FAQ FOR REFERRERS

Is a referral required?

Dr Nathan Johns is a specialist and requires a valid referral for all patients (including TAC and WorkSafe) from a GP or medical specialist.

Do you accept electronic referrals?

We prefer to receive referrals and provide correspondence via secure electronic routes when available.

Do you participate in team care arrangements?

We will participate in team care arrangements with General Practitioners. Medicare rebates are available for patients referred on chronic disease management programs or for focused psychological strategies.

Do you bulk-bill?

For most TAC, DVA and Workcover patients there are no out of pocket expenses. We provide long consultation times to listen and educate. To provide clinical excellence and advanced translational pain programs takes hard work and resources so we rarely bulk-bill other patients. Fees remain below the AMA rceommended fee rates.

What are active therapies for pain?

Our programs do not involve passive therapies (such as needling, massage, manipulation and ultrasound). We use active strategies that engage people in education for pain and health promotion, we provide exercise programs for pain and fitness and teach cognitive strategies such as cognitive behavioural therapy for pain, sleep and mood.

How long are the treatment programs?

We aim to teach self-management rather than encourage indefinite attendance however we do offer long term medical and allied health support, especially for people experiencing new conditions or exacerbations of an existing condition. Most programs run for 6 to 12 weeks.