (2). To find a private occupational therapist, visit the Australian Association of Occupational Therapist website and use their ‘find an OT’ service.

Osteopath

Osteopaths consider the whole body whilst performing treatment mainly focusing on posture and negative lifestyle patterns (5). Therapy techniques include:

• Orthopedic and neurological testing

• Soft tissue manipulation

• Flexibility training

• Spinal adjustments

• Exercise prescription

• Diet modifications (5).

Osteopaths clientèle generally includes people suffering from:

• Neck and back pain,

• Sciatica,

• Headaches,

• Joint pain,

• Work/sport related injuries

• Overuse injuries (5).

Osteopaths usually operate through private clinics (14). You can find an Osteopath through the Australian Osteopathic Association’s 'find an osteopath' tool.

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists are professionals at diagnosis, management and prevention of movement disorders (8). Physiotherapists are commonly linked to musculoskeletal injuries however they also aid people suffering from conditions such as:

• Stroke,

• Parkinson's disease,

• Arthritis and

• Osteoporosis (8).

Physiotherapists use a wide range of medication free techniques to relieve pain, restore function and movement and prevent further problems (8). Forms of therapy include:

• Manual therapy,

• Movement training,

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS),

• Dry needle therapy,

• Ultrasound and

• Hydrotherapy (8).

Physiotherapists help people to gain as much movement and physical independence as possible so they can maintain their normal job or lifestyle (8). Physiotherapists can be accessed through the public health care system (14). A lot of physiotherapists practice privately and you can locate one near you on the Australian Physiotherapy Association website which offers a 'find a physio' service.

Podiatrist

Podiatrists are concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs (7). Podiatrists are able to assist people with:

• Arthritis,

• Soft-tissue and muscular disorders,

• Diseases of the nerves,

• Circulation disorders,

• Infections

• Skin and nail disorders,

• Corns, calluses and ingrown toenails (7).

Podiatrists are especially important to people with diabetes, who are at increased risk of lower limb amputation (7). Podiatrists can manage areas prone to pressure, preventing ulceration and helping to keep clients mobile (7). Podiatrists use several techniques to treat the conditions mentioned above:

• Gait analysis

• Posture alignment,

• Pressure analysis

• Physical therapy,

• Medicine,

• Devices such as heel wedges and orthotics and

• Surgery (7).

There are some public podiatrists who provide a low cost service through some community health centres and public hospital outpatient departments. However, the majority of podiatrists practice privately (14). To find a podiatrist near you see the Australian Podiatry Councils ‘find a podiatrist’ service.

Psychologist

You don't have to have a mental illness to see a psychologist (14). Psychiatrists specialise in treating and diagnosing mental illnesses, and can prescribe medication (6). Psychologists aim to help mentally healthy people function better (6). Psychologists equip their clients with coping strategies to deal with issues such as:

• Stress,

• Post traumatic stress,

• Illness,

• Addictions,

• Negative outlook,

• Relationship difficulties and

• Eating disorders (6).

Psychologists can be accessed through community health centres, mental health centres, and public hospitals at reasonable price (14). To find psychologists who practices privately, try The Australian Psychological Society’s ‘find a psychologist’ service.

Social Worker

Social Workers have a strong desire to maximise human potential and wellbeing. Social Workers help people thrive in their environment, promote positive relationships and work towards creating a socially just and equitable society. Whether working with individuals, groups, communities or societies, Social Workers are passionate and knowledgeable advocates for positive change(19). Social Workers generally provide a free community service.

Use the Australian Association of Social Workers 'find a social worker' feature to find one near you.  

Speech Pathologist

Speech pathologists don’t just help people with stutters or articulation problems (14). Speech pathologists can also help people who have problems with:

• Listening,

• Eating or

• Drinking (14, 17).

Often, this includes those who have suffered from stroke, hearing loss, head injuries and degenerative diseases (i.e. motor neurone disease) (14, 17). The majority of speech pathologists work in the public health system for hospitals, community health centres, mental health services and disability services (14). You can also gain access to speech pathologists through private hospitals or via private practices. If you need to locate a speech pathologist, Speech Pathology Australia have a ‘find a speech pathologist’ service.

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References

(1) AAESS. (2009). What is exercise physiology?. Australian Association of Exercise and Sport Science. Retrieved August 8th, 2009, from http://www.aaess.com.au/index.php?q=whatisaep

(2) AAOT. (2009). About OT. Australian Association of Occupational Therapists. Retrieved August 9th, 2009, from http://www.ausot.com.au/inner.asp?pageid=4

(3) AASW. (2009). Mental health workers. Australian Association of Social Workers. Retrieved August 8th, 2009, from http://www.aasw.asn.au/

(4) ADEA. (2009). Credentialed Diabetes Educators and Diabetes Self Management Education. Australian Diabetes Education Association. Retrieved August 8th, 2009, from http://adea.com.au/public/content/ViewCategory.aspx?id=117

(5) AOA. (2009). About Osteopathy. Australian Osteopathic Association. Retrieved August 7th, 2009, from http://www.osteopathic.com.au/index.php/about_osteopathy

(6) APS. (2009). About psychologists. The Australian Psychologist Society. Retrieved August 5th, 2009, from http://www.psychology.org.au/community/about/

(7) APC. (2009). Scope of practice. Australian Podiatry Council. Retrieved August 5th, 2009, from http://www.apodc.com.au/Podiatry%20in%20Australia/scope.htm

(8) APA. (2008). Physiotherapy and you. Australian Physiotherapy Association. Retrieved August 7th, 2009, from http://physiotherapy.asn.au/index.php/physiotherapy-a-you/physiotherapy-a-you

(9) ASA. (2009). Audiology service listing. Audiology Society of Australia. Retrieved August 9th, 2009, from http://www.audiology.asn.au/

(10) CAA. (2009). How does chiropractic work?. Retrieved August 15th, 2009, from http://chiropractors.asn.au/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Hows_Does_Chiropractic_Work_&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=1383

(11) DAA. (2008). Accredited Practising Dieticians. Dieticians Association of Australia. Retrieved August 9th, 2009, from http://www.daa.asn.au/index.asp?pageID=2145862002

(12) Dpt. of Health. (2009). Aboriginal health worker: career information. Government of Western Australia: Department of Health. Retrieved August 6th, 2009, from http://www.aboriginal.health.wa.gov.au/employment/ahw.cfm

(13) Dpt. of Health & Ageing. (2009). More allied health services (MAHS) program. Australian Government: Department of Health and Ageing. Retrieved August 8th, 2009, from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pcd-programs-mahs

(14) Johnson, C. & Graham, K. (2005). Consumer Guides: Allied Health Services. ABC Health & Wellbeing. Retrieved August 8th, 2009, from http://www.abc.net.au/health/consumerguides/stories/2005/10/15/1836929.htm

(15) Medicare. (2009). A quick reference guide for allied health professionals. Australian Government: Medicare Australia. Retrieved August 8th, 2009, from http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/provider/incentives/allied-health.jsp

(16) RACGP. (2009). Definition of general practice and general practitioner. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Retrieved August 8th, 2009, from http://www.racgp.org.au/whatisgeneralpractice

(17) SPA. (2009). About us: What is speech pathology. Retrieved August 7th, 2009, from http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Content.aspx?p=184

(18) DVA. (2009). Eligibility and Claims. Australian Government: Department of Veteran Affairs. Retrieved August 8th, 2009, from http://www.dva.gov.au/eligibilityandclaims/Pages/EligibilityandClaims.aspx

(19) AASW. (2010). Australian Association of Social Workers. Retrieved March 19th, 2010, from http://www.aasw.asn.au