Medicare & rebates
Medicare rebates for physiotherapy, explained
How the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) works, what it's worth, and how claiming at Physio Melbourne actually happens.
Reviewed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Physiotherapist — AHPRA registered, APA member
Since 1 July 2025, Medicare-subsidised allied health visits — including physiotherapy — run through the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP), which replaced the older Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) and Chronic Disease Management (CDM) arrangements. The rules are simpler than they used to be, but the basics are still the same: your GP needs to confirm you have an eligible chronic condition before Medicare will contribute toward your physiotherapy.
You don't need a GPCCMP to see Andrew — physiotherapy is direct access, and plenty of patients book in privately or through HICAPS. This page is for anyone whose GP has suggested a GPCCMP, or who wants to understand what it's actually worth before asking for one.
5
Subsidised visits per calendar year, shared across all allied health services on your plan
$63.40
Current Medicare rebate per eligible session (MBS item 10960)
18
Months a referral is typically valid for, from your first session
Medicare FAQs for physiotherapy
What is a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP)?
A GPCCMP is the Medicare plan your GP prepares if you have a chronic condition — one that's lasted, or is expected to last, six months or more. It replaced the old Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) and Chronic Disease Management (CDM) arrangements from 1 July 2025, and is what makes you eligible for Medicare-subsidised physiotherapy visits. Your GP no longer needs to involve a second collaborating provider to set one up, which was previously required under CDM.
How many physiotherapy visits does Medicare cover?
Up to 5 allied health visits per calendar year under a GPCCMP — but that's a shared pool across every allied health service your GP has referred you for, not 5 visits per discipline. If you're also seeing a podiatrist or exercise physiologist on the same plan, those visits come out of the same 5. Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients can access up to 10 visits per year. Entitlements reset on 1 January each year and don't roll over.
What's the Medicare rebate amount for physiotherapy?
The current Medicare benefit for an eligible GPCCMP physiotherapy session (MBS item 10960) is $63.40, calculated as 85% of the $74.55 schedule fee. This is indexed by Medicare on 1 July each year, so it may change. Your out-of-pocket cost is the difference between our consultation fee and this rebate.
How do I get a referral?
Book an appointment with your regular GP and ask about a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan for physiotherapy. Your GP will assess your eligibility, prepare the plan, and write a referral letter — referrals are now provider-neutral, so you don't need to book with a specific physiotherapist named on the form, and can choose any eligible registered provider. Andrew is happy to liaise with your GP if that's helpful.
How long is a GPCCMP referral valid for?
Generally 18 months from your first session under the plan, or an earlier end date if your GP specifies one. Your GP can review and update your GPCCMP every few months as needed. If your referral has lapsed, you'll need to see your GP again before we can continue billing Medicare for your visits.
How does the claiming process work at your appointment?
Bring your Medicare card and referral letter to your appointment. Bulk billing isn't available for GPCCMP visits, so you pay the full consultation fee on the day. We submit your claim to Medicare online at the same time, and your rebate is deposited directly into your nominated bank account — usually within 1–2 business days. You can check your remaining visit entitlements any time via the Medicare app or my.gov.au.
Can I use my private health insurance and Medicare on the same visit?
No — you can only claim one or the other for a given appointment, not both. If you have private health extras cover, it's worth comparing your HICAPS rebate against your Medicare GPCCMP rebate to see which works out better for your circumstances.
Does Medicare cover X-rays or imaging under this plan?
No, a GPCCMP only covers allied health consultations, not diagnostic imaging. If Andrew refers you for an X-ray, that's billed separately — see our fees and rebates page for how X-ray bulk billing works.
Can I see Andrew without a referral?
Yes. Physiotherapy is a direct-access service — you're welcome to book in as a private patient without a GP referral at any time. A referral is only required if you want to claim the Medicare GPCCMP rebate, or if you're claiming through DVA, WorkCover or TAC.
Next steps
- Book an appointment with your GP and ask about a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan for physiotherapy.
- Bring your Medicare card and referral letter to your first physiotherapy visit.
- Pay your consultation fee on the day — we'll submit your Medicare claim on the spot, and your rebate lands in your account within a couple of business days.
For DVA, WorkCover, TAC, private health insurance, NDIS and Home Care Package claiming, see our full fees & rebates page.
Ready to book your appointment?