ACC & Fully Funded Physio
What support can you get?
What is ACC and how can they help with Physiotherapy?
ACC is New Zealands no-fault Accidental Claims Compensation scheme. They help cover some of the costs associated with rehabilitation for injuries caused in New Zealand. The injury must’ve been caused by an accident to be covered. You are covered even if you are travelling and visiting our wonderful town of Wanaka.
As Wanaka is an extreme sports mecca most of the injuries we see come under ACC. Fallen off your mountain bike? You are covered. Skiing accident? Yes, you are covered.
What if my pain was not as a result of an accident?
We can still see you as a “Private” patient. This would be for things like osteoarthritic hips and knees. If you have private health insurance you may be able to claim some of it back.
FULLY FUNDED PATHWAYS/CONTRACTS
Integrated Care Pathway (ICP)
ICPMSK is for patients who meet the following criteria:
- have suffered a musculoskeletal injury in the lower back, shoulder, and knee regions that may require surgery
- had the injury within the last 12 months at time of referral
- patient’s recovery requires interdisciplinary treatment
- accepted cover for an injury to a body site within the scope of ICPMSK
- intends to reside in Aotearoa New Zealand for the duration of the pathway
To see if you qualify please email us or check out ACC’s website.
Your physio or your GP can refer you directly to HABIT’s ICPMSK Pathway.
Stay At Work (SAW)
If you are off work for longer than 2 weeks and are getting weekly compensation from ACC you may be eligible for fully funded support from our Occupational Therapist. An Occupational therapist’s role is to help falicitate a successful return to work by liasing with you, your medical team and your employer. They do this by breaking down your work tasks into ones that you can undertake with your injury, then gradually increase your time at work and the complexity of the task over the coming weeks/month. They put a plan in place and send it to your surgeon/GP for sign off so that everyone is on the same page.
If you have a physical job you may also be eligible for fully funded physiotherapy to help build strength, endurance and reduce pain.
If you meet the criteria your physio can refer you directly. Email us for more information.
Training for Independence
Training for Independence programs from ACC are for people who need to make a successful return to activities of daily living. When you are injured and you cannot complete tasks such as cleaning, driving, food shopping and food preparation then ACC may put home help in place to ensure your home is hygenic and that your nutritional needs are met. There are several different types of Training for Independence programs ranging from short term to 6 months for more complex injuries.
ACC may fund Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy to help you return to independence following your injury. Your physio has to fill out a request for ACC to consider your case and fund support.
SRNA/SDA
A SRNA is a complex needs assessment undertaken by a physio or an occupational therapist. These are one off assessments for people with more complex social situations. For example if you are a parent with young children and your injury means that you are temporarily unable to take care of them the way you usually would. Eg if you have a broken leg and need to use crutches then you would not be able to lift a small child, prepare their meals or drive them to daycare. A physiotherapist or OT will come to your home, discuss your injury, your needs and your family’s needs. They will request support from ACC and order equipment that will enable you to safely complete your usual tasks.
You need to call ACC directly and request support. ACC may put some supports like cleaning in place without an assessment.
Return to Independence (RTI)
A return to independence contract is the newest contract from ACC. Hours can vary but up to 10 home visits can be approved. These are for people that cannot complete their normal daily tasks and require home support. A physiotherapist will come to your home and take you through exercises that will increase your independence. They can also order equipment to ensure your safety when completing home based tasks.
Your district or community nurse needs to refer to ACC for these contracts.
Concussion Clinic
If you have sustained a moderate-severe concussion then you may be able to get support from ACC’s Concussion Clinic. You will receive fully funded support from a physiotherapists and an occupational therapist to help you return to daily life and work. Physiotherapists work with you to return to exercise by monitoring your heart rate and its effect on your symptoms. They give you exercises to help your vestibular system and treat BPPV if needed. They help you plan your daily and weekly routine so your symptoms gradually decrease. You can also access support from a specialist medical team and neuropsychology if indicated.
Alpine Physio hold concussion contracts with Habit Health and Active Plus. We support both adults and children with concussion rehabilitation.
Your GP must send a referral directly to ACC to request Concussion Support.