The Spinal Conservative Care Programme

The Spinal Conservative Care Programme is designed to offer members with severe spinal pain a structured, out-of-hospital basket of care to support conservative management and avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.

Eligibility criteria:

• Members who have had a medical admission for back or neck pain.
• Members assessed by a Spinal Network surgeon or Spinal Network general practitioner and deemed eligible based on clinical assessment.
• Members identified via protocols following conservative hospital admission.

Referral process:

• Referrals must be completed electronically via HealthID

Assessment pathways:

• Members will be assessed by network physiotherapists or chiropractors , trained in spinal pain management.
• Alternatively, members may opt for a virtual assessment and treatment pathway via Genie Health SA.

Programme:

• In-person care: Up to 8 sessions (including the initial assessment) over a 24-week period with a network physiotherapist or chiropractor.

Programme rules:

• Only one programme option may be selected per enrolment.
• Members may participate once per calendar year.
• No additional out-of-hospital claims for spinal conditions will be paid outside the programme.
• Members cannot change providers once enroled.
• If the member discontinues participation, further spinal care costs will be out-of-pocket.
• Programme ends if surgery is required or the member no longer meets clinical criteria.

Exclusions:

• Members who have had spinal surgery within the past 12 months.
• Emergency cases, oncology-related spinal conditions, congenital abnormalities, and moderate to severe trauma-related injuries.