Terms and Conditions for Physiotherapy Services
Purpose of this Agreement:
This document outlines your rights, responsibilities, and important information about your physiotherapy care at Fortitude Physio.
By booking an appointment, you acknowledge and agree to these terms, which comply with the Privacy Act 1988, the Australian Privacy Principles 2014, and Victorian law.
Informed Consent
1. Treatment Options:
- Physiotherapy is a safe and effective form of care; however, individual responses vary.
- Your physiotherapist will explain your condition, treatment options, foreseeable risks, and benefits to help you make informed decisions.
2. Withdrawal of Consent:
- You may withdraw your consent to any treatment at any time, and your preferences will be respected.
3. Physical Contact:
- Treatment may involve physical contact for assessment and manual therapy.
- Your comfort is a priority—if you feel uncomfortable at any point, inform your physiotherapist immediately.
4. Children and Minors:
- For clients under 16 years of age, consent must be provided by a parent or legal guardian, who is encouraged to be present during sessions.
Documentation Using PatientNotes.app:
We use PatientNotes.app, a secure, encrypted, and regulation-compliant platform, to document your sessions. This includes audio recording to ensure detailed and accurate records.
1. Confidentiality:
- All data recorded in PatientNotes is securely stored and compliant with privacy laws.
2. Purpose:
- Recordings are used to document your progress and ensure high-quality care.
3. Access:
- You can request access to your records at any time.
4. Retention and Opt-Out:
- Transcripts are securely stored and deleted by PatientNotes once legal requirements are met.
- You may opt out of audio recordings by informing your physiotherapist.
Payment Policy: Credit Card Details and Authorization:
We use Tyro Health Online to securely store and process client payment details. Saving payment card details is mandatory for all clients. This policy streamlines transactions, prevents unpaid balances, and ensures compliance with our payment terms.
1. Secure Storage:
- Card details are encrypted and stored via Tyro Health Online, which is PCI DSS-compliant.
2. Mandatory Card Saving:
- By agreeing to these terms, you authorize Fortitude Physio to securely store your card details.
3. Payment Authorization:
- Outstanding fees will be charged to your stored card at the close of business on the day of your appointment.
- Receipts for transactions will be sent via SMS or email.
4. Updating Card Details:
- You can update your card details at any time. If your card expires, a request to update details will be sent before your next appointment.
5. Revocation of Consent:
- You may withdraw authorization for card storage in writing; however, this may limit future booking options.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy
1. Notice Requirement:
- To cancel or reschedule an appointment, provide at least 24 hours' notice.
2. Cancellation Fee:
- Appointments canceled or missed with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur the full session fee.
- This fee is not claimable through third-party payers such as TAC, DVA, or Medicare.
3. Mitigation Option:
- You may transfer your appointment to a friend or family member to avoid the fee. Notify reception of the substitution before the scheduled time.
Accounts and Fees:
1. Private Patients:
- Payment is required after each session. Invoices are sent via SMS and can be paid securely through Tyro Health Online or submitted manually to your health fund.
2. Third-Party Claims:
- For TAC, WorkSafe, and DVA clients, accounts will be sent directly to the relevant body.
- Missed appointment fees are the responsibility of the client.
3. Unpaid Fees:
- Any unpaid balances will be automatically processed using stored card details.
Treatment Risks and Questions:
1. Foreseeable Risks:
- Your physiotherapist will explain treatment risks and provide alternative options where necessary.
2. Open Communication:
- You are encouraged to disclose relevant information to help create an effective treatment plan.
- You may choose how much information to share based on your comfort level.
General Policies
1. Mobile Phones:
- Please silence your phone during sessions to maintain a respectful environment.
2. Individual Healing and Recovery Rates:
- Response to treatment varies depending on health, co-morbidities, and other factors. Discuss any concerns with your physiotherapist.
Digital Consent and Agreement
By booking an appointment, you:
1. Consent to Physiotherapy Care:
- Agree to treatment, including assessment, manual therapy, and session documentation through PatientNotes.app.
2. Acknowledge Payment Terms:
- Authorize Fortitude Physio to securely store and process payment card details for any outstanding fees through Tyro Health Online.
3. Understand Cancellation Policy:
- Accept responsibility for late cancellations or missed appointments per the policy.
4. Authorize Documentation:
- Consent to the use of PatientNotes for session recording, processing, and storage in compliance with privacy laws.
5. Privacy and Information Handling
Fortitude Physio collects, stores, and discloses your personal and health information in accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) and, where applicable, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Your information is handled securely and used solely for purposes directly related to your treatment, communication with referrers or funders, and compliance with legal or regulatory obligations. By proceeding with your booking, you:
Consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your health information as outlined in our Privacy Policy;
Understand that you may request access to or correction of your personal information at any time;
Acknowledge that you may withdraw your consent in writing, subject to legal and professional obligations.
You may view our full Privacy Policy at www.fortitude.physio/privacy-policy or request a printed copy in clinic.
6. Contact Information
For any questions or concerns about these terms, please contact us:
Phone: (03) 8373 4646
SMS: 0414 647 520
Email: tim@fortitude.physio