An Initial Consultation is a detailed session between the Exercise Physiologist (EP) and the client where they discuss the client’s injury or condition, medical history, and current activity levels. The EP performs a series of assessments to understand the client’s body, movement, and capabilities. This process helps develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to the client’s unique needs and goals.
Step 1: Check Practitioner Availability
Use Cliniko to view the EP’s calendar and find the next available appointment slot suitable for an initial consult (usually 60 minutes).
Avoid booking times when the practitioner has other commitments like admin time or blocked-out sessions.
Step 2: Confirm Client Details
Collect the client’s full name, date of birth, contact number, and reason for referral/concern.
Verify if the client has any third-party funding (NDIS, WorkCover, Medicare, Private Health) as this can affect booking and billing.
Step 3: Book the Appointment in Cliniko
Create a new client file if the client is new.
Book the initial consult as a 60-minute appointment under the EP’s calendar.
Add any notes relevant to the referral or client condition in Cliniko’s appointment notes.
Step 4: Send Confirmation and Information (this is sent automatically)
Send the client a confirmation email via Cliniko, including details about the appointment time, location, and cancellation policy.
If telehealth, include instructions on how to join the session using Physitrack or your telehealth platform.
Step 5: Book Follow-up Appointments
If known, book at least 3-4 follow-up appointments over the next two weeks as advised by the EP, to ensure continuity of care.
Confirm appointment times with the client before finalising.
Clients booking through your website or online portal will receive an automated email confirmation from Cliniko.
Contact any online bookings to confirm their appoinement and add information for their appointment. Check if any details are missing or require clarification.
1. Subjective Assessment (Personal History)
Discuss the client’s injury/condition history
Identify what activities the client cannot do (this helps set treatment goals)
Understand what currently helps or worsens their symptoms
Review exercise and activity history
2. Objective Assessment (Physical Data)
Test Range of Motion (ROM)
Perform specialised tests relevant to the client’s condition
Conduct any necessary clinical tests
3. Movement Screening
Observe movement patterns to identify dysfunction or limitations
Determine aggravating activities (what makes symptoms worse)
Identify helpful activities (what eases symptoms)
4. Treatment Planning
Prescribe tailored exercises and movement programs
Set expectations for progress and outcomes
Schedule a series of follow-up appointments (typically 4 sessions over 2 weeks)