Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to access treatment?

No, you do not need a GP or Specialist’s referral to have treatment. 

If you do have a referral or a letter from your Doctor, please send it through to me prior to your appointment via email to perthvocalphysio@gmail.com .

If you have an EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) or CDM (Chronic Disease Management) Plan for Physiotherapy, you will need a valid referral letter, and Medicare referral form from your GP addressed specifically to me (SueLin Kalisch, Perth Vocal Physiotherapy).

Can I claim a Health Fund or Medicare rebate?

Yes, you can. 

After you have made your payment in full, you will receive your receipt via email, and this can be used to claim back any rebates you are entitled to from your Health Fund OR Medicare. You cannot claim from both for the same session.

There is no HICAPs machine on the premises so you will not be able to claim on the spot. You will need to pay in full, and then claim your rebate yourself using the receipt provided.

To claim a rebate from your Private Health Fund, you will need to have ‘Extras Cover’ that includes Physiotherapy. The codes are 500 for your Initial Consultation, and 505 for your Subsequent sessions.

If you are eligible to access a Medicare rebate via the EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) or CDM (Chronic Disease Management) schemes, you will need a valid GP referral, and the appropriate accompanying form. The Medicare rebate will not cover the entire cost of your treatment session as I do not offer ‘Gap Free’ Physiotherapy.

Do I need to have scans done before my appointment?

Imaging such as Xrays or MRI can be useful, but are not necessary to get started with treatment. The results of any scopes or swallowing investigations can be of great assistance in the treatment process, but again are not necessary to get started.

How many treatments will I need?

Expect to have at least 5 treatments, at an approximately weekly interval to begin with. You can have these sessions alongside other treatment modalities such as Speech Therapy and TMJ treatment, though to be on the safe side I would refrain from having treatment with multiple practitioners on the same day. To reduce the likelihood of any treatments you are undergoing having a negative impact on each other, full disclosure is strongly encouraged.

Treatment of any chronic or complex conditions can best be described like the classic children’s party game of ‘Pass the parcel’. Unwrapping layers of paper, some with little surprises, until we get to the prize at the centre. For this reason, 1 or 2 treatments will not be effective, but it is also impossible to tell at the start exactly how it’s going to play out. What I can tell you is that along the way there’ll be breakthroughs which tell us that we are on the right track, and I look forward to celebrating those milestones with you.

Where are you located?

I treat from a small home based clinic in Padbury (near Hillarys) with a mixture of afternoon, weekend, and occasional morning availability, in addition to working at a Private Practice in the Northern suburbs.

What are your fees?

The cost of your appointment will depend on the type of appointment you are attending, and length of the appointment. For Perth Vocal Physio, these vary between $95 and $150.

*Fees at the Carine location are set by the Practice Owner and differ from those set by Perth Vocal Physio, you will be able to confirm these directly with Infusion if you are being seen there.

Do you charge for reports?

Any routine communication with other Health Professionals involved in your case is considered part of your care, though requests for comprehensive reports for insurance or legal purposes will be charged at an industry standard rate.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Just yourself, any paperwork that you were unable to email through in advance.

Can I bring a support person?

Absolutely you can, but please limit it to 1 person only as treatment rooms are not very big. If you have an Assistance Dog, please inform me prior to your appointment.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing, preferably a top with an open, wide, or loose collar, for me to easily see the neck and throat area, and allow for treatment without your garments restricting this region.