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“Free” HCF and HBF GLA:D Arthritis Program in Perth

Fully Funded Program for HCF and HBF Members at Star Physio WA

“Free” HCF and HBF GLA:D Arthritis Program for hip and knee pain.

Are you an HCF or HBF member living with hip or knee osteoarthritis? At Star Physio WA, we’re excited to offer eligible patients access to the GLA:D® Arthritis Program in Perth, fully reimbursed by HCF or HBF as part of their Chronic Disease Management Programs (CDMP).

This means:
✅ No out-of-pocket costs
✅ Your extras limits remain untouched
✅ Expert physio-led arthritis care in Perth

The GLA:D arthritis program is internationally recognised for reducing symptoms, improving function, and helping you to delay or avoid the need for joint replacement surgery. 

This “Free” HCF GLA:D Arthritis Program is available at both Star Physio West Perth and Star Physio Mosman Park.

The HBF fully funded GLA:D program is currently only available at Star Physio Mosman Park.

✅ Who Is Eligible for the HCF and HBF-Funded GLA:D Arthritis Program?

If you would like to access the “Free” GLA:D Arthritis program in Perth through HCF or HBF at Star Physio WA, read on below!

HCF Membership Criteria

• Be an active HCF member with hospital cover for 12 months

• Have joint replacement surgery included in your cover for at least 2 months

• Be up-to-date with premium payments

• Meet the clinical eligibility criteria below

Clinical Criteria

• Age 18 or older

• Diagnosis of symptomatic hip or knee osteoarthritis, likely to require joint replacement in coming years

• No prior total or partial hip/knee replacement surgery

• Have not completed a GLA:D or Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life program in the last 2 years

HBF Membership Criteria

• Corporate Gold Hospital

• Gold Hospital Elevate

• Silver Hospital Plus

HBF Clinical Criteria

• Have a confirmed osteoarthritis diagnosis of the hip or knee (affected joint must be a natural joint)
• Be aged 18 years or over

• Not be participating in another HBF funded health support program

• Not be scheduled for a joint replacement surgery of hip or knee within 3 months of competing the program
• Hold an eligible HBF hospital product listed above and be financial at the time of the initial assessment

The Star Physio Team will help you perform a formal eligibility check prior to commencing the program.

Even if you are not eligible for the fully funded program, your private health cover can still be used for rebates on all GLA:D treatment and exercise classes. Please don’t have hip or knee surgery before trying this amazing program!

💪 What’s Involved in the GLA:D Program?

When you join the GLA:D Arthritis program at Star Physio WA, you’ll receive:

• A comprehensive initial consultation

• 12 supervised physiotherapy exercise sessions (1 hour each, over 6 weeks)

• 2 arthritis education sessions

• A final review appointment to measure your progress

Your results will also contribute to GLA:D Australia’s ongoing research, helping to improve osteoarthritis care across the country.

👉 Click here to learn more about the GLA:D program

📝 How Do I Get Started with “Free” HCF or HBF GLA:D Arthritis Perth at Star Physio WA?

1. Contact Star Physio WA to express your interest

2. We will confirm your eligibility with HCF or HBF

3. Once approved, you can book your initial GLA:D assessment

📞 Call us now: 08 94249578
📍 Visit us: Level 1, 1 Havelock Street, West Perth or at 588 Stirling Hwy, Mosman Park.
📧 Contact us about joining the GLA:D Program

Once your health fund has approved the program, you will then be able to book your initial GLA:D assessment.

❓ Not Sure If You’re Eligible?

Book a consult with one of our GLA:D-trained physiotherapists. We’ll assess your condition and help you determine if you qualify for the fully funded GLA:D program through HCF or HBF or call our friendly staff for more assistance..

👉 Book Physio to  get started and assess eligibility today!

What to expect during the program?

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will complete your initial assessment with one of our GLA:D trained physiotherapists and will be registered with GLA:D Australia. GLA:D Australia, will also contact you to fill out survey information to help indicate your progress in the program and aid in this ongoing research. You will complete 12 physio-supervised 60 minute exercise sessions over 6 weeks, x2 education sessions and a follow up assessment to also review your progress and then advice on what to do next.

So the program costs nothing?

Yes there will be no out-of-pocket costs for HCF or HBF Eligible Clients!

PLEASE NOTE – As this HCF program is in a pilot stage, this service cannot be claimed immediately through HICAPS. This means you will be required to pay upfront for each service, but you will then be provided with an invoice that you directly claim through HCF and receive 100% of your money back. HBF patients will not be required to pay for their service once approved. Star Physio will invoice your insurance company on your behalf.

Can I do GLA:D arthritis program if I don’t meet the criteria?

Yes!. Anyone is still eligible to participate or complete the GLA:D program at Star Physio. If you have private heath insurance with physiotherapy extra’s cover, you can use this to claim for the program. It just means there is likely some out of pocket costs.

Are other Private Health Funds offering this?

Unfortunately at this stage no. This is despite the fact the program is backed by strong evidence as the recommended first line of treatment for knee and hip OA.

GLA:D Australia has been in regular contact with Private Health Insurers and Medicare to have this program fully funded. It already has been proven to help reduce medication usage, and delay or prevent the need of replacement surgery. This is a significant cost saving on the healthcare system!

If you have Private Health insurance with other funds, we do encourage you to contact your fund and ask them why they aren’t doing the same as HCF, but don’t delay getting your treatment started! The earlier you address arthritis symptoms with one of our GLA:D Physio experts, the sooner you can be on the way to a better life!

You are able to claim under your private health extras cover for physiotherapy but there will likely be out of pocket costs.

🔍 Why Choose Star Physio for GLA:D Arthritis Perth?

• WA leaders in GLA:D osteoarthritis management

• Experienced, GLA:D-certified physiotherapists

• Convenient West Perth and Mosman Park location

• A trusted name in evidence-based arthritis treatment

Don’t wait for your joint pain to get worse. Take the first step towards better movement and less pain with GLA:D Arthritis Perth at Star Physio WA — and thanks to HCF and HBF, it might not cost you a cent.

Book your GLA:D Special Arthritis Appointment Here!