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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Australian private health insurer attitudes towards osteopathy: A qualitative study
International journal of osteopathic medicine, Vol.51, 100689
03/2024
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Introduction/background
Australian osteopaths predominately work in private practice. The vast majority of patients who present to osteopaths fund their own care, with many receiving a rebate through their private health insurance cover. While there is little that describes the relationship between the Australian osteopathy profession and private health insurers, such information could provide an opportunity for insurers to improve coverage of osteopathy through enhanced benefits.
Aim/objectives
To identify the extent of private health insurance cover available for osteopathy and to explore the attitudes of private health insurers towards the Australian osteopathy profession.
Methods
This qualitative study used: 1) content analysis of Australian private health insurers offerings for osteopathy, and 2) the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to inform interviews with representatives from Australian private health insurers. The interviews were transcribed and coded with respect to the TDF.
Results
Of the 35 private health insurers in Australia, 33 offered benefits for osteopathy. Four interviews were conducted with representatives from the 10 largest private health insurers who provide benefits. Osteopathy represents a very small proportion of their services. The inclusion of osteopathic services is market driven. Private health insurance representatives had limited knowledge and understanding of osteopathy, however, they acknowledged the value that some of their members saw in receiving osteopathic care. Osteopathy is bundled with complementary and allied health services by 91.4% of insurers.
Conclusion
Osteopathy is included in the majority of Australian private health insurers’ offerings because the service value-adds to their products. Further research into the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of osteopathy as well as an educational campaign that provides private health insurers with information about the scope of osteopathy are needed to secure its ongoing inclusion in private health insurance in Australia.
Details
- Title
- Australian private health insurer attitudes towards osteopathy: A qualitative study
- Creators
- Roger Engel - Southern Cross UniversitySandra Grace - Southern Cross UniversityNicole Duncan - Southern Cross UniversityBrooke Wade - Southern Cross UniversityJosh Paterson-Allsop - Southern Cross UniversityBryce O'Hara - Southern Cross UniversityBrett Vaughan - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- International journal of osteopathic medicine, Vol.51, 100689
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Identifiers
- 991013140601402368
- Copyright
- © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0).
- Academic Unit
- Allied Health and Midwifery; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article