Do shortages have a negative impact on growth in Physiotherapy

The Physiotherapy Services industry is expected to generate revenue of approximately $1.03 billion in 2010-11, accounting for about 1.0% of health expenditure in Australia.

 Industry revenue is forecast to grow at an average annualised real rate of 5.5% in the five years through 2010-11. Industry growth will be promoted over this period by the following: growing household incomes and wealth, an increase in the proportion of the population with private health insurance coverage (health insurance can help to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of physiotherapy services); greater participation in the Medicare system; and an ageing of the Australian population (older people are more likely to suffer conditions that physiotherapists can treat).

However, Physiotherapy labour shortages could have a negative effect on industry growth.