Acupuncture
We can help pay for this treatment in the first 90 days after your accident. You do not need to contact us for approval first if:
- you have a TAC claim number
- your doctor or other health professional recommends it, and
- it is for your accident injuries.
We may contact you or your provider to check your progress and see if you are getting the support you need. This will help us make sure your treatment is helping your recovery. It will allow us to make decisions about what treatment we can pay for and how long we can pay for it.
Receiving different allied health treatments at the same time for the same injury is not usually recommended. If you or your provider believe this is necessary, please contact us to talk about your needs.
How to get acupuncture treatment
- Choose an acupuncturist. Your doctor can recommend one in your local area or you can search for an acupuncturist online.
- Call and make an appointment. Tell them you are a TAC client. Ask if they charge at TAC rates. If the provider charges more, they may ask you for a 'gap payment' to make up the difference
- Go to your appointment and give the provider your TAC claim number.
When you need to ask for TAC approval:
Please contact us for approval if it is:
- close to or more than 90 days since your accident and we haven’t already approved more treatment, or
- more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.
- registered as a Chinese medicine practitioner in the Division of Acupuncturists under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, or
- endorsed under section 97 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law as being qualified to practice as an acupuncturist (for example by the Chiropractic, Osteopathy or Physiotherapy Boards of Australia).
How we pay for treatment
There are two ways we can pay for your approved treatments and services:
- we pay your provider at the TAC rate
- you pay your provider, and we repay you at the TAC rate.
To ask for a reimbursement, scan or take a photo of your receipt. Send it to us with the ‘Claim reimbursement’ button on myTAC, or by email to info@tac.vic.gov.au and we will repay you.
We will pay for your treatment at the TAC rate . If your provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. This is known as a 'gap payment'.
If your provider charges you a gap payment, you may be able to seek reimbursement for some of this through:
- Medicare or your private health insurance
- The TAC.
Please note, in most cases, we are unable to reimburse you for a gap payment. This is because we have paid for your treatment or service at a rate we have determined is reasonable. You may still ask for a reimbursement from the TAC and we will let you know our decision.
What does an acupuncturist do?
Acupuncture, part of traditional Chinese medicine, involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin or applying various other techniques to the acupuncture points.
What the TAC can’t pay for
We can't pay for other treatment such as Chinese herbal medicine. We will only pay for acupuncture treatment.
Effective 1 July 2023
Acupuncture services can be invoiced online via HICAPS Digital Claims for next business day payments.
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Initial Consultation | A600 | $66.28 |
| Standard Consultation | A602 | $54.17 |
| Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC | A650* | $59.46 |
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Initial Consultation | A600 | $61.38 |
| Standard Consultation | A602 | $50.16 |
| Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC | A650* | $55.06 |
| Not Registered for GST | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | 2023/24 Maximum Payment Rate | 2022/23 Maximum Payment Rate |
| Standard Consultation | |||
| Completion of Acupuncture Treatment Questionnaire (when requested by the TAC) | AGF650 | $54.06 | $50.06 |
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Initial Consultation | A600 | $66.28 |
| Standard Consultation | A602 | $54.17 |
| Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC | A650* | $59.46 |
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Initial Consultation | A600 | $61.38 |
| Standard Consultation | A602 | $50.16 |
| Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC | A650* | $55.06 |
| Not Registered for GST | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | 2023/24 Maximum Payment Rate | 2022/23 Maximum Payment Rate |
| Standard Consultation | |||
| Completion of Acupuncture Treatment Questionnaire (when requested by the TAC) | AGF650 | $54.06 | $50.06 |
PainHEALTH has clinically supported information, tips, support and personal stories to help manage musculoskeletal pain.
Summary
You can use this form to claim general reimbursements from the TAC.
How to send documents to the TAC
myTAC
myTAC is the quickest way to:
- Submit receipts and claim reimbursements
- Send documents and forms
- Update your personal and banking details
- Find out about treatments and services the TAC may pay for
If you can't use myTAC to send your receipts or documents, please take a photo and email it to us at info@tac.vic.gov.au. Include your claim number in the subject line of your email so we can process your request.
Summary
This form is to be used when claiming reimbursement for travel (i.e. private vehicle, public transport and/or taxi) expenses to attend: medical treatment for accident injuries; medical examinations arranged by the TAC; approved rehabilitation or disability services; or work, if you are participating in a formal Return to Work program.
How to send documents to the TAC
myTAC
myTAC is the quickest way to:
- Submit receipts and claim reimbursements
- Send documents and forms
- Update your personal and banking details
- Find out about treatments and services the TAC may pay for
If you can't use myTAC to send your receipts or documents, please take a photo and email it to us at info@tac.vic.gov.au. Include your claim number in the subject line of your email so we can process your request.
