Who arranges my physio?
Your Support at Home provider does. They hold your budget and pay for your services from it [3].
Some providers have their own physios. Many use physios from outside, like me. Either way, you can say who you'd like to see.
Can I ask for a particular physio?
Yes, you can ask. A physio from outside is called a third-party worker. That means they don't work for your provider, but your provider signs them up to see you [1].
Your provider has to agree. They stay responsible for everyone who delivers your care, so they check a few things first, such as the physio's registration [1].
Sometimes a provider can't agree to a particular worker. This can happen when they can't meet the rules they have to follow [1]. If your provider says no, ask them why and what your other choices are.
What is self-management?
Self-management means you take a bigger part in running your own services. It can include choosing your own workers, booking your visits and looking after your budget [1].
You and your provider agree on how it works, and it is written into your care plan [1]. Some providers are set up mainly for people who self-manage.
Does it cost more?
Not for you. Physiotherapy is a clinical support, and you pay no contribution for clinical supports [2].
It does affect your budget. When your provider uses a physio from outside, the price has two parts: the physio's fee and the provider's own costs for arranging it [1].
- If you self-manage, the provider's part can be no more than one tenth of the physio's fee. You can ask for less [1].
- If you don't self-manage, the provider's part may be higher [1].
Ask your provider what the full price will be. It comes out of your quarterly budget.
How do I ask for you?
- Tell your care partner you'd like to see Viktor Kaaz from Drop By Physio.
- Your provider contacts me. If we haven't worked together before, I send them what they need to sign me up.
- Once that's done, I call you to book the first visit.
I already work with several Support at Home providers on the Sunshine Coast, so for many people step 2 is already done.
Where do you visit?
I visit homes from Aura and Caloundra up the coast to Noosa, including Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Buderim, Coolum Beach and Peregian Beach. In the hinterland I visit Maleny, Montville and Flaxton, and further north I visit Gympie, including Jones Hill, Southside and Monkland.
Read more about how Support at Home pays for physio at home and what happens to unspent budget.