Update

Kia ora koutou NZPT Members

As we have now at the end of summer and we are full throttle at work, the NZPT wanted to provide an update on what we been doing for you:

Currently physiotherapists cannot authorise a Mobility Parking Permit. This is work that physiotherapists have lost, as we had that ability starting in 2014, and we should work on getting our authority back.

We are working on the benefits of physiotherapists being able to provide ACC medical certificates, ACC funded referrals for MRI’s and the improved use of physiotherapists in the Public Health system.

For physiotherapists to work effectively as primary care providers, the following is observed:

1. MRI’s and other complex radiological referrals from Physiotherapists are within our scope of practice, but the ACC does not pay for these tests if the referral comes from a physiotherapist.
2. The provision of physiotherapy ACC medical certificates are not accepted by the ACC, requiring claimants to obtain these from their GP.
3. Hydrocortisone injections are within the physiotherapy scope of practice.
4. Physiotherapists should be working to triage for all musculoskeletal conditions in emergency departments and wider emergency practices.

Attached is work that the PNZ is doing to make changes to the Accident Compensation Act 2001 legislation. We all benefit from the work that the PNZ are doing.

Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you and we will let you know of any updates. We hope you all have a very happy and productive year.

Kia pai tō koutou rā