We’re here to help you get your life back on track after your transport accident. To help you recover from your transport accident injuries we will pay for these allied health physical therapies:
- Physiotherapy
- Osteopathy
- Chiropractic
- Acupuncture
- Podiatry
- Exercise physiology
In the first 90 days after your accident, the TAC can help pay for this treatment without the need for you to contact us for approval first.
When you need to contact us for approval
You or your provider need to contact the TAC for approval of this treatment if:
- It is approaching or more than 90 days since your accident and we have not approved further treatment or services, or
- It has been more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.
Gym/Swimming programs - If your allied health physical therapist recommends that you take part in a gym or swimming program that requires a paid membership, you will need to contact the TAC for approval before you start the program.
When we can pay for allied health and physical therapies
We will pay for this treatment when it’s recommended by your doctor or other health professional.
We may contact your physical therapist to talk about your progress or ask for an assessment, to make sure that:
- You have access to the appropriate treatment and support required for your transport accident injuries.
- You are getting proven, evidence-based treatment and aren’t receiving treatment that isn’t helping you recover.
- You are moving towards getting your life back on track and being able to live independently.
Treatments and services we can’t pay for
We can’t pay for services that:
- do not treat your transport accident injuries
- are not reasonable, necessary or appropriate
- are not clinically justified, safe and effective.
What do allied health physical therapists do?
Allied health physical therapists use their special skills and areas of expertise to diagnose and treat your transport accident injuries. They can also recommend equipment that may help you.
For more information on what each therapist does, see:
Other services you can access
Your allied health physical therapist will develop a treatment plan for you that could include:
- Diagnostic tests to determine the best treatment for your injuries
- A referral for an exercise physiologist to oversee your gym or swimming program
- Equipment you need such as braces and supports. See our Equipment Policy.
We will pay for these services when they are recommended by your physical therapist and part of your treatment plan.
When it's needed, we will also work with your treating team to help them coordinate the physical therapies you need.
How treatments and services are paid for
We pay for your treatment:
- Directly to your physiotherapist, when you have given them your TAC claim number, or
- If you have to pay, use myTAC to send a copy of your receipt to us and we will repay you.
We pay for your services in line with our responsibilities under the Transport Accident Act 1986.
How much we will pay
We will pay for your treatment and services according to our fee schedule. If your provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. For a list of TAC rates, see:
For accidents that happened before 14 February 2018, we can only pay for these services (with the exception of Exercise Physiology) once any required medical excess has been reached. Find out if the medical excess applies to you.
For providers
If you are a provider of physical therapies, please refer to our TAC Provider Guidelines.
We can help pay for this treatment in the first 90 days after your accident. You do not need to contact us for approval first if:
- you have a TAC claim number
- your doctor or other health professional recommends it, and
- it is for your accident injuries.
We may contact you or your provider to check your progress and see if you are getting the support you need. This will help us make sure your treatment is helping your recovery. It will allow us to make decisions about what treatment we can pay for and how long we can pay for it.
Receiving different allied health treatments at the same time for the same injury is not usually recommended. If you or your provider believe this is necessary, please contact us to talk about your needs.
How to get acupuncture treatment
- Choose an acupuncturist. Your doctor can recommend one in your local area or you can search for an acupuncturist online.
- Call and make an appointment. Tell them you are a TAC client. Ask if they charge at TAC rates. If the provider charges more, they may ask you for a 'gap payment' to make up the difference
- Go to your appointment and give the provider your TAC claim number.
When you need to ask for TAC approval:
Please contact us for approval if it is:
- close to or more than 90 days since your accident and we haven’t already approved more treatment, or
- more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.
- registered as a Chinese medicine practitioner in the Division of Acupuncturists under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, or
- endorsed under section 97 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law as being qualified to practice as an acupuncturist (for example by the Chiropractic, Osteopathy or Physiotherapy Boards of Australia).
How we pay for treatment
There are two ways we can pay for your approved treatments and services:
- we pay your provider at the TAC rate
- you pay your provider, and we repay you at the TAC rate.
To ask for a reimbursement, scan or take a photo of your receipt. Send it to us with the ‘Claim reimbursement’ button on myTAC, or by email to info@tac.vic.gov.au and we will repay you.
We will pay for your treatment at the TAC rate . If your provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. This is known as a 'gap payment'.
If your provider charges you a gap payment, you may be able to seek reimbursement for some of this through:
- Medicare or your private health insurance
- The TAC.
Please note, in most cases, we are unable to reimburse you for a gap payment. This is because we have paid for your treatment or service at a rate we have determined is reasonable. You may still ask for a reimbursement from the TAC and we will let you know our decision.
What does an acupuncturist do?
Acupuncture, part of traditional Chinese medicine, involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin or applying various other techniques to the acupuncture points.
What the TAC can’t pay for
We can't pay for other treatment such as Chinese herbal medicine. We will only pay for acupuncture treatment.
Effective 1 July 2023
Acupuncture services can be invoiced online via HICAPS Digital Claims for next business day payments.
