What is a fracture clinic?
A fracture clinic is a specialised medical clinic or a specific department within a hospital that focuses on the diagnosis, care, and follow-up care of fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries. Fracture clinics are staffed by medical practitioners who specialise in orthopaedics.
Access Ortho is an affordable private fracture clinic located in Indooroopilly and Ipswich. Its medical staff comprises highly trained orthopaedic Nurse Practitioners and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Fracture clinics, such as Access Ortho, ensure that patients with bone, ligament, tendon and muscle injuries receive timely and effective care to promote optimal healing and recovery at an affordable price.
What do fracture clinics do?
The key things a fracture clinic does include:
1. Assessment and Diagnosis: Initial evaluation of fractures using physical examination and imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. A Fracture Clinic will arrange radiology referrals.
Radiology practices are located near the Access Ortho clinics. No appointment is needed for X-rays, so you will have your X-ray promptly and return to Access Ortho for a review of the images.
2. Treatment: A Fracture Clinic provides appropriate treatment plans, including casting, splinting, bracing, or crutches if required. Access Ortho stocks a full range of medical equipment for the care of orthopaedic injuries. If surgical interventions are needed, the medical team at Access Ortho will arrange a referral and help you find a surgeon who can see you promptly.
3. Follow-Up Care: Some Fracture Clinics offer follow-up care. Access Ortho offers regular follow-up appointments with orthopaedic surgeons. The specialist orthopaedic clinics run multiple times per week. Follow-up appointments involve monitoring the healing process to adjust treatment plans as necessary until a full recovery is made.
4. Rehabilitation: Some Fracture Clinics arrange allied health referrals. Access Ortho helps with the coordination of appointments with physiotherapists or occupational therapists for rehabilitation programs, hand therapy or specialised hand/arm splints.
5. Education and Support: Fracture Clinics should offer education about your injury. Access Ortho provides patients with guidance and support on managing their injuries, preventing complications, and avoiding future fractures. Access Ortho is your one-stop fracture clinic that provides rapid appointments for assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
What happens at a fracture clinic appointment?
Several steps typically occur at a fracture clinic appointment to ensure comprehensive assessment and treatment of your fracture or sprain. At Access Ortho, the following steps will be taken when you attend the fracture clinic.
Initial Appointment: The first appointment will typically be with an Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner. A detailed medical history and history of the injury will be taken. The initial appointment will also include a physical examination and referral for required radiology. This will be followed by a review of your radiology and the establishment of a treatment plan.
- Imaging and Diagnostic Tests: X-rays or other imaging studies may be performed or reviewed to assess the fracture and its healing progress. Radiology practices are conveniently located near the Access Ortho clinics.
- Treatment Plan Discussion: Based on the physical examination and imaging results, the nurse practitioner, in collaboration with an orthopaedic surgeon, will discuss treatment options. This may include:
- Casts and Splints: Adjusting or applying new casts, splints, or braces.
- Medication: Prescribing medications for pain management or to aid in healing.
- Referrals: Referral for surgery, physiotherapy or occupational therapy if required.
Follow-Up Appointments and Monitoring: Follow-up appointments will be made with an orthopaedic surgeon within the clinic to monitor the healing process. The specialist may adjust treatment based on progress. Sometimes, if you need a simple splint adjustment or review, this may be with the nurse practitioner.
- Patient Education: Information on how to care for the injury at home, signs of complications to watch for, and steps to prevent future fractures are given.
- Questions and Clarifications: The patient has an opportunity to ask questions about their treatment and recovery process.
The goal of Access Ortho Fracture Clinic is to provide a thorough and tailored approach to treating the injury and supporting the patient’s recovery without waiting long periods for an appointment.
What is the difference between a public and private fracture clinic?
In Australia, the primary differences between public and private fracture clinics lie in funding, accessibility, cost, and sometimes the level of service. Here’s a breakdown of these differences:
Public Fracture Clinics
1. Funding and Costs:
- Public fracture clinics are funded by the government.
- Services are generally free for Australians.
- Some costs may be incurred for certain procedures or if you are a non-resident.
2. Accessibility and Wait Times:
- Due to high demand, public clinics often have longer wait times for appointments and treatments.
- Prioritisation is typically based on the severity of the injury.
- You require a referral to attend, either from your GP or after attending an Emergency Department.
3. Facilities and Resources:
- These clinics are typically located within public hospitals.
- They may have access to a wide range of resources but can be stretched thin due to higher patient volumes.
