SJ responds to readers’ concerns in the Ponsonby News Healthy Living column.

SARAH-JANE ATTIAS: HEALTHY LIVING

My partner, Tanah, has just returned from Bali, where a trip on a slippery tiled pool area resulted in a painful fractured wrist – ouch!

This raised some questions in our household; am I covered by ACC even though the injury happened abroad? How much will ACC contribute to my rehabilitative treatment costs? With ACC, many people are unsure of what they can and can’t access.

ACC is highly regarded around the world, it offers us affordable healthcare for a personal injury that is the result of ‘an accident’. It is an amazing multi-layered system of support, it also reduces the litigious nature of ‘fault’ because ACC makes a substantial financial contribution (all costs in many cases ) to your medical treatments taking you through to a full recovery. And yes, that includes if you sustained your accident overseas.

I have noted that for many people this financial contribution is an incentive to seek treatment earlier and the whole ACC set up encourages both practitioner and patient to continue on-going treatment with a superior outcome for you – the patient.

What steps do I take to apply for treatment ?

If you have an accident of a musculoskeletal nature you do not need to go to a GP first. Osteopaths are primary health care providers, we will assist you complete forms and correspond with ACC, as appropriate. Your osteopath will be able to determine whether you are eligible for ACC cover based on your injury story and the physical findings resulting from it.

Who is the best therapist for my injury and can I see more than one practitioner?

Different injuries respond well to a variety of treatment options. At Living Osteopathy we have a strong professional cross-referral network, we often refer a patient onto a specific specialist or, for example, acupuncturist or physio-Pilates – all on the same ACC number. All practitioners we refer you to work as a team to get you back on your feet. I suggest this option rather than a whole lot of ‘scattered’ treatments – it’s a powerful network, take advantage of it.

Ask around, remember you are in control, practitioners vary, make sure you find the practitioner who resonates with you. If you have two or more practioners for the same injury it’s important to be transparent with practitioners if you do this. They can transfer your ACC number, Xrays, MRI scans, etc, so we evaluate your condition and speed up your healing to full vibrant health.

How many treatments am I allowed?

ACC subsidies are based on the type of injury diagnosed by your osteopath, and varies depending on body site and injury type.

How long can my ACC claim remain active?

You must seek treatment within six months of your accident. Your claim is active for one year from the date of accident. If you suffer a relapse of symptoms from that injury, within that year, then you can seek further treatment.

How much does ACC subsidise my payment costs ?

Depending on the practitioner, you may need to cover the full cost of your treatment until ACC have confirmed they are covering your claim. (You should receive a confirmation letter from ACC within 7-10 days.) Remember to keep your receipt so that you can be reimbursed against the cost of your next treatment.

ACC pays a portion of your treatment costs, and you may need to contribute more towards the full payment. Commonly, this is called a co payment. The amount will vary from practitioner to practitioner.

Private health Insurance

If you have private health insurance you can, depending on your policy, claim for the co payments made.

A good tip – take a photo of your ACC45 form with your mobile phone for easy access.

Please, if you have any questions about whether your injury may be covered by ACC, feel free to call us at the clinic and remember – safety first – with accidents prevention is the best cure. (SARAH-JANE ATTIAS)