Our Physiotherapy Fees

We believe in transparent and accessible care. Here’s a general overview of our fees:

• Standard Initial Clinic Physiotherapy (40-60 minutes): $170
• Standard Initial Home Visit Physiotherapy (40-60 minutes): $193
• Standard Subsequent Clinic Physiotherapy (20 minutes): $85
• Standard Subsequent Home Visit Physiotherapy (20 minutes): $93
• NDIS Physiotherapy Initial Assessment (1-2 hours face to face and 1-4 hours report writing): $224 hourly

[Download Our Full Price List Here]

Understanding Your Funding Options:

We want to make accessing the care you need as easy as possible. Your physiotherapy services may be eligible for rebates or funding through various sources, which can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

• Private Health Insurance: If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you may be able to claim a rebate. Please check with your insurer for the specifics of your policy.
• Medicare: You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if you have a valid referral from your General Practitioner under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan. Eligibility criteria apply.
  • We offer bulk billing at our Mile End clinic, meaning no out-of-pocket expense for Medicare-eligible clients.
  • A small $10 gap fee applies for Medicare-eligible clients at our Royal Park clinic.
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): If you are an NDIS participant, your physiotherapy services may be covered by your NDIS plan, provided they are deemed reasonable and necessary to achieve your goals.
• Home Care Packages (HCP): Physiotherapy services may be included in your Home Care Package, if they address your assessed needs and contribute to your care plan.

We are committed to providing transparent information about our fees and helping you explore any available funding options. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

We want to make your physiotherapy journey as smooth and straightforward as possible. Here’s a general outline of what you can expect after booking an appointment with Happy Steps:

For Standard Physiotherapy Sessions:

1. You book an appointment online or by phone/in person.
2. We confirm your appointment and gather your essential details.
3. You attend your initial session (from 40 minutes).
4. Your physiotherapist develops a treatment plan in collaboration with you.
5. You attend subsequent physiotherapy sessions as recommended – standard (20 minutes) or long consult (30-40 minutes).

For Clients Requiring Comprehensive Assessments (e.g. under funding for NDIS or HCP, or Complex Conditions):

1. You make an enquiry.
2. We conduct an initial phone or email consultation to understand your needs.
3. You complete a digital intake form to provide us with detailed information.
4. A physiotherapist is assigned to your case, ensuring the best match for your needs.
5. You can choose a home visit or to attend the clinic for your first assessment session (60-120 minutes, depending on complexity).
6. If required, your physiotherapist will write a detailed report (1-4 hours, depending on complexity and funding requirements).
7. You can choose to attend subsequent physiotherapy sessions that are either home visit or in clinic sessions (45-90 minutes).
8. If required, your physiotherapist will provide an end-of-plan report to summarise your progress and recommendations.

An Assistive Technology Assessment with Happy Steps is a collaborative process designed to help you find the right equipment to support your independence and participation in daily life. Our experienced physiotherapists will work closely with you to understand your needs, challenges, and goals, and to identify assistive technology solutions that can help you achieve them.

Here’s what you can expect during your Assistive Technology Assessment:

1. Comprehensive Discussion (20-60 minutes in total for initial assessment): We’ll begin by discussing your current abilities, the activities you find challenging, and your goals for using assistive technology. This includes understanding your daily routines, your home environment, and any specific needs related to mobility, personal care, communication, or other areas.
2. Physical Assessment (20-70 minutes): Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough physical assessment, which may include evaluating your:
   • Movement and strength
   • Balance and coordination
   • Posture and positioning
   • Functional abilities (e.g., transfers, walking, reaching)
   • Sensory and perceptual skills
3. Equipment Trial and Education (30-60 minutes depending on number of equipment trialled): We’ll explore different types of assistive technology that may be suitable for you. This may involve:
   • Trying out different equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, standing frames, or adaptive equipment for daily living.
   • Learning about the features, benefits, and limitations of various options.
   • Receiving education and training on the safe and effective use of the equipment.
4. Collaboration and Goal Setting: We’ll work with you to determine the most appropriate assistive technology to meet your needs and help you achieve your goals. This includes considering your preferences, lifestyle, and budget.
5. Report and Recommendations (between 4-8.5 hours): Following the assessment, we will provide a comprehensive report outlining our findings and recommendations. This report can be used to support funding applications (e.g., NDIS) or to guide your decision-making.

