22/04/2022
Pre & Post treatment - Behind the scenes!
When is comes to Osteopathy, there is a lot more than just treatment. The followings are something I do ‘behind the scenes’ to make your visit effective and efficient.
If you are a new patient there is little pre-appointment aspects that I do – I will see if you have filled in the online consent form and if you have I will fill in your details onto my online practice management system. Once you turn up I will run through a normal case history with you (this I have covered in What to Expect on your first visit). After treatment I spend time writing up my clinical notes and if needed a report to your GP/specialist etc. If you have had any x-rays/scans that I feel with aid me in treating you effectively once I have your consent I will try and obtain a copy of the report(s).
In between patients I clean down the treatment table and my desk wiping off the massage oil and generally cleaning the area ready for my next patient, also and a new cover is used for each person on the table. I also review past appointment so I can familiarise with the problem(s) you previously presented with, what was found on my examination and what treatment was done so as I can see if there has been any improvement since the previous appointment. I would also review any exercise I may have given you and any tests/examinations/scans you may have had in-between appointments so I can make any changes to how I treat you.
I have to write letter to your GP if you are on an Allied Health Medicare Referral. This is done after your first and final visits on the referral and has to be done for Medicare. If you are a DVA patient I have to write an End of Cycle Report to the referring GP before I am able to obtain a new referral. I may occasionally have to write general letters to your GP for a referral to a specialist or for a scan – this is all done with your consent and would always be discussed within your treatment.
I also am constantly returning phone calls that I have missed, emails and/or SMS that need a reply to try and keep up with any specific question/problems that my patients or perspective patients may have.
Every treatment is different and I tailor to the individual patient’s needs as every body is unique and each patient presents with slightly different problems/symptoms.
