New ACC injury - Dr first, or Physio first?

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Rabbitcat

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#302225 8-Nov-2022 14:06

I've injured myself yesterday, and wondered if a better strategy was to go to Dr/GP first, or straight to physio?

My previous history was to go straight to physio, as Dr was going to refer me there anyway.

But thinking back to earlier injuries, if you went to a Dr first, they'd send you for an xray straight away vs physio I had to wait for about 4 months before they said, treatment's not working, let's do an xray.

Any advice/experience?

GP may not be able to see me for 3-4 weeks

timmmay

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#2993497 8-Nov-2022 14:15

I'd straight to a physio, ask for a scan if they don't suggest it. Not much point waiting 4 weeks to see a GP.

wellygary

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#2993506 8-Nov-2022 14:31

If your physio is waiting 4 months before they order an X-ray and it was needed, i'd be looking for another Physio

But as above, you can self refer to phyios for a reason, its to take the pressure off GPs, and given the current health crisis i'd go straight to the Physio and skip the GP..

MikeAqua

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#2993523 8-Nov-2022 15:57

I'd go to whoever you can see first. You may have to go private to get a scan in a timely fashion, keep your receipt and you may be able to get it reimbursed later on by ACC (I'm not 100% sure on this).

Mike

OldGeek

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#2993531 8-Nov-2022 16:29

GP is generally best - they know how to get ACC claims underway. You say your GP cannot see you for 4 weeks. Do you have emergency clinics or after-hours GP services in your area? When I was in Wellington there were such clinics near Wellington Hospital and at Kenepuru Hospital so hopefully there is something like that available.

With an ACC claim initiated and accepted, the ACC will direct you to private specialists/hospitals/outpatient/physio as required.

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outdoorsnz

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#2993594 8-Nov-2022 17:13

As others have said, physio first since your GP can't see you straight away.

A good physio outfit should be able to move things along quite quickly.

But I would be booking a GP appointment for your backup plan. Remember you can use physio ACC number at your GP to get scans etc.