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Initial Consultation | A600 | $66.28 |
| Standard Consultation | A602 | $54.17 |
| Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC | A650* | $59.46 |
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Initial Consultation | A600 | $61.38 |
| Standard Consultation | A602 | $50.16 |
| Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC | A650* | $55.06 |
| Not Registered for GST | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | 2023/24 Maximum Payment Rate | 2022/23 Maximum Payment Rate |
| Standard Consultation | |||
| Completion of Acupuncture Treatment Questionnaire (when requested by the TAC) | AGF650 | $54.06 | $50.06 |
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Initial Consultation | A600 | $66.28 |
| Standard Consultation | A602 | $54.17 |
| Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC | A650* | $59.46 |
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Initial Consultation | A600 | $61.38 |
| Standard Consultation | A602 | $50.16 |
| Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC | A650* | $55.06 |
| Not Registered for GST | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | 2023/24 Maximum Payment Rate | 2022/23 Maximum Payment Rate |
| Standard Consultation | |||
| Completion of Acupuncture Treatment Questionnaire (when requested by the TAC) | AGF650 | $54.06 | $50.06 |
PainHEALTH has clinically supported information, tips, support and personal stories to help manage musculoskeletal pain.
Summary
You can use this form to claim general reimbursements from the TAC.
How to send documents to the TAC
myTAC
myTAC is the quickest way to:
- Submit receipts and claim reimbursements
- Send documents and forms
- Update your personal and banking details
- Find out about treatments and services the TAC may pay for
If you can't use myTAC to send your receipts or documents, please take a photo and email it to us at info@tac.vic.gov.au. Include your claim number in the subject line of your email so we can process your request.
Summary
This form is to be used when claiming reimbursement for travel (i.e. private vehicle, public transport and/or taxi) expenses to attend: medical treatment for accident injuries; medical examinations arranged by the TAC; approved rehabilitation or disability services; or work, if you are participating in a formal Return to Work program.
How to send documents to the TAC
myTAC
myTAC is the quickest way to:
- Submit receipts and claim reimbursements
- Send documents and forms
- Update your personal and banking details
- Find out about treatments and services the TAC may pay for
If you can't use myTAC to send your receipts or documents, please take a photo and email it to us at info@tac.vic.gov.au. Include your claim number in the subject line of your email so we can process your request.
We’re here to help you get your life back on track after your transport accident. To help you recover from your transport accident injuries we will pay for these allied health physical therapies:
- Physiotherapy
- Osteopathy
- Chiropractic
- Acupuncture
- Podiatry
- Exercise physiology
In the first 90 days after your accident, the TAC can help pay for this treatment without the need for you to contact us for approval first.
When you need to contact us for approval
You or your provider need to contact the TAC for approval of this treatment if:
- It is approaching or more than 90 days since your accident and we have not approved further treatment or services, or
- It has been more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.
Gym/Swimming programs - If your allied health physical therapist recommends that you take part in a gym or swimming program that requires a paid membership, you will need to contact the TAC for approval before you start the program.
When we can pay for allied health and physical therapies
We will pay for this treatment when it’s recommended by your doctor or other health professional.
We may contact your physical therapist to talk about your progress or ask for an assessment, to make sure that:
- You have access to the appropriate treatment and support required for your transport accident injuries.
- You are getting proven, evidence-based treatment and aren’t receiving treatment that isn’t helping you recover.
- You are moving towards getting your life back on track and being able to live independently.
Treatments and services we can’t pay for
We can’t pay for services that:
- do not treat your transport accident injuries
- are not reasonable, necessary or appropriate
- are not clinically justified, safe and effective.
What do allied health physical therapists do?
Allied health physical therapists use their special skills and areas of expertise to diagnose and treat your transport accident injuries. They can also recommend equipment that may help you.
For more information on what each therapist does, see:
Other services you can access
Your allied health physical therapist will develop a treatment plan for you that could include:
- Diagnostic tests to determine the best treatment for your injuries
- A referral for an exercise physiologist to oversee your gym or swimming program
- Equipment you need such as braces and supports. See our Equipment Policy.
We will pay for these services when they are recommended by your physical therapist and part of your treatment plan.
When it's needed, we will also work with your treating team to help them coordinate the physical therapies you need.
How treatments and services are paid for
We pay for your treatment:
- Directly to your physiotherapist, when you have given them your TAC claim number, or
- If you have to pay, use myTAC to send a copy of your receipt to us and we will repay you.
We pay for your services in line with our responsibilities under the Transport Accident Act 1986.
How much we will pay
We will pay for your treatment and services according to our fee schedule. If your provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. For a list of TAC rates, see:
For accidents that happened before 14 February 2018, we can only pay for these services (with the exception of Exercise Physiology) once any required medical excess has been reached. Find out if the medical excess applies to you.
For providers
If you are a provider of physical therapies, please refer to our TAC Provider Guidelines.
