Bupa Health Insurance has engaged with select Life Ready and Lifecare physiotherapy clinics to help our eligible customers* manage the symptoms of hip and knee osteoarthritis.
Delivered by Life Ready and Lifecare physiotherapists and exercise physiologists, the 6-week GLA:D® Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis Program offers:
Group education sessions about osteoarthritis, risk factors, treatment, exercises, everyday activities and coping and self-help topics in relation to osteoarthritis
Group exercise sessions with physiotherapists or exercise physiologists who have been trained and certified by GLA:D® Australia
Follow-up assessment and review of agreed goals to plan for next steps
What does the program provide?
The pain associated with osteoarthritis can lead to difficulty moving and result in muscle weakness and wasting. But treatment guidelines for hip and knee osteoarthritis recommend exercise and weight management as effective tools to help keep joints as flexible and pain-free as possible.
GLA:D® – or Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark – is a program that was designed by a clinical research team in Denmark in 2012. Through education and exercise, the program aims to reduce pain, increase mobility and enhance quality of life for those living with hip or knee osteoarthritis.
The GLA:D® Hip and Knee Program consists of^:
- An initial assessment with a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist trained and certified by GLA:D® Australia
- 2 group education sessions to improve understanding of osteoarthritis and self-management strategies
- 12 supervised group exercise sessions, twice weekly for one hour each in relation to osteoarthritis
- A follow-up assessment 3 months after the initial assessment and a review of agreed goals in relation to osteoarthritis
- Optional online questionnaires collecting de-identified data for program improvement in relation to osteoarthritis
Why choose the GLA:D® Hip and Knee Program?
- Improve your mobility and reduce pain in relation to your osteoarthritis
- Delay or avoid surgery, or help improve post-surgical outcomes in relation to your osteoarthritis
- Feel better equipped to effectively self-manage your osteoarthritis
- No out-of-pocket expenses# for eligible Bupa Health Insurance customers*
- Available at 20+ select physiotherapy clinics – to find a participating clinic contact Bupa Telehealth’s Hip and Knee Support Line on 1800 817 632
- Also available online via telehealth with Lifecare – contact Bupa Telehealth’s Hip and Knee Support Line on 1800 817 632 to find out more.
Program eligibility
If you meet the following criteria, you may be eligible for the GLA:D® Hip and Knee Program:
- You are a Bupa Health Insurance customer with a domestic hospital policy that includes cover for joint replacements – check what you’re covered for or contact us
- You are 18 years or older with diagnosed, symptomatic hip or knee osteoarthritis
- You have not participated in a Bupa Health Insurance-funded osteoarthritis program in the 3 years prior to enrolling
- You meet all other clinical requirements to participate in the program (based on the assessment of the provider)
Program eligibility, fund, policy and waiting period rules also apply.
Note: The GLA:D® Hip and Knee Program is available in person at select Life Ready and Lifecare clinics in some areas of, NSW, QLD VIC and WA. Lifecare can also deliver the program virtually via telehealth.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more about the GLA:D® Hip and Knee Program, including if it is available where you live, please contact Bupa Telehealth’s Hip and Knee Support Line on 1800 817 632 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST/AEDT).
Disclaimer
*The customer must hold an eligible Bupa Health Insurance domestic hospital cover that includes cover for joint replacements. Out-of-pocket costs may apply. Waiting periods, fund, policy and program eligibility rules apply. The program is delivered by third party providers Life Ready and Lifecare and admission into the program is also subject to the providers’ terms and conditions. Call Bupa Telehealth on 1800 817 632 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST/AEDT) to discuss your options.
^Appointments will be scheduled directly by the provider and occur within their operating hours, which vary by clinic.
#Depending on your level of cover some out-of-pocket costs may apply, like hospital excess or co-payments, fees for medical tests or specialist consultations not covered by bulk billing, and medication. Additional expenses such as having a compatible smart device and reliable phone and internet connection also apply for virtually delivered care.
Bupa Health Insurance will fund eligible customers in accordance with their policy issued by Bupa Health Insurance Pty Ltd. To avoid doubt, Bupa Telehealth Pty Ltd and Bupa Health Centres Pty Ltd are not involved in the design and delivery of the program.
This program page provides resources and health information as a guide only, not as a substitute for medical advice or a professional endorsement. In a health emergency, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.