Medicare/Veterans

Medicare, Veterans Affairs funding for Physiotherapy

Medicare subsidies for physiotherapy

Did you know that Medicare can cover physiotherapy for some people?

In June 2004, the Federal Government introduced access to Medicare funded physiotherapy. The Chronic Disease Management items (formerly EPC) improve care co-ordination between GPs and health professionals who provide care for people of any age with chronic conditions and complex care needs. Through the GP Management Plan, certain people can gain access to Medicare rebates for up to five allied health services per year. A chronic condition is one that is of more than six months duration. Your GP will be able to assess whether you have complex care needs. To access Medicare funded physiotherapy, you will need to speak to your GP about whether you are eligible for this initiative.

If eligible, you and your doctor will develop a care plan. You will then be able to access up to five Medicare-funded allied health services in a calendar year. Your physio will communicate with you and your doctor about your progress and at the end of your treatment there is an opportunity for your GP to review the care plan and discuss your future healthcare needs.

For more information about the program, talk to your physiotherapist and your GP. More information is available from Medicare at www.medicare.gov.au, or call on 132 011.

Please give us a call and we can talk you through it.

Veterans Affairs

If you have a Repatriation Health Card – For All Conditions (Gold Card), the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will pay for your physiotherapy services, upon referral, to meet a clinical need.

If you have a Repatriation Health Card – For Specific Conditions (White Card), DVA will pay for your physiotherapy services, upon referral, to meet a clinical need that is an accepted disability, or malignant cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety and depression, if DVA has accepted responsibility for the treatment of these conditions.

You must have a GP referral for your physiotherapy to be covered by the DVA.