The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is extremely disappointed to see the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) price limits for physiotherapy supports remain unchanged for the fifth consecutive year, disregarding the pressures of rising operational costs, and leaving providers to make difficult decisions around the viability of their practices.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is thrilled to announce substantial updates to the WorkCover Queensland (WCQ) Allied Health Services Table of Costs for the 2024-2025 financial year, including a notable 4.1% Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase and the introduction of a new tier for physiotherapy services that are provided by specialist physiotherapists as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists.

A new report from Nous Group revealed that allowing physiotherapists to make direct referrals could save the Australian healthcare system and patients an astounding $162.7 million annually. This new evidence supports the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) in their work advocating for a transformative policy change that would significantly improve the patient referral process.

The proposed changes include:

Investing in women's health is not just a matter of fairness—it is a critical driver of societal and economic wellbeing. Research has consistently shown that when women’s health needs are met, societies prosper. At this week’s Senate Inquiry into Issues Related to Perimenopause and Menopause, policymakers were asked not to shy away from addressing the most debilitating symptoms of menopause amidst growing public awareness of its impact on women’s lives.  

The APA and Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA) applaud the NSW Select Committee on Birth Trauma report on its recommendation for physiotherapy to treat birth injuries. The report recognises the multifaceted impact of birth trauma and the critical importance of pelvic health physiotherapy for birthing parents in antenatal care.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has today released the comprehensive findings of its inaugural Workforce Census, unlocking key information that will inform meaningful reform across the gender pay gap, rural health disparities, and the broader skills shortage within the sector.

May 2024

Does the imbalance in funding for road safety and falls indicate that Australians don’t value the health of older women?

April 2024

This week brings a new feature at The Zap, in response to reader feedback: a list of consultations that we hope will be helpful for Croakey readers. Please keep us updated of any new ones to add.

Charles Maskell-Knight also reviews concerns about spinal surgery and aged care reform, brings the latest data on food consumption trends, and reports that the Australian College of Nursing has been 'in the news for all the wrong reasons'.

In a flash poll conducted by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), over 90 per cent of physiotherapists said they have treated patients suffering after unnecessary and potentially harmful surgeries. This comes following a confronting exposé of Australia’s chronic pain industry on ABC Four Corners, which highlighted potential overuse of surgical procedures, despite physiotherapy treatment being considered part of best practice.