Medicare Rebates for Exercise Physiology

Can I get a Medicare rebate for Exercise Physiology?

The quick answer is YES! The long answer is yes but there are a couple of prerequisites. To obtain a Medicare rebate for Exercise Physiology services, you can utilise the CDM Program, also known as the Chronic Disease Management program (formerly Enhanced Primary Care or EPC). Firstly, you must meet specific criteria, typically related to chronic & conditions, which refers to conditions you’ve experienced for more than six months. Secondly, you’ll need a referral form from your GP, directing you to a designated Exercise Physiology clinic (ideally ours, as we’d love to help you!).

How many visits will the Medicare CDM rebate cover?

The Medicare CDM Program permits a maximum of five reimbursed consultations with any recommended allied health professional annually. This could include services such as Exercise Physiology, dietetics, physiotherapy, and more (all of which we offer here at Habitual!). For instance, your GP might prescribe 3 exercise physiology consultations and 2 physiotherapy consultations. Should any services remain unused in the year of the patient’s referral, they can be utilised in the subsequent calendar year. However, those services will be counted towards the five rebates for allied health services available to the patient during that calendar year.

Am I Eligible?

Maybe! Chat to your GP!

Currently there is no list of eligible conditions for the CDM plan. The GP determines whether their patient is eligible for a CDM plan. But a few examples include asthma, cardiovascular disease diabetes and musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., lower back pain). Mental health is also considered a chronic condition and is eligible under the CDM plan.

If you have any questions about CDM plans or claiming with Medicare for your fees, please get in contact with us! We are more than happy to talk it through with you over the phone.

~ Georgia Trompf (Exercise Physiologist)