Budget 2018: How Can Clinics Access The Extra Funding?

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The Australian Government has released its 2018 Budget and "Seniors Are The Big Winners." The have announced a significant increase in funding for both in home care and residential aged care. This is excellent news for physiotherapy and podiatry clinics; however many clinics are confused! How do clinics access funding? Who do we invoice? How much should you charge?  In this blog post we attempt to answer your questions. 


Home Care Packages (Physiotherapy & Podiatry)

The government has a scheme called "Home Care Packages"; the funding ranges from $10K to $50K depending on the personal level of disability. The service fees and payment terms vary depending on the volume of referrals; typically $120 physiotherapy, and $100 podiatry. You invoice the package coordinator monthly with a separate invoice for each patient. To access home care package funding, you need to build relationships with the home care package co-ordinators; they send referrals to health professionals.  I recommend you do a google search for "home care packages" to find co-ordinators in your local area and visit them!

Tips

  1. Package coordinators prefer large clinics as they are easier to refer.
  2. Negotiate good payment terms; cash flow is hard. 
  3. They'll want you to sign a contract.
  4. Pre-organise all your practitioners documentation: drivers licence, police check, first aid. 
  5. Be patient, it takes time for them to trust you. 


Residential Aged Care (Physiotherapy) 

Physiotherapists are required within residential aged care facilities to complete mobility assessments, pain assessments, and complex pain management. Physiotherapists are typically contracted on a daily or hourly rate. The rate varies depending on these factors; the number of hours,  length of the contract, and difficulty of recruitment.  I suggest you offer $80 per hour if contract terms are favorable; you invoice the facility fortnightly. To obtain a physiotherapy contract visit many facilities and build relationships with management and clinical nurses.

Tips

  1. Study ACFI mobility & complex pain management 
  2. Understand difference between 4a & 4b 
  3. Is it hard to recruit physiotherapists in the location? if yes, charge more!
  4. Don't bother with short contract terms. 
  5. Get a lawyer to draft your agreement; dont let them poach your staff. 


Residential Aged Care (Podiatry) 

Aged care facilities need a podiatrist for general nail care and wound care. Podiatrists are typically contracted on a per appointment basis. The rate varies depending on these factors: invoice administration, and funding type (EPC/DVA). If the facility requires you to send residents invoice to Medicare, DVA, or Insurance; you need a higher rate to accommodate administration workload. Occasionality they will invoice on your behalf. I suggest you negotiate a very high percentage, if the not entire fee, to provide consultation within aged care. To obtain a podiatry contract visit many facilities and build relationships with management and clinical nurses. 

Tips

  1. Understand EPC, DVA, and Health Insurance Billing. 
  2. You need to know your numbers; wages and other costs. 
  3. Facilities can exagerate their potential work to lower your costs. 
  4. Invoicing takes ages; try to get the facility to complete on your behalf. 
  5. Negotiate good payment terms; cash flow is hard. 


Owner Health 

Owner Health is a FREE home visit software and marketplace. You can create a FREE online profile, we connect you with local patients who need a home visit. We also provide all the software technology you require. 

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