IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON CHANGES TO PRIVATE HEALTH COVER AND PILATES
As you may be aware, in 2018, the Federal Government announced its plans to make certain natural therapies 
ineligible for private health insurance rebates. Among these was Pilates. The Government’s original position was that Pilates would not be rebatable, regardless of who delivers it or how it is delivered.
As you can imagine, there was a big outcry within the Physiotherapy profession. Clinical Pilates instructed by a Physiotherapist is a fantastic way to rehabilitate as well as prevent injury. Exercise is medicine. The Australian Physiotherapy Association negotiated with the government and this position was reached:
“The Department considers that an insurer may lawfully pay benefits if a physiotherapist, providing services to a patient within the accepted scope of clinical practice, uses exercises or techniques drawn from Pilates as part of that patient’s treatment as long as the exercises or techniques are within the accepted scope of clinical practice.
However, if a physiotherapist (or any other health professional) conducts a Pilates session – either advertised or promoted as such, or a session where the only service provided is Pilates exercises – then benefits cannot lawfully be paid.”
This means that as long as a patient receives an Individualised Assessment prior to starting Pilates style exercises, there is regular follow up and that treatment notes are taken, you are still able to claim.
At InnerStrength of Bayside we have always performed individualised Clinical Pilates Assessments and taken treatment notes each time you attend a Clinical Pilates session. The only change our regular clients who attend classes will notice is that we now require all regular Pilates clients to attend an individual 1:1 session with one of our Physiotherapists, if you have not done so in the last 6 months. This will ensure we are complying with the new requirements and instructing you with the most relevant exercise program and that you are reaching your goals.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us on 8555 4099 or via email: [email protected]
For more information on the Private Health Insurance reform for Clinical Pilates please visit https://australian.
Book your assessment online or call 8555 4099 if you have not had one in the last 6 months.
