What a good package looks like
- Built around a real plan. Six sessions for a post-operative knee, or eight weeks of a supervised strength program. Not a random bundle.
- A modest saving, not a huge discount. The point is commitment, not cheap visits.
- Clear terms. How long the sessions last, what happens if the patient is unwell, and what happens to unused sessions.
Where packages work best
- Post-operative rehabilitation with a known timeline.
- Group programs like Pilates or falls prevention. See group classes.
- Return-to-sport programs with a defined end point.
- Long-term conditions where regular maintenance helps.
Where they do not
For an acute injury where you do not yet know the course, sell the first visit, assess, and offer a plan afterwards. A patient who buys ten visits and needs three will not trust you again.
Handling the money properly
A package is money paid for care not yet given. Keep a clear record of how many sessions are left, and be generous with refunds for genuine reasons. In Clinidiary, packs and credits track what was bought and what was used, so each visit draws down the pack without anyone counting by hand.
Talking about packages without pressure
Present the plan first, then the payment options: "I'd like to see you weekly for six weeks. You can pay as you go, or take the six-session pack, which saves you a little." The choice stays with the patient. Patients who understand the plan are the ones who finish it. See why patients finish their treatment.
Watch how they are used
Check every few months how many packs are completed. If many patients stop halfway, the package is too long or the plan is not clear enough.
Frequently asked questions
Are physiotherapy packages ethical?
Yes, when they match a real treatment plan, are priced fairly and allow refunds for genuine reasons. They become a problem when they are sold to people who do not need that many sessions.
Can patients use private health insurance with a package?
Rebates are usually claimed per visit, so record each session as its own appointment. Check how your practice and each fund handle prepaid packages.
What happens to unused sessions?
Set a clear policy up front, such as an expiry with a refund on request. Fairness here protects your reputation.