4. Care and Specialists:
- Care is provided by qualified orthopaedic specialists and junior doctors who work under the supervision of the orthopaedic surgeon.
- The level of personalised care might vary due to the volume of patients.
Private Fracture Clinics
1. Funding and Costs:
- Private fracture clinics are funded through out-of-pocket payments and Medicare. Access Ortho charges out-of-pocket for the first appointment and for splints, casts, etc. However, all follow-up appointments are bulk-billed at no cost to the patient (if they have Medicare).
- Fracture clinics may accept work cover or third-party insurance in most situations. Access Ortho welcomes Workcover and third-party insurance patients.
2. Accessibility and Wait Times:
- Wait times for appointments are generally shorter in private fracture clinics. Access Ortho Fracture Clinic has short wait times for appointments and treatment. In most situations, Access Ortho can offer a same-day or next-day appointment.
- Private Fracture clinics offer flexibility in scheduling appointments. Access Ortho recommends that you call and make an appointment before attending. Calling ahead will ensure you can find a time that suits you. If you walk in without an appointment, we will do our best to fit you in; however there may be an extended wait time, or we may not be able to offer you an appointment at that time.
3. Facilities and Resources:
- Private Fracture Clinics are often located in the community and have good parking. Access Ortho has on-site parking at both sites, which is simple to access.
- Private Fracture Clinics typically have more resources and lower patient volumes. Access Ortho stocks a range of casts and splints and keeps up with new products to help patients.
4. Care and Specialists:
- The level of medical care you receive will depend on the Private Fracture clinic. At Access Ortho Fracture Clinic, care is provided by qualified orthopaedic surgeons and orthopaedic nurse practitioners. If you require surgery, Access Ortho will assist you in finding a surgeon of your choice or suited to your surgical needs in a location convenient to you.
What are the advantages of attending a private fracture clinic?
Attending a private fracture clinic, such as Access Ortho, offers several advantages:
No referral required:
- You can attend Access Ortho as your first point of medical care following an injury. You do not need a referral to attend Access Ortho. Attending Access Ortho as your first point of contact will save you time and run around.
Shorter Wait Times:
- Access Ortho offers same-day or next-day appointments in most situations. This means you can quickly seek expert orthopaedic advice for your injury.
- You can make an appointment time for follow-up care, ensuring you do not spend hours waiting to be seen, and it provides flexibility to schedule your appointments at a time that suits you.
Personalised Care:
- At Access Ortho, you will be seen by a medical team trained in orthopaedic care.
- Access Ortho will offer personalised care to assist you with your recovery. If you have any concerns, you can speak to our reception staff anytime and they will assist in helping you get an answer for your concern.
Collaborative Team:
- Access Ortho has excellent connections with nearby physiotherapists and occupational therapists. This ensures we can help arrange a rapid appointment if you need to see an Allied Health team member for rehabilitation. Access Ortho can also refer to an allied health professional of your choice if you have a preference.
Continuity of Care:
- All your appointments will be at the same location for non-surgical follow-up care until you fully recover.
- Access Ortho will write to your GP after every visit to ensure they have up-to-date information on your care. While private fracture clinics like Access Ortho have an out-of-pocket cost, the benefits of faster, more personalised, and comprehensive care can significantly enhance the overall treatment experience and recovery outcomes.
Do I need a referral to attend a fracture clinic?
Some fracture clinics require a referral from your GP or an emergency department. However, you do not need a referral to attend Access Ortho.
You can attend Access Ortho:
- Directly following your injury as your first point of contact
- After seeing your GP
- After attending a public or private emergency department
- After seeing a physiotherapist
Access Ortho will arrange a referral to a public or private hospital for surgery if required
Summary
- Access Ortho: No referral is required.
- Public Fracture Clinics: Referral needed from a GP or emergency department doctor
- Other Private Clinics: Referral is often required; check with the specific clinic.
How long will I wait for an appointment at a fracture clinic?
Private: The procedure for getting an appointment at a private fracture clinic will depend on the clinic. In most situations, Access Ortho can arrange a same-day or next-day appointment.
To see a private orthopaedic surgeon in their private rooms can take weeks to months.
Public: Public fracture clinic timeframes vary between hospitals and the severity of the injury. It can take several weeks or more to get an appointment.
Will a fracture clinic provide a treatment plan for me?
Yes, a fracture clinic should provide a treatment plan for you. Access Ortho provides a complete treatment plan and offers regular follow-up reviews in specialist clinics to ensure there are no complications and that your recovery is moving in the right direction.
