Kent Town Health Care KTHC - FAQs

We will need to understand your medical and health history. We will discuss your history in some detail. This will be followed by a comprehensive examination to make the most accurate diagnosis.

The initial consultation will usually take between 30 - 40 minutes, depending upon the complexity of your case. Please be assured that if we do not think that we can help you, or if our examination reveals any additional concerns, we will refer you appropriately and liaise with your general practitioner on your behalf.

It is not necessary for you to undergo any X-rays or other tests before consulting with the chiropractors at KTHC. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, CT and MRI will only be acquired if clinically indicated. Our location allows us to work closely with several excellent diagnostic facilities.

The cost of plain film X-rays is largely covered by Medicare, with only a small out-of-pocket expense. MRI scans are not claimable under Medicare (except when referred by a medical specialist), however.

At your initial consultation, or if there is a new problem, our first priority is to make the most accurate diagnosis possible. This determines the best course of treatment, or the most appropriate referral to another clinician. So, these consultations involve a comprehensive history and discussion, a thorough examination, and a review of any available medical imaging. You may, or may not, be treated at the time of your initial consultation - depending upon whether it is safe and appropriate to do so.

We accept concession for pensioners.

Please contact us for more information about our fees. 

All major private health funds offer cover for chiropractic services - usually on their 'extras' table. However, annual limits do apply and the amount that you are reimbursed will vary. Check with your own fund to find out the exact details in your case.

If you are referred by your general practitioner under the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan then you can claim a portion of your fees from Medicare (up to a maximum of 5 visits per year). You will need to talk to your GP about the appropriate referral.

If you are in pain, then naturally you'll be keen to start treatment. We understand that. But it is most important that we make an accurate diagnosis first, so that we know exactly what's causing your problem. Our chiropractors are hugely experienced and will do everything they can to help you as quickly as possible.

Sometimes the situation calls for an X-ray, or an MRI scan, or blood tests first - but we'll explain all of this to you and will only order these tests if they are truly necessary. In other cases, it is safe and appropriate to begin treatment immediately.

The word 'chiropractic' is often seen as synonymous with 'manipulation', while 'chiropractic treatment' is also equated with a manipulation-only approach to health. However, 'chiropractic' is simply the name of the profession, and 'manipulation' is just one tool amongst many treatment options.

We also emphasise a realistic, functional approach to exercise - allied with a thorough education program. Patients need to understand the reason for their pain, so that they can develop a sense of control.

Not at all. Our reasons for using imaging are quite straightforward. We will only use an imaging modality if it will help us to answer a question that we couldn't resolve some other way.

We do not like the routine use of ionising radiation and, in many cases, the clinical workup is sufficient for a reliable diagnosis. However, there are cases where we simply cannot proceed without more information. For example, a patient may present with clear evidence of a disc herniation and radiculopathy. The clinical examination is typically accurate enough to localise the level of lesion, and the extent of sensory or motor deficit. But we cannot answer the important questions of:

• Size and shape of the herniation (which affects prognosis)
• The composition of the extruded material (which affects the likelihood of resorption over time)
• The grade of nerve root compression (which also influences the probability of surgery)
• The presence of other confounders, such as Modic changes (which further reduces the effectiveness of conservative measures)

For these reasons we may ultimately use MRI in preference to X-ray. Given MR's ability to detect fluid concentrations, it is also highly valuable in identifying facet joint effusion and other inflammatory processes. This is useful for planning management and specifying the target for injection procedures.

Chiropractors can refer for plain-film X-rays and MRI scans. We use them judiciously, and always with diagnostic intent.

Cervical manipulation has garnered its fair share of criticism over the years. However, an unbiased look at the literature shows that the truth is more nuanced than the headlines might suggest.

There can be no dispute that any treatment may cause harm if applied indiscriminately. As such, it is the responsibility of the clinician to ensure that their patient is a reasonable candidate for the proposed treatment. Spinal manipulation is no different, and there are both relative, and absolute, contraindications to its use. We are very aware of these factors, and our practice is conservative as a result.

We are your one stop shop for all your practitioner only supplement needs!

What are Practitioner Only Supplements ?

Practitioner Only Supplements as the name suggests refers to those supplements which require a prescription from an accredited health professional. These types of medication are not available for over the counter sale and can only be purchased at health clinics, with a prescription from your Allied Healthcare Practitioner. The reason that these products require a prescription is that they are of a much higher quality and in often cases more concentrated dosage than over the counter medications. These products have undergone rigorous testing and clinical trials to ensure that they are both effective and safe.

We have teamed up with all of the leading practitioner only supplement companies such as:

• Metagenics
• Bioceuticals
• Natural Remedies Group and
• Nutrition Care

By teaming up with these leading brands we can ensure that we can bring our patients the very best of products for all their supplement requirements. Our practitioners also attend regular meetings with these companies to keep up to date with the latest information.