FAQ

Indexation of the Medical Benefits Scheme (Medicare) has not kept pace with the costs of providing medical care.  Each consultation will incur an upfront cost and payment is required on the day.

• Appointments: Most initial appointments occur with one of our doctors. Out of pocket costs are varied. If you would like an estimation of the upfront cost and Medicare rebate please phone reception on 1300 525 666 as this varies depending on the injury.
• Urgent Appointments: If this is your first appointment and your injury is urgent or you are unable to attend clinic on days where Medicare rebates apply, out of pocket costs may be higher.
• Products: Casts, moonboots, splints etc are an additional cost. We keep the cost for these items as low as possible. If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you may be able to claim all/part of this cost depending on your health fund and level of cover. Medicare does not provide a rebate for any products purchased.
• Physiotherapist: If you have private health insurance with extras cover for physiotherapy, you may be eligible for rebates on your physiotherapy consultations. This means you will only need to pay the gap amount which is the remainder of the fee not covered by your health fund. We can process your rebate instantly with your private health fund card, at the time of your appointment. We recommend you contact your health fund for the rebate amounts related to your policy.
• We accept DVA, WorkCover and similar insurance companies.
• We do not provide medico-legal reports but we do send a letter to your referring doctor and/or regular GP informing them of your appointment, injury and treatment plan that has been undertaken.

Free parking is available at both sites.

• After the plaster, splint or orthopaedic device is fitted you will be given written care instructions to take home.
• Keep the cast clean and dry unless it is waterproof. Even waterproof casts/splints can cause skin irritation and damage if left wet for long periods of time, so ensure the skin and cast/splint are thoroughly dry after being wet. If removable and allowed, remove the splint and pat dry the splint and skin with a towel. If not removable, cool air drying or in the sun for a short period can help.
• Check the cast is not rubbing, scratching or otherwise damaging the skin, particularly around edges. Casts used for wrist fractures should allow almost full finger and thumb movements with comfort. Check for lumps, pressure areas, cracks or breaks in the cast. The plaster technician can help with pressure areas by smoothing edges, using padding, or changing the cast.
• Do not insert objects or scratch the skin (often itchy) in between the cast and skin.
• Do not put cream or powders on the skin or under the cast.
• If possible, cover the cast with a waterproof covering while your child is bathing or eating to prevent soiling or wetting the cast (if not waterproof).
• After cast removal, it is normal to see wasting (a “skinny” limb), stiffness and pain on moving joints that have been in a splint or cast for several weeks. In most instances, this resolves over a few weeks and takes longer with age (so children recover quickest).

At your appointment, the plaster technician and doctor will advise what options are best to treat your fracture or injury.

No, private health insurance is not required for appointments at The Fracture Clinic.  If you have private health insurance with extras cover and purchase an orthopaedic device or see our Physiotherapist, you may be able to claim this through your private health insurance.