Has your Health Fund told you they are no longer giving rebates for “Pilates”?
Do not fear- we can still help you!
Have you been notified by your Health fund that “Pilates” as an exercise program is being removed from receiving a Private Health Fund Rebate? From 2019, private health insurance will no longer cover natural therapies, including Aromatherapy, Bowen therapy, Buteyko, Feldenkrais, Herbalism, Homeopathy, Iridology, Kinesiology, Naturopathy, Reflexology, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Tai chi, Yoga and Pilates (provider by Pilates Instructors).
This move comes after a recent review by the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer found there was no clear evidence of the efficacy of these therapies. An expert committee will be established to consider the issue of ballooning and often opaque out-of-pocket costs.
BUT, DON”T DESPAIR! You can still claim your Private Health Rebates at Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health.
At Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health our “Physio Pilates” service is really just a name given to a subtle Exercise program in disguise. We have experienced Physio’s delivering your Rehab Exercises, Posture and Movement Control Exercises, Exercise Program needs and a Physio Pilates program of Exercises. The delivery of these exercises in clinic can be as done as:
1. A one-on-one appointment, for either 30min or 45min with your Physio
2. A small group appointment with your Physio for 45min, with a maximum of 3 clients per 45min session (so you receive at least 15min individualised attention). This session ensures you get individualised exercises prescribed to your goals, and individualised feedback on your technique and performance of the exercises.
There is significant research evidence indicating the benefits of exercises in a supervised and controlled setting for many health needs, including:
– reduced joint and muscle pain
– eliminating the need for many expensive and often risky surgeries
– better post-operative outcomes after surgery
– reduced medical morbidities
So, because we have Physio’s that individualise your exercises, perform assessment and reassessment within your session and a plan a specific exercise pathway for you based around your physical and health goals, plus we document your individual pathway, we are able to ensure you will continue to receive a Physio Health Fund rebate for your “Physio Pilates/Exercise appointment” in clinic.
Our “Fitness Pilates’ small group classes conducted by Pilates Instructor & Massage Therapist, Katie Harders however will NOT continue to receive Health Fund Rebates under these changes. However, these classes are significantly cheaper than the Physio Exercise Sessions and are aimed at non-symptomatic individuals with less specific rehab needs, so these sessions are made very affordable without Health Fund Rebates in any case.
If you are unhappy about these Government Private Health Rebate Reforms, the best thing to do is to complain to your Health Fund. Below are the Direct Contacts for some of the bigger Health Funds:
Private health insurer contacts:
BUPA: Natalie Dubrowin <Natalie.Dubrowin@bupa.com.au> (03) 9937 4595 0408 988 833
HBF: Gemma Librizzi <Gemma.Librizzi@hbf.com.au> (08) 9265 6490 0425 427 519
HCF: Julie Macey <JMacey@hcf.com.au> 02 9290 0200
NIB: Donal Byrne <D.Byrne@nib.com.au> 02 4914 1805 0424 750 960
MEDIBANK: Rebecca Bell <rebecca.bell@medibank.com.au> 07 3026 0500 0466 770 376 or Craig Drummond < craig.drummond@medibank.com.au>
Don’t forget about our Physio Pilates/Exercise Packs for Purchase to reduce your costs further. Details here
Check our Timetable here
Otherwise, we look forwards to continuing to help you into 2019 and beyond with your Activity, Health & Sporting Goals. Phone us on 07 5500 6470 for enquiries or Bookings.
