PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE ACCREDITATION
Frequently Asked Questions on New Directions for Practice Accreditation
Why has the APA established a partnership with Quality in Practice to deliver practice accreditation services?
The APA believes practice accreditation will become increasingly important within primary health care. To best position physiotherapy for the future, the APA believes practice accreditation services should be delivered by an expert in the field. The APA also believes there is enhanced credibility for an accreditation process that is managed at ‘arms-length’ from the Association.
Who is Quality in Practice (QIP)?
Quality in Practice is a subsidiary of Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL).
AGPAL provides accreditation services to the vast majority of GP practices in Australia.
Quality in Practice also provides accreditation services for optometrists and is in discussions with several other primary health care professional groups.
What are the main benefits of practice accreditation under QIP?
The QIP accreditation logo will be an important indicator of quality facilities and quality physiotherapy. This brand recognition will represent commercial value in a competitive marketplace.
QIP will offer more sophisticated marketing services for physiotherapy practices.
QIP accreditation will be well regarded by GP practices accredited by the parent company AGPAL.
What are the fees for the APA accreditation program?
APA fees cover a 4 year accreditation cycle and are structured per practice.
Practice owned by PBA member - $600 plus continuance fee of $100 in years 2,3,4 (ex GST).
Practice owned by APA member - $850 plus continuance fee of $100 in years 2,3,4 (ex GST).
What will the fees be under QIP?
The new fees will be set by QIP. The fees will cover a 3 year accreditation cycle and will be structured per full time equivalent physiotherapist, not per practice.
This fee model applies for GP and optometrist accreditation programs under QIP.
As an example, QIP fees for optometrists are $900 (ex GST) per full time equivalent optometrist for a 3 year accreditation cycle.
Will QIP fees work out higher?
Yes, fees will increase for practices that join the accreditation program after 1 March 2006, the date from which QIP will take over the delivery of accreditation services for physiotherapy practices. Accreditation fees will increase for currently accredited practices after their current period of accreditation expires, or 1 March 2008 (whichever comes first). However, accredited practices will receive more services and more flow on benefits.
Fees for the APA accreditation program had not been increased for more than six years and had become unsustainable. If the APA had continued to run the practice accreditation program, a fee increase would have been inevitable.
Will there be a discounted accreditation fee for PBA members?
No.
Will there be a discounted accreditation fee for rural physiotherapy practices?
No. Rural and remote practices will receive similar accreditation benefits to urban practices.
Who can join the new accreditation program?
The program is open to any APA member operating a private physiotherapy practice.
ACHS covers accreditation for physiotherapy departments in the public sector.
I have just renewed my practice accreditation for four years – what will happen?
QIP will honour the existing term of accreditation for all practices that are accredited at the transition date of 1 March 2006.
QIP will honour the existing APA fee structure for all practices that are accredited at the transition date of 1 March 2006 over the term of the practice’s accreditation or until 1 March 2008, whichever comes first. QIP will invoice you for continuance fees that are due up to 1 March 2008.
I am currently accredited but have let my continuance fees lapse – is this a problem?
Yes. You will need to be fully financial by the transition date of 1 March 2006 in order to benefit from the transition arrangements negotiated by the APA ie to have the APA fee structure honoured for the term of your practice accreditation or until 1 March 2008 whichever comes first. Practices that are not fully financial by the transition date, will be subject to fees set by QIP if they wish to continue their accreditation.
My practice is not currently accredited – can I apply for accreditation or re-accreditation before the transition to QIP?
Yes. You will need to submit your accreditation application form, supporting documentation and full payment no later than Friday 3 February 2006 so that your application can be processed before the transition date. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept applications after this date.
Who will set the accreditation standards?
The APA will remain the custodian of the standards against which practice accreditation will be awarded. The standards will be maintained and revised on an on-going basis by the APA.
The APA practice accreditation standards are currently under review. The new standards will relate to physiotherapy intervention as well as practice facilities. It is envisaged the standards review will be completed during 2006.
No practices that are currently accredited will be disadvantaged when the new standards are implemented.
Who will conduct practice surveys?
Surveys will be conducted by QIP using trained physiotherapist surveyors
How can I find out more about the new practice accreditation program?
QIP will be writing to all currently accredited practices in early 2006 with further information.
How can I find out about AGPAL and QIP?
Further information about AGPAL/QIP can be found at www.qip.com.au
What was the outcome of the independent review of the APA accreditation program undertaken in 2004?
The review found that APA members want a strong value linked to the accreditation brand, less paperwork, more recognition of their accredited status, standards that cover physiotherapy intervention as well as practice facilities and better marketing opportunities.
As a result of this feedback, the APA considered a range of options to most effectively deliver and promote practice accreditation services in the marketplace. Ultimately, the APA Board decided a partnership with Quality in Practice would best enable the Association to address issues raised in the review of the APA accreditation program.
