What to bring to your first osteopathy appointment

Before you arrive

After you book online or over the phone, you will receive a new patient form. Completing it before your appointment where possible gives your osteopath your background information ahead of time, so more of your appointment can be spent on assessment, discussion and treatment where appropriate. If anything on the form is unclear, leave it blank and your osteopath will go through it with you.

Health information to bring

You do not need any paperwork to see an osteopath privately, but relevant information can help your osteopath understand your history and current presentation.

• X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or CT reports, along with the images if you have them
• Letters or reports from your GP, other doctors or other health practitioners
• A list of current medications and supplements
• Notes about when your symptoms started and what seems to change them
• Details of any previous injuries, surgery or ongoing health conditions

Funding and claim details

If someone other than you will be paying for part or all of your appointment, please bring the details listed below. It also helps to call the clinic before your first visit so we can confirm how your appointment will be billed.

• Private health insurance: your health fund card, so you can claim on the spot with HICAPS
• Medicare: your Medicare card and the GP referral written under your GP chronic condition management plan
• WorkCover: your WorkSafe claim number and agent or case manager details
• TAC: your TAC claim number and the date of your accident
• DVA: your DVA Veteran Card and your GP referral

What to wear

Wear comfortable clothing you can move in, such as activewear, shorts or loose pants. Your osteopath may need to look at how you move and, depending on the area being assessed, may ask you to change into shorts or adjust clothing. They will always explain what they are assessing and why, and ask for your consent first. You are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment, and you can ask questions or stop at any time.

What happens during your first appointment

At your initial consultation, your osteopath will take a detailed history, complete a movement and physical assessment and explain what they think may be contributing to your symptoms. Where appropriate, treatment can begin in the same visit. Before you leave, your osteopath will discuss a plan, which may include exercises or advice for work and daily activities, and talk about whether follow-up appointments are recommended.

Getting to the clinic

Our Coolaroo clinic, where Dr Elie Mokbel, osteopath, consults, is at the back of 52 Westmere Crescent; walk to the end of the driveway and the clinic is on the right. Our Epping clinic, where Dr Matt Tancevski, osteopath, consults, is inside Atomic Gym at 109c Miller St, with parking on site. Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to settle in.

If something comes up

If you are unwell or need to change your appointment, please let the clinic know as early as you can. If your symptoms change significantly before your appointment, for example new numbness, weakness or feeling unwell, please contact your GP or seek urgent medical care.