Tauranga physiotherapists are worried the introduction of ACC changes will ‘scare' people from seeking treatment when they suffer injuries.
The change, which reduces government funding for those seeking physiotherapy treatment for injuries, came into force on Monday.

Deb Glen Vile.

Deb Glen Vile, physiotherapist manager at Bay Physiotherapy Centre, says there will be people who can no longer afford physiotherapy treatment.
'It's already scared people and they have said ‘no' we're not going,” says Deb.
She says the consequence of people becoming reluctant to seek help from a physiotherapist is that their injuries will become more serious.
'It means they might end up having to have hip surgery or knee surgery or they might have to see a specialist or end up being off work,” says Deb.
The changes mean physiotherapists will change from the previously endorsed provider network (EPN) contracts, which came into effect in 2004 under the Labour Government, to a co-payment contract system.
Under the co-payment system, ACC will only subsidise a limited amount for physiotherapy treatment and the client will incur the rest of the cost.
'Up until now, we were not allowed to co-pay or part charge.
'From that point of view, there's a lot of physiotherapists who are very pleased that we have some control over what our fees are.
'It's giving physiotherapists back control but in the same token the client does not have a hell of a lot of choice,” says Deb.
The changes still allow people to go directly to a physiotherapist without having to visit a doctor first.
Megan Osborn, Mount Physio and Pilates owner, agrees the reduced funding will mean people are less likely to seek help from a physiotherapist.
'It is going to put people off. But if we are good clinicians, people will still come to see you,” says Megan.
She believes ‘government spin' has made many people believe they can no longer access physiotherapy treatment.
'I don't have a problem with the changes, but I do have a problem with the speed it's been done and the lack of communication and clarity to the New Zealand public,” says Megan.
Deb and Megan agree the physiotherapy industry has been undervalued and under paid for some time and one advantage of the change is that it will enable physiotherapists to earn a decent living.
'No physiotherapy business can survive in this climate on the funding from ACC.
Physiotherapists have been under funded for many, many years and fees paid by ACC do not event come close to allow us to run a sustainable business,” says Megan.