Physiotherapy is such a vital treatment option for so many conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia and back pain, and there are ways to access Medicare rebates and funding.
To be able to access things like Medicare rebate for physiotherapy should be really easy, but unfortunately Medicare rebates are not always that simple!
CAN I GET A MEDICARE REBATE FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY?
The short answer, is YES!
The long answer is yes, but there are a few conditions.
A Medicare rebate for physiotherapy can be accessed under the EPC Program, which is the Enhanced Primary Care Program.
Firstly, you must meet the criteria, and that is generally centred around ‘chronic’ conditions, meaning something that you have suffered with for more than 3 months.
Secondly, you need to have the appropriate referral form from your GP, who needs to send you to a specific physiotherapy clinic.
HOW MANY VISITS WILL THE MEDICARE EPC REBATE COVER?
The Medicare EPC Program allows for a total of up to 5 rebated consults to any referred allied health practitioner, per year.
That could include physiotherapy, dietetics, podiatry, speech pathology, etc.
So, for instance, your GP might refer you for 3 physiotherapy consults, and 2 podiatry consults.
This number is renewed each calendar year, but you will need a new referral each year.
HOW MUCH DOES THE MEDICARE REBATE COVER?
The current Medicare rebate (as at June 2016) is $52.95 per physiotherapy consult, regardless of the specific service that you choose.
That means that the rebate is $52.95 for an initial consult, and any subsequent review consults that you might be recommended for as well.
There will be a small gap payment for your initial assessment and any follow up appointments.
SUMMARY
To wrap it all together:
- Yes, you can get a Medicare rebate for physiotherapy, using the EPC Program
- You need a specific doctor’s referral, and the right type of physical condition
- You can get $52.95 rebate for up to 5 visits per year
- There will be a small gap fee for your visits
If you have any questions at all regarding the EPC process – please call or email us via the Contact Us page, and I am more than happy to answer them.
Alternatively, get to your GP ASAP and ask for a referral to see a physiotherapist who can help you get moving well, feeling great, pain free and back to doing what you love!