Why are NDIS fees different to your standard fees, and do you have to charge the full NDIS rate?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) hourly rate for Allied Health providers (clinicians) is set by the Federal Government, with variations depending on which state treatment is given, as well as for rural and remote participants (patients).
All providers are able to choose their rate to treat, with the NDIS rates set as a maximum allowable rate.
As NDIS participants require a fair degree of administrative preparation and ongoing management outside of consultation time, by both our administrative team and providers, the fee as set by NDIS, when compared with treating private billing patients, is seen as fair to the clinicians as well as participants.
Our Motor Vehicle and Workers’ Compensation patients in comparison are currently billed at a similar hourly rate, as set by WorkCover WA, a branch of the Government of WA.
While they also require administrative management, it is generally to a lesser extent than the numerous stakeholders often involved within an NDIS participant’s optimal management and ongoing care.
Our standard fees have been set at a lesser hourly rate than NDIS and WorkCover WA as a means of providing affordable healthcare to our local community and beyond.
Other FAQ's
Initial Consult (60min) $175
Follow-up Consult (30min) $125
Extended Follow-up Consult (60min) $175
A 10% discount applies for Children under 18, Students and Seniors, and 25% discount for Health Care Card holders and Pensioners.
We accept Medicare GP Care Plans and all Private Health Insurance cards for additional rebates.
Zip Pay is also available in our clinic if you wish to divide any payment into instalments.
Do you help with children who are fussy eaters?
Yes. We help children with fussy or selective eating by supporting feeding skills, sensory needs, and positive mealtime experiences, while working closely with parents.
Do you see patients on GLP 1 medications?
Yes. We treat patients who are taking GLP 1 medications and tailor care accordingly. Medication management remains with your prescribing doctor.
Yes, we do offer meal plans, but they are not available during your initial appointment.
We know that the “cookie cutter” approach doesn’t work for everyone.
Everyone is different and we all have needs, which is why we offer customised meal plans for each of our patients.
Your initial appointment is designed to gain as much information from you as possible, to make sure we tailor a plan suitable for your needs to get you started.
This then allows us time to create your meal plan following your initial consult, to be made available during a separate follow-up appointment.
If you would like a meal plan designed specifically for you, simply let us know during your initial consult and our dietitians will be able to help you further.
Will I get advice at the first appointment?
Yes. At your initial session, you will still receive practical nutrition advice, education, and strategies to support you straight away.
Initial Consult (60min) $175
Follow-up Consult (30min) $125
Extended Follow-up Consult (60min) $175
A 10% discount applies for Children under 18, Students and Seniors, and 25% discount for Health Care Card holders and Pensioners.
We accept Medicare GP Care Plans and all Private Health Insurance cards for additional rebates.
Zip Pay is also available in our clinic if you wish to divide any payment into instalments.
Do you treat patients of all ages and activity levels?
Yes. Our physiotherapists are trained to treat a wide range of patients across all ages and activity levels. This includes people recovering from anoccupational/sport injury, general aches and pains, pre-surgery or post-surgery, Workers’ Compensation, disability support, athletes, children, and so much more.
Why don’t we have exercise equipment or Pilates equipment in the clinic?
Not everyone has gym equipment at home and not everyone can afford to go to the gym or Pilates classes.
Here at WLC, the exercises we provide to you at the time of treatment, are exercises that you can do with the resources available to you.
You don’t always need to change your lifestyle to recover from an injury.
Do you offer dry needling?
Yes. Our physiotherapists are trained in dry needling and may use it as part of your personalised physiotherapy treatment, with your consent.
Dry needling is a technique used by physiotherapists to target muscle tightness, trigger points, and pain, using fine, sterile needles. It is often used alongside exercise therapy, manual therapy, and education to support recovery.
Is dry needling suitable for everyone?
Dry needling may not be suitable for all patients. Your physiotherapist will assess your condition, medical history, and preferences before recommending dry needling and will discuss the benefits, risks, and alternatives with you.
Do your physiotherapists provide cupping therapy?
Yes. Jimmy our Senior Physiotherapist is trained to provide cupping therapy and may use it as part of your physiotherapy treatment when clinically appropriate.
Cupping therapy involves placing specialised cups on the skin to create suction. It is used by physiotherapists to help with muscle tension, pain, stiffness, and movement restriction, and is often combined with exercise therapy, manual therapy, and education.
Is cupping suitable for everyone?
Cupping may not be suitable for all patients. Your physiotherapist will assess your condition, medical history, and skin integrity, and discuss whether cupping is appropriate for you.
Does cupping cause marks or bruising?
Cupping can sometimes leave temporary marks or bruising on the skin, which usually fade within a few days to a week. Your physiotherapist will explain this before treatment.