Are telehealth appointments available at a fracture clinic?
Telehealth appointments for orthopaedic injuries make assessment of your injury difficult, and you will not receive the most comprehensive care available via telehealth. This can lead to missed complications and extended recovery times. Therefore, Access Ortho does not recommend telehealth appointments. Occasionally, we offer telehealth for radiology result discussions or brief check-up reviews.
Will an orthopaedic specialist treat me at a fracture clinic?
The level of medical care you receive at a Fracture clinic depends on the fracture clinic model. Access Ortho is staffed by orthopaedic specialists who are consultant orthopaedic surgeons and orthopaedic Nurse Practitioners who work in collaboration with the orthopaedic specialist doctors. Our medical team are experts in orthopaedic care, and at your first visit your case will be discussed with an orthopaedic surgeon who will assist with treatment planning. Reviews are with consultant orthopaedic surgeons in our follow-up specialist clinics. This model offers you a convenient way to access Orthopaedic specialist care rapidly and ensures you receive expert orthopaedic care throughout your recovery period.
Does a private fracture clinic bulk bill?
Billing will depend on the fracture clinic. Access Ortho charges an out-of-pocket fee for the first appointment. All follow-up appointments are bulk billed. This ensures you know what your costs will be until you reach full recovery when you attend Access Ortho Fracture Clinic.
Should I attend the emergency department before attending a fracture clinic?
The need to attend an emergency department depends on the injury, whether the fracture clinic is private or public, and whether you need a referral.
You can attend Access Ortho Fracture Clinic without attending an emergency department. You can also see Access Ortho for follow-up care if you have already been to the emergency department.
There are some situations where you should attend an emergency department rather than a fracture clinic. These include:
- Open fracture: where you see bone piercing through the skin or an open wound over the fracture.
- Significant deformity of the limb: If the fracture has deformed the limb’s shape due to the broken bones’ position.
- Neck or Back Injuries: Access Ortho only treats limb injuries.
- Dislocations that have not relocated as these may need anaesthetic to reduce the bone.
- Accompanying injuries: If you also have a head or abdominal injury.
How quickly can I get an appointment at a fracture clinic?
The speed of making an appointment depends on the fracture clinic.
Access Ortho offers same-day or next-day appointments in most situations.
How much does a fracture clinic cost?
The cost of attending a fracture clinic depends on the clinic.
Access Ortho charges an out-of-pocket cost (cost to the patient after the Medicare rebate) of $140 at the first appointment. All follow-up visits are bulk billed (at no cost to the patient). There will be additional costs if you require a brace, cast, splint, crutches, etc. Note that the price is subject to change; please check with the reception team.
When making an appointment, it is important to ask a fracture clinic what your costs will be throughout the full course of treatment. This ensures you understand the costs before you attend for your first visit.
What is the difference between a fracture clinic and urgent care?
Urgent care clinics may be public or private. The difference between Urgent Care and a Fracture clinic, such as Access Ortho, is that Urgent Care treats all sicknesses and injuries. In contrast, fracture clinics only treat orthopaedic injuries such as fractures and sprains. Urgent Care centres are like a smaller Emergency Department offering medical care for less severe illnesses.
The advantage of attending a Fracture clinic if you have a known or suspected fracture or sprain is that the medical team are specialists in Orthopaedic care and staffed by orthopaedic surgeons. Urgent Care centers are staffed by nurses and doctors who are trained to generally treat all medical conditions and, therefore, are not specialists in orthopaedic care.
In addition, Urgent Care won’t be able to offer you orthopaedic specialist follow-up care. This means you will either need to find your own orthopaedic surgeon to see for follow-up or see their general medical team. It is essential to see orthopaedic specialists for orthopaedic injuries to ensure optimum results and minimise complications. Access Ortho offers orthopaedic specialist care.
Do Fracture clinics just treat fractures?
Fracture Clinics treat only musculoskeletal injuries. This includes fractures or suspected fractures, strains and sprains of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage damage. Because Fracture Clinics only treat orthopaedic injuries, the staff are well-trained in this area of medicine. Urgent Care centres and Emergency Departments treat all injuries and illnesses. This means the staff are trained in a wide range of conditions. They are excellent at providing emergency care for your injury or illness but may not offer the same orthopaedic expertise. Access Ortho only treats acute musculoskeletal injuries of the upper and lower limbs.