The ongoing discussion on this topic is very welcome. Mr Mitschs' comment re 'the full facts' is interesting. The general physiotherapy community is not very well informed on this issue, and Damians comments on this site should be better reported through the Association, representing members more fully. The Physiobase responses are appropriate to the frustration felt in the field. Damian Mitsch represents Physiotherapy Business Australia, and I know that this Special Group has trouble being represented fully by the Victorian Branch of the APA on some of these types of problem.

It is unfortunate that Damian seems to continue sarcastic asides against my comments, but it is good that others can maintain the focus to the actual issues, and ask pertinent questions of him.

Alophysio (on the previous forum before this topic was set up), noted the way the APA fudged comments or did not respond on requests for specific educational subscriptions to journals.

Over the years there have been many occasions where the APA has ignored my written requests, or failed to answer the question asked, rather giving generalised policy. Often the answers, when received, contradicted previous answers or responses from various staff. A failure in understanding and applying policy.

It is the above (and many other examples I could specify), problems that cause me frustration with the APA, Vic Branch.
eg Members have been asked not to place abbreviations after their qualifications such as M.A.P.A. (Member Australian Physiotherapy Association), and one Queensland member wrote to complain regarding the policy, with David Malone responding quite forcefully. This is a problem, as an APA representative has until at least recently used such abbreviations after his name on official documentation (Damian Mitsch). Consistency from our representatives should be maintained, with leadership by example.
My concerns re the gap payment issue are related to the APA supporting its own policy more forcefully, and better educating all members (not just PBA members), rather than my saying the policy does not exist. As one of the 8%, it would be easier to deal with the Doctors, Insurers, and patients if the uptake was greater. The uptake percentage will not increase until the members are better educated, thereby reducing the fear inherent in charging the fee. This is a Victorian issue, as Victoria has the worst compensible payments compared to other States (approximately 20% below the real market rate, not counting the 12.5% and above compliance costs). These are the facts.

I would not have charged the gap payment if it was not legal to do so. I was one of the members who strongly argued for the APA to start doing something. The policy in existence today is a start, but needs to be supported.

I propose that the APA Vic Branch send out a letter to all members clearly arguing the policy and Damians views, unequivocally stating that the APA will support members who decide to charge a gap fee, with the support being active to the degree that an APA representative can be allocated for the public, Doctors, or Insurers to contact for the policies verification.

Once this is done, gap charging uptake should increase. The APA cannot specify the amount of the gap to be charged, therefore no price fixing issues arise with the ACCC.The increased uptake will then place more pressure on the compensible bodies to recompense therapists at a more sustainable level.
Phew! Sorry for the long post, however I feel that justification for my position needs to be supplied, given the attack being made upon my integrity. Thanks for reading.
MrPhysio