Are we a Bulk Billed clinic?
No. We are a private Allied Health Clinic, and our consultations are not bulk billed.
I have a GPCCMP — will my visits be bulk billed?
No. A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan allows you to claim a Medicare rebate for eligible consultations. It does not guarantee bulk billing. Any gap fee is payable by the patient. However, we do offer a 10% discount for children under 18, students and seniors. A 25% discount does also apply for Health Care Card holders and Pensioners.
How do payment and rebates work?
All appointments are privately billed, with payment required on the day of your consultation.
Depending on your referral and eligibility, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate or use private health insurance. Please check with your insurer or GP for confirmation.
Can I use a GP referral or Care Plan?
Yes. We accept GP referrals and GP Chronic Care Management Plans (GPCCMP); however, a gap fee will apply, as we do not bulk bill.
Can I get Medicare Rebates?
Yes, you can.
Medicare Care Plans made by your regular GP can provide a significant cost reduction when seeing our clinicians.
These can include:
– GP Chronic Care Management Plans (GPCCMP)
– Mental Health Treatment (MHT) Plans
– Eating Disorder Treatment and Management (EDTM) Plans
A person can be eligible for multiple care plans at the same time, depending on their health status.
Our patients we see under Medicare Care Plans aren’t bulk billed, with bulk billing implying that the total consult fee is covered by Medicare.
Our clinic bills patients at our usual rate, minus the care plan rebate and any other eligible concessions (e.g. Health Care Card, Pensioners, etc), resulting in only a minimal fee remaining.
Can I get Private Health Rebates?
Yes, you can.
Private Health Insurance rebates are available (e.g. HBF, Bupa, etc), with the rebate amount varying depending on your level of cover.
This can range from around $20 in some patients, to others including a gap saver that covers their full consult fee, depending on your choice of insurer.
If you are unsure of what your eligible rebate may be, it’s best you contact your Private Health Insurer to confirm or contact our lovely admin team who may be able to provide a quote.
DEXA Scan Pricing Options
Bone Densitometry or Body Composition is $175 within a 30min consult.
Bone Densitometry and Body Composition are $225 within a 30min consult.
Both DEXA scans followed by an additional 30min consult with either an Allied Health (Physio or Dietitian) – Total of 60mins is $275
Please note:
– DEXA scans performed on their own during a 30min consult are not currently eligible for private health rebates.
– Private health rebates are available when a DEXA scan is combined with an Allied Health (Physio or Dietitian) consult during a 60min appointment, allowing time for more detailed interpretation, treatment, health advice and personalised recommendations.
Can I have a Body Composition Analysis, Bone Density Scan and Metabolic Testing in one appointment with a Dietitian?
Unfortunately, due to the volume and detail of information collected, we are unable to carry out all scans and tests within the one consult.
However, if you are a new patient seeking detailed dietary advice (e.g. weight management or nutrition planning), we recommend booking an initial 1 hour consultation with our dietitian, which includes Metabolic Testing.
This appointment can be scheduled either before your Body Composition and Bone Density Scan or at a later time that suits you, and will help optimise your results and ongoing care.
Your full DEXA report and findings will be emailed to you, and your treating GP with your consent, within 7 business days.
What is a DEXA Sport Package?
DEXA Sports Package includes a Body Composition scan followed by Metabolic Testing carried out by our Dietitian and a brief discussion of the findings – Total of 60mins is $275.
Please Note:
If you choose our DEXA Sports Package (Body Composition Scan and Metabolic Testing) with one of our dietitians, the dietetics consultation on the day is limited to discussing the results of your scans and ECAL test.
Due to the volume and detail of information collected, this appointment does not include comprehensive dietetic advice.
If you are a new patient seeking detailed dietary advice (e.g. weight management or nutrition planning), we recommend booking an initial 1 hour consultation with a dietitian. This appointment can be scheduled either before your Body Composition Scan or at a later time that suits you and will help optimise your results and ongoing care.
Private health rebates are available when a DEXA scan is combined with an Allied Health (Physio or Dietitian) consult during a 60min appointment, allowing time for more detailed interpretation, treatment, health advice and personalised recommendations.
Can I have a DEXA scan if I have a pacemaker or other implants?
Yes.
A DEXA scan is safe if you have a pacemaker or other internal medical implants (such as joint replacements, metal plates, or screws). The scan uses a very low dose X ray and does not interfere with implanted devices.
Please tell our staff before your appointment if you have any implants. They may be visible on the images and will be taken into account when your scan is analysed.
How often can I have a DEXA Bone Density scan?
How often you need a DEXA (bone density) scan depends on your individual situation. Most people do not need scans very frequently because bone density changes slowly.
