Private Outpatient Care in Australia

I am absolutely loving my outpatient experience! I definitely feel more comfortable with my scope of understanding in this setting compared to the acute care. Many things, we do similarly to the Aussies. However, many things are different. Here are some things I have learned during my 1.5 weeks at this site.

1. In Australia, physio's cast fractures. I have a tutorial on this tomorrow and I am so excited. Just think of all the patients you have had post-cast removal that would be more functional if they were casted in a better position.

2. In Australia, each treatment session is worth the same value. Therefore how you spend your time with the patient is in no way influenced by "units" or reimbursement for specific techniques. A followup treatment session should typically take 30-45 minutes. There is an amendment where you can charge more money for the really complex patient that takes 1 hour or is receiving therapy for more than one condition/joint (hand and knee, back and shoulder, etc), but these situations tend to be rare.

3. They do quite a bit of manual therapy. Although I believe they already hold this steriotype in the US, I was surprised to learn that the majority of manual therapy they perform consists of soft tissue mobilisation, joint mobs, and "muscle energy techniques." They do use manipulation, but only when the others don't or wouldn't work.

4. They hold the 'athletic trainer' position on sports teams. I spent last Saturday "strapping" or taping ankles and knees and fingers, providing first aid services, and referring people to the nearest medical center for radiographs. And that was just for "boring and dull" netball! I am hoping to do the same for a rugby or an Australian football team before I leave here.

5. Tearing tape is really hard. (At least with the brown, nonelastic tape) I spent 15 minutes trying to tear my first piece. I am better now though. If only I had practised with Dr. Malone...

6. They do not worship McKenzie. They are like our UK education taught us to be: objective with each patient, utilizing different methods as would best help the patient. Such good advice. Thanks Dr. English and Dr. Harrison.

Also, I have learned many more Aussie phrases:
Good-on-ya! = good job!
Full on= high intensity, no holds bar, straight to the chase
Flat out=super busy (this may be a repeat)
Grizzling=complaining (quit your grizzling!)

:)

Fun stuff.