Our Fees & Frequently Asked Questions

Fee Schedule

Initial /new problem 60 minute consultation.  $190.00 ( Health care concession card holders $175.00)

Most problems benefit from an initial hour consultation.  It allows you time to give a full history, choose examination options and get started with therapy without feeling rushed.

Initial/ new problem 45 minute consultation $170.00 (Health care concession card holders $155.00)

Choose this appointment time slot if you think your issue is straightforward. If it proves more time consuming we can schedule follow up to complete assessment and get you going with your program.  This option does allow you to decrease gap payment if on a G.P. care plan or using private health fund extras.  You MAY need to follow up sooner if the problem proves more complex.

Follow up 45 minute consultation $140.00 (Health care concession card holders $125.00)

This time slot suits most pelvic health issues.  Definitely choose this time if it is  several months since your last appointment.

Follow up 30 minute consultation $120.00 (Health care concession card holders $110.00)

Choose this time slot for more straightforward follow ups such as ongoing help with a musculoskeletal issue.  

DVA clients do not have gap payments.  DVA will cover the full cost of your visit. 

GP Care Plans will not  be bulk billed. The fee as above is payable and $61.80 will be refunded to your account.

 

Pelvic Health is a Specialised area of Physiotherapy requiring post graduate study.  Caroline Bender has  been providing Pelvic Health services for over 25 years, and with that experience, can put you on the right track in as timely manner as possible. Due to the complexity and chronic nature of many of the issues dealt with however, adequate time  is needed at any required session.  We can always carry over to a subsequent session if more time needed. 


Initial 60 minute $190 (Most pelvic health issues benefit from this time slot)


Initial 45 minute $170 (if you feel your issue is straightforward feel free to choose this timeslot. BUT, be prepared if more complicated than you thought, that we may need to continue at a follow up appointment)

Follow up 45 minute $140 (Most follow ups benefit from this time slot)

Follow up 30 minute $120 (If follow up is straightforward, this time slot can work )

 

Frequently asked questions

How many sessions do I need to attend?

This varies greatly. We tend to say that most issues can be resolved in about 3 to  5 sessions over time. I know that many people don’t need to attend that many visits which is amazing considering how long the problems have been present for in many cases. Other people may need more and that’s fine too.
Pain problems can be more demanding and time consuming, but the important thing is that we have a plan and we progress forward. You should never feel that appointments have become routine.  

 

 

Yes. Your Doctor prepares the plan and you will receive $60.30 back from Medicare. You will need to pay the full free at the time of your appointment and then the rebate of $60.30 goes back into your account.

No, there is a gap payment to pay. If you cannot pay the fee, please talk to Caroline Bender.  There may be public health options elsewhere or other arrangements can be discussed.

Yes  Veterans Affairs referrals are accepted and there is no gap payment.

Yes this can be arranged but there may be a small gap payment.  Please discuss with Caroline Bender before booking.

Yes we will work with  those self funded and with  managed funds.  

· yes
· I do ask that you give at least 24 hour notice for a cancellation. This enables someone else to have that appointment.
· There is a potential $50.00 fee payable for late notice cancellations unless there are reasonable unforeseeable events that prevent you attending.
· Please try not to cancel if you simply feel that you have “not done your exercises”. If you are not getting home programs completed then we need to re-think and re-set the program in order to achieve good outcomes for you. During your appointment you will find new direction and motivation so that you can move forward.  Every appointment will move you forward.  Appointments are never routine.

What to expect with appointments

Can I attend during a period?

Yes. You can attend at this time. There is plenty that can be done using ultrasound to externally assess
However having a period is not a contraindication to examination if that is your wish.
Everything is discussed and you should always feel able to make informed decisions.

Any clothes are fine. You may find it easiest to attend in loose comfortable clothes. But if clothes need to
be removed, you will be given full explanations, informed consent gained and privacy to remove clothes will be given.

We are trained to examine muscles and joints in many different ways depending on your level of comfort.
We will explain everything first so that you feel you have choice.
We are trained to be able to offer internal vaginal and rectal examinations. Rest assured, no examination is carried out unless you understand what is being offered and can make an informed choice.

Yes, of course you can! Babies, toddlers and older children are welcome.  The examination bed is curtained off from the rest of the room for privacy if older children are present.  There is also a children’s area in the waiting room.    

You are welcome to attend with anyone as a support as long as you are comfortable sharing private information with them.

There is usually a lot to learn so sometimes 2 pairs of ears to listen helps!