You may have heard about upcoming changes to private health insurance (PHI) rebates coming into effect on the 1st of April 2019. We wanted to update you in the lead up to these changes and to let you know how you may (or may not) be affected.

Background

The Dept of Health performed a review of private health rebates, with the purpose of ensuring that private health extras rebates are directed toward interventions that are most beneficial to clients, and minimise unnecessary increases in private health premiums. The findings of the review resulted in the exclusion of some stand alone natural therapies. This list includes: Alexander technique, aromatherapy, Bowen therapy, Buteyko, Feldenkrais, Western herbalism, homeopathy, iridology, kinesiology, naturopathy, Pilates, reflexology, Rolfing, shiatsu, tai chi, and yoga.

As such, stand alone Pilates will no longer be eligible for private health rebates.

What does this mean for your exercise group?

This will mean that our Vital Mat Pilates class (currently run on thursday nights, where all of the group perform a similar exercise routine), will no longer be eligible for rebates through your private health fund. This class type was previously coded as a T561 session, and not all insurers previously provided a rebate on this code.

Our Studio Equipment groups, F.I.T. Classes, Move Class for over 50’s, and Glow exercise group for Mums & Bubs, will continue to be eligible for rebates, under the existing item code T560.

Physiotherapists have for many years used pilates-influenced exercises as part of clients overall management but importantly, in physio management they have been used in conjunction with other treatment and exercise based interventions specific to each individuals’ needs and addressing their specific presenting health problem.

Our physio-guided exercise groups will continue to be eligible for Private Health rebates as our physios prescribe programs that involve:

  • A thorough assessment of each individual client, assessing their specific health needs and goals, and review of outcome measures.
  • A program of exercised-based interventions specific to the patient. In group sessions this includes adjusting each individual’s program as required.

Reassessment

In keeping with our current practice, and reinforced by these guidelines, we will continue to reassess the outcome of your exercises in each session, and also perform more formal program review consultations at least every 12 weeks, or sooner as indicated based on your progress. This allows us to review your progress, update your exercises to meet your current health needs, and ensure you are getting maximum benefit.

Advertising of Pilates

The new guidelines stipulate that for services attracting a health rebate, advertising and promotion of sessions must reflect the fact that these group sessions (other than our Vital Pilates) are physiotherapy exercise sessions, not purely pilates. As such, you will only see reference to pilates in promotion of our Vital Mat Pilates classes.

If you have any further questions regarding the changes, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our team and we would be pleased to discuss further.

Thanks for your support.

We look forward to continuing to offer you the highest quality and most effective physio care we can.