Medicare Rebates for Exercise Physiology in Ballina
If you are living with a chronic health condition, managing your physical health can feel like an uphill battle. But you don't have to navigate it alone. Clinical exercise programs can significantly improve your mobility, reduce chronic pain, and boost your overall quality of life and you may be eligible to have a portion of your treatment covered by Medicare.
At New Leaf Health in Ballina, we accept Medicare referrals for Accredited Exercise Physiology (EP) to help make your health and rehabilitation journey as accessible as possible.
Here is everything you need to know about how the Medicare rebate works for Exercise Physiology and how to get started.
What is a Chronic Condition Management (CCMP) Plan?
The Chronic Condition Management Plan (formerly known as an EPC or Enhanced Primary Care plan) is an initiative by the Australian Government. It allows individuals with chronic, long-term medical conditions to access subvented allied health services.
A condition is generally considered "chronic" if it has been present—or is expected to be present—for six months or longer.
Which Conditions Qualify for a Medicare Rebate?
Many conditions benefit immensely from targeted, clinical movement programs. You may be eligible for a CDM plan if you are managing:
Musculoskeletal issues: Severe osteoarthritis, chronic lower back pain, or osteoporosis.
Metabolic conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or obesity.
Cardiovascular disease: High blood pressure, history of stroke, or heart conditions.
Neurological conditions: Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), or stroke recovery.
Respiratory conditions: COPD or chronic asthma.
How Much Does Medicare Cover?
Under an eligible CDM plan, Medicare provides a rebate for up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year.
The Rebate: Medicare provides a set rebate amount per session (which your practitioner can process for you on the spot or you can claim via the Express Plus Medicare app).
The Gap: There is a small out-of-pocket gap fee between our standard initial or standard consultation fee and the Medicare rebate.
Note: The 5 sessions are shared across all allied health professionals (like podiatrists or physiotherapists), so you can allocate them based on what your GP recommends for your care.
3 Simple Steps to Get Started
Getting your Medicare rebate sorted is a straightforward process:
Book an Appointment with your GP: Schedule a consultation with your local family doctor to discuss your chronic condition and check your eligibility for a Chronic Disease Management Plan.
Request a Referral to New Leaf Health: If you qualify, ask your GP to nominate James at New Leaf Health on your allied health referral form for Exercise Physiology.
Bring Your Paperwork to Your First Session: Bring a copy of your CDM plan and referral letter along to your initial appointment at our Ballina clinic. We will handle the assessment, map out your goals, and help you process your claims easily.
Ready to Turn Over a New Leaf?
Don't let a chronic condition dictate what you can and can't do. Let’s work together to build a stronger, happier, and healthier version of you through safe, clinically guided movement.
