Who do Australian general practitioners refer to physiotherapy?

Background: Physiotherapy plays an important role in the health of many Australians. The aims of this study were to assess changes in the rate of general practitioner (GP) referral to physiotherapists in Australia from 1998 to 2014, and to determine patient characteristics associated with increased likelihood of such referral.

Methods: Secondary analysis was undertaken of data from the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health program using weighted encounter data years 1998-99 to 2014-15 inclusive.

Results: The rate of GP referral to physiotherapists remained steady until 2010, when referrals increased. Patients were more likely to be referred to physiotherapy if they had a Department of Veterans' Affairs card; did not have a Health Care Card; were female aged 45-64 years; or male aged 25-44 years. Musculoskeletal problems accounted for 80% of referrals, but only 6.8% of all musculoskeletal problems managed were referred.

Discussion: Allied health Medicare Benefits Schedule item numbers have increased referrals to physiotherapy. However, there are some population groups who are not referred but might benefit from physiotherapy.