Our aim is to empower you to make informed choices about assistive technology and to ensure you receive the equipment and support you need to live as independently and comfortably as possible.

Additional Information:

• We offer SMS and/or email reminders for your appointments upon request.
• Upon request, clients receive progress reports after each session, ensuring you are kept informed about your treatment in a secure manner.
• Initial reports are provided within a maximum of 7 days following the completion of your initial assessment.
• We understand that plans can change. We offer a flexible cancellation policy with no charge if you provide more than 48 hours’ notice.

Preparing for Your First Happy Step

We’re excited to welcome you to Happy Steps Physiotherapy! To ensure your first visit is as smooth and productive as possible, here’s a quick guide to help you prepare.

What to Bring:

To help us gain a thorough understanding of your needs and develop the most effective treatment plan, please bring the following, if available:

• Relevant Medical Documents: Any X-rays, scans, reports, or letters from your doctor or specialist related to your current condition.
• Medication List: A list of any medications you are currently taking, including dosage and frequency.
• List of Medical Conditions: A summary of any current medical conditions you may have.
• Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely during the assessment and any initial exercises.
• Appropriate Footwear: Wear the shoes you would normally wear.
• Assistive Devices: If you use any assistive devices (e.g., orthotics, braces, walking aids), please bring them with you.

What to Expect:

Your first visit will typically involve:

• A thorough discussion of your current condition, medical history, and goals.
• A comprehensive physical assessment, which may include assessing your movement, strength, posture, and any areas of pain or discomfort.
• An opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your condition or treatment.
• The development of a personalised treatment plan, in collaboration with you.

We want you to feel comfortable and informed throughout your physiotherapy journey. Our team is dedicated to providing a caring and supportive environment, and we encourage you to actively participate in your care.

Your Privacy Matters to Us

At Happy Steps Physiotherapy, we understand that your personal and health information is sensitive. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your data in accordance with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines and all relevant Australian privacy laws.

To ensure the security of your information:

• We utilise Nookal, a secure, cloud-based practice management system that is password-protected, for all client notes. This system employs robust security measures, including encryption, to protect your data.
• All Happy Steps staff undergo comprehensive training on privacy policies and procedures.
• We maintain strict confidentiality regarding your personal and health information, and access to your data is restricted to authorized personnel only.
• For more information about how we handle your data, please visit the Ahpra website: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/about-ahpra/privacy-freedom-of-information-and-information-publication-scheme/privacy.aspx

We are committed to providing you with the highest quality care in a safe, secure, and confidential environment. If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy practices, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Delivering the Highest Quality Care

At Happy Steps Physiotherapy, we are committed to providing the most effective and evidence-based care. To track your progress and ensure your treatment plan and exercises are tailored to your specific needs, our physiotherapists regularly use a range of standardised outcome measures, including (but not limited to):

• Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
• Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
• Physical Mobility Scale (PMS)
• World Health Organization (WHO) Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0)
• Stroke Impact Scale (SIS)
• Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency™ 2nd Edition assessment (BOT-2)
• 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
• Clinical Gait Assessment Scale (CGAS)

The specific outcome measures used will vary depending on your individual presentation and condition. These tools allow us to:

• Objectively assess your functional abilities and limitations.
• Monitor your progress throughout your treatment.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions.
• Ensure that your treatment plan is aligned with best practice.

Our physiotherapists are highly qualified and registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), ensuring they adhere to the highest professional standards. We are committed to ongoing professional development and staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in physiotherapy.

As part of our commitment to your safety and well-being, we may also conduct a risk assessment during home visits to ensure that your environment is safe for both you and our team. You can find more information about our approach to home safety in our Risk Assessment Policy