Can I see an osteopath through the NHS?

Currently, access to osteopathy on the NHS is limited, but services are becoming more widespread as commissioning authorities recognise the benefits of providing osteopathy to patients. To find out if NHS treatment is available in your area, speak to your GP and/or contact:

1. If you are in England - your local primary care trust.
2. If you are in Scotland - your local health board.
3. If you are in Wales - your local health authority.
4. If you are in Northern Ireland - your local health and social service board/group.

here is more information on who to contact in your region on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk. 

Can I claim on my private medical insurance?

Many private health insurance policies provide cover for osteopathic treatment. It may be possible to claim for a course of treatment but you should check in advance with your insurance company before seeking osteopathic treatment, in order to confirm the available level of cover and whether you will need to have a referral from your GP or a specialist.

Do I need a GP referral to see an osteopath?

Most patients 'self refer' to an osteopath for treatment. Although referral by a GP is not necessary, patients are encouraged to keep both their GP and osteopath fully informed, so that their medical records are current and complete and the patient receives the best possible care from both healthcare practitioners. Some health insurers will require a referral from a GP before you commence osteopathic treatment.

Do GPs refer their patients to osteopaths?

Yes. GPs refer patients to osteopaths where they believe this intervention would be beneficial. Referral guidelines are provided by the General Medical Council and British Medical Association. 

Do osteopaths offer home visits?

Newent Osteopaths do offer home visits but only to very acute emergencies. We do however prefer to work from the practice, and believe that patients receive a much better treatment when they visit it. You can park immediately outside the door if you are in severe pain and find walking difficult.

Home visits and out of hours treatments will incur an increased fee.

How do I know if an osteopath is registered?

All osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council. You can use their on-line Register to check if your health professional is currently registered.

Can anyone call themself an osteopath?

The title 'osteopath' is protected by law, and only those included on the UK Statutory Register are entitled to practise as osteopaths. Unregistered practice is a criminal offence in the UK.

Can I find out how long an osteopath has been practising?

The date an osteopath was first registered with the General Osteopathic Council can be seen in the 'Practitioner Details' on their Register.

What training do osteopaths have?

Undergraduate students follow a four or five-year degree course combining academic and clinical work. Qualification generally takes the form of a bachelor’s degree in osteopathy – a BSc(Hons), BOst or BOstMed – or a masters degree in osteopathy (MOst). Many osteopaths continue their studies after graduating.   

Osteopaths are required to update their training throughout their working lives. They must complete at least 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development per year.

Who sets the standards of training and practice for osteopaths?

The standards of osteopathic training and practice are maintained and developed by the General Osteopathic Council, the profession’s statutory regulator established under the Osteopaths Act 1993.

What should I do if I have concerns about the osteopath or the treatment I have received?

All osteopaths are expected to have a complaints procedure in place in their practice to address patient concerns.

If you have concerns about the competence or the professional conduct of your osteopath, and you have been unable to resolve the issue satisfactorily with the osteopath, or their employer, the General Osteopathic Council will advise on the next steps to take under a formal complaints procedure.