Physiotherapy can be covered by Medicare for chronically ill patients in Australia. To access this coverage, your GP must develop a care plan for your chronic condition. A chronic condition is one that lasts six months or longer or is likely to last that duration.
For a care plan, you need to have complex needs, such as requiring planned services like physiotherapy, dietitian services, or health education from a practice nurse. Check with your GP to see if you are eligible for a care plan. It’s a straightforward process involving a few pages of paperwork.
Once you have a care plan in place, you are entitled to five physiotherapy sessions per calendar year covered by Medicare. However, it’s essential to note that not all costs may be covered. Some physio bulk bill their patients to Medicare. (What is bulk billing?) Some physiotherapists may charge more than what Medicare covers, leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses.
If you qualify for the GP chronic condition care plan, your referrals to physiotherapists and Medicare coverage will continue until needed. It’s crucial to renew the care plan every one or two years to ensure ongoing coverage.
Medicare coverage for physiotherapy is accessible through a GP-developed care plan for chronic conditions in Australia. This plan addresses your complex needs and allows you to receive essential services. Keep in mind the renewal requirement and potential out-of-pocket expenses depending on your chosen physiotherapist.