As a general guide:
• Routine monitoring: every 2 years
• If you have osteoporosis, are on treatment, or have risk factors: your doctor may recommend a scan more or less often
Your doctor will advise on the most appropriate timing for you.
How frequently should I repeat a DEXA Body Composition Scan?
Most people repeat a DEXA Body Composition scan every 3-6 months to allow enough time for changes in fat and muscle mass to occur. The ideal interval depends on your health, fitness, or weight management goals.
What is the cost of a DEXA Scan without a referral?
The cost for a DEXA scan is the same with or without a referral from the GP.
Please note:
– DEXA scans performed on their own during a 30min consult are not currently eligible for private health rebates.
– Private health rebates are available when a DEXA scan is combined with an Allied Health (Physio or Dietitian) consult during a 60min appointment, allowing time for more detailed interpretation, health advice and personalised recommendations.
Does your machine deliver the same results/images as a radiology company?
Our DEXA scanner (GE Lunar iDXA) provides high resolution imaging and reports, equivalent to any radiology company in Perth, with our clinic also providing a summarised report of assessment findings.
Our DEXA scanner within WLC Medical is the highest quality scanner currently available in Australia, and is 1 of only 4 machines of its type currently installed within WA.
Of the other 3 machines in WA, 1 is installed at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) and the other 2 are at the University of Western Australia (UWA).
Our reporting is equivalent to radiology companies in Perth, with our reporting turn around being within 7 business days of your scan, emailed directly to you, and to your treating GP with your consent.
Are results, good and bad discussed with me and possible options moving forward, as they would be with my GP?
All results are briefly discussed with you (good or bad) at the time of your appointment.
We do recommend (with your permission), if you haven’t been referred by a GP, that the results are also sent through to your GP. That way you both have a copy and you can also make an appointment with your GP to discuss the findings further if need be.
Initial (60min) $225
Subsequent (60min) $225
A 10% discount applies for Children under 18, Students and Seniors, and 25% discount for Health Care Card holders and Pensioners.
We accept Medicare GP Care Plans and all Private Health Insurance cards for additional rebates.
Zip Pay is also available in our clinic if you wish to divide any payment into instalments.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
You can see a psychologist without a referral, but a GP referral may allow you to access Medicare rebates if you are eligible.
What happens in the first Psychology appointment?
Your first session focuses on:
- Understanding what brings you to therapy
- Discussing your background and goals
- Developing a therapy plan together
There is no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with.
How long is a psychology session?
Our psychology appointments are 60 minutes, whether they are initial or follow-up appointments. However, some of this time may include note taking by the psychologist within the consultation.
How many Psychology sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies for each person. Some people benefit from a few sessions, while others choose longer term therapy depending on their goals and needs.
Do I require a referral from my GP?
While some people may be referred to us by their regular GP or a specialist, you are welcome to book an appointment with any of our clinicians without a referral.
Can I exercise before my Metabolism test?
No.
Do not exercise for at least 12 hours prior to the test.
Can I drink or eat before Metabolism Testing?
No.
Do not eat or drink anything, apart from water, for at least 4 hours prior to the test.
We also ask that you do not smoke, consume caffeine or nutritional supplements at least 4 hours prior to the test.
What do I wear to an appointment?
Feel free to wear whatever is comfortable to you.
If you’re planning to see the Physio for an injury or for some exercises, it’s best to wear trousers/shorts instead of a skirt or dress.
Should I bring in results from wearable trackers and watches?
Yes please, if you have any.
Wearables are becoming increasingly popular and can carry important health data that can assist us in best assessing your health and any recent change.
Can I bring someone to the appointment with me?
We prefer it if possible.
Having a partner/friend/the whole family present can provide support, as well as help remember important details discussed during your consults.
What should I bring to my appointment?
If you have any results from previous blood tests or diagnostic imaging (X-ray/MRI, etc) that you think may be relevant, please bring them in.
Sometimes we can access these results online, with your permission.
A medication list is also helpful if you already have one, otherwise this can be requested from your regular GP.
Is there parking on-site?
Parking is available at the front of the building, as well as at Nations Church next door.
Verge parking is also available in front of both the clinic and church, with a total of 65 nearby parking bays.
Am I allowed to record a conversation with a clinician during a consult?
It can be very helpful to have a recorded consult to listen to at a later stage and help remember key points discussed.
If you are considering recording a conversation, please let your clinician know in advance and be sure everyone in the room has given consent before recording.
Should I tell the clinician if I’m taking any supplements or vitamins?
Yes, please do.
Many people feel uncomfortable discussing supplements and alternative remedies with a clinician, in case they may be treated differently or be discouraged to take them.
With growing research in the role supplements and probiotics/prebiotics can play in optimising our health, we’re open to discussion with regard to your current or planned regimen.
