Looking after your health sometimes means visiting more than just your GP. You may need physiotherapy for ongoing back pain, podiatry for foot problems, or advice from a dietitian to help manage a health condition.

But these appointments can come with additional costs. So, can Medicare help pay for them?

Yes. Medicare may provide rebates for certain allied health appointments if you have an eligible chronic condition, a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and an appropriate referral. This can include eligible physiotherapy, podiatry and dietetics services.

If you live in Epping or Melbourne’s northern suburbs, understanding how this works can help you make better decisions about your healthcare and possible Medicare benefits.

Does Medicare Cover Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Dietitian Appointments?

Medicare does not generally cover every private physiotherapy, podiatry or dietitian appointment. However, eligible patients may receive Medicare benefits for certain allied health services under the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) arrangements.

These services are intended to support people who need ongoing care for a chronic health condition.

Depending on your health needs and GP assessment, eligible services may include:

Physiotherapy: Support with movement, mobility, strength and physical function, particularly when managing an ongoing condition.

Podiatry: Assessment and care for foot, ankle and lower-limb concerns, including issues associated with certain chronic conditions.

Dietetics: Individual nutrition advice to help manage health conditions, improve dietary habits and support long-term health goals.

For Medicare benefits to apply, the service must be included in your care plan, provided by an eligible practitioner, and supported by an appropriate GP referral.

What Is a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan?

A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, commonly called a GPCCMP, is a personalised plan prepared by a GP to help manage one or more ongoing health conditions.

It brings together your health needs, treatment goals and the services that may support your care.

A person may be eligible for a plan if they have at least one medical condition that has lasted, or is likely to last, for six months or longer, or a terminal condition.

Your GP will assess whether a structured care plan is appropriate for your circumstances. There is no automatic entitlement based on having a particular diagnosis.

Depending on your needs, the plan may involve medical reviews, lifestyle advice and referrals to suitable allied health professionals.

How Many Allied Health Sessions Does Medicare Cover?

Eligible patients with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan may access up to five individual Medicare-supported allied health services per calendar year (January to December).

An important point is that these five services are shared across eligible allied health professions. They are not five separate appointments for each type of practitioner.

For example, you could use your annual allocation like this:

• Two physiotherapy appointments.
• Two podiatry appointments.
• One dietitian appointment.

That would use all five eligible individual services for the calendar year.

Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients may access up to ten individual services under the applicable Medicare arrangements.

Unused services do not automatically carry over to the following calendar year.

Your GP can help decide which allied health services are most appropriate for your condition and care goals.

Do You Need a GP Referral for Medicare Allied Health Rebates?

Yes. An appropriate written referral from your GP or prescribed medical practitioner is required to claim Medicare benefits under these chronic condition management arrangements.

Here is how the process generally works:

Step 1: Book a GP appointment

Discuss your ongoing health concerns, symptoms and treatment needs with your GP.

Step 2: Discuss your chronic condition management needs

Your GP will assess whether you are eligible for a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and whether allied health support would benefit your care.

Step 3: Obtain an appropriate referral

If suitable, your GP can prepare the plan and refer you to an eligible physiotherapist, podiatrist, dietitian or another relevant allied health professional.

Step 4: Arrange your appointment

Contact the chosen provider, check their availability, and confirm the appointment fee and expected Medicare rebate before attending.

You can choose an eligible practitioner of the same profession specified in your referral. The provider must also meet the relevant Medicare qualification and registration requirements.

Does Medicare Pay the Full Cost of Allied Health Appointments?

Not necessarily. This is one of the most important things to understand before booking.

Medicare provides a benefit based on the applicable Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item. The allied health professional may charge more than the scheduled amount, which means you may need to pay the difference.

For example, if a provider charges more than the Medicare benefit, the remaining amount is your out-of-pocket cost.

Some practitioners may choose to bulk bill an eligible service, meaning they accept the Medicare benefit as full payment. Others may charge a gap.

Always ask about the total appointment fee and expected Medicare rebate before your appointment.

A GP practice offering bulk billing does not automatically mean every physiotherapy, podiatry or dietitian appointment is also bulk billed.

You can find further information through the Australian Government’s Medicare Benefits Schedule.

Can You Use Your Own Physiotherapist, Podiatrist or Dietitian?

Yes, provided the practitioner is eligible to provide the relevant Medicare-supported service and the referral specifies the appropriate service type.

You do not necessarily have to visit the practitioner suggested by your GP.

However, before making an appointment, check that the practitioner can accept your referral and provide the service under the relevant Medicare item.

It is also worth confirming their fees, appointment availability, and any out-of-pocket costs.

Allied Health Services at Group One Medical, Epping

Group One Medical provides a range of healthcare services for individuals and families at 878 Edgars Road, Epping, VIC 3076.

Its allied health services include physiotherapy, podiatry and dietetics, alongside GP consultations and chronic disease management.

These services can support different aspects of your health, whether you need help with mobility, foot care, nutrition or ongoing management of a health condition.

If you are considering using a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan for an appointment at Group One Medical, contact the clinic first to confirm whether the relevant practitioner is eligible to provide the Medicare-supported service, can accept your referral, and what fees may apply.

Our team can help you understand the available services and appointment arrangements.