Week 1 — we talk before we move
History, goals, what’s changed and what you’re finding hard. Then gentle baseline measures — standing up from a chair, walking distance, balance, grip. Nothing you can fail.
For people managing a long-term condition
Exercise physiology on a Medicare care plan.
A Chronic Disease Management plan from your GP subsidises up to five allied health sessions a year. Below is exactly what to ask for, what it costs, and the two things worth knowing before you go.
Yes — with a referral from your GP.
A Chronic Disease Management plan subsidises up to five allied health sessions per calendar year.
What to say at the appointment
Ask your GP for a GP Management Plan and“a referral to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist”Most GPs will know exactly what you mean. If it helps, mention you’ve found one who does home visits.
Two things worth knowing before you go. Medicare pays a set rebate per session and there is a gap to pay — I’ll tell you the exact figure before you book, never after. And those five sessions are shared across all allied health, so if you’re also seeing a podiatrist or dietitian this year, they come out of the same five.
For most people a care plan works best as a way to start — then continue privately or under another funding source once you’ve got momentum and know what you’re getting for it.
Paying for it
How the money actually works
The rebate, and the gap
Medicare pays a fixed rebate per allied health session under a care plan. The rest is the gap, and it’s the same figure every session. You’ll have it in writing from me before the first appointment — I’d rather lose an enquiry over a price than surprise someone with an invoice.
Five sessions, shared across everything
This is the detail people most often discover too late. The five subsidised sessions cover all allied health in a calendar year, not five per profession. Podiatry, dietetics, physiotherapy and exercise physiology all draw on the same five. If you’re seeing several, it’s worth deciding deliberately how to split them rather than finding out in October.
Where five sessions genuinely gets you
Five is enough to assess properly, build a program that fits your week, correct it twice, and re-measure — which is exactly the arc of a first block. What five sessions won’t do is carry a whole year. Treat the plan as the on-ramp: by the end of it you’ll know whether this is worth continuing, and you’ll have numbers rather than a feeling to decide on.
After that
Most people continue privately — often with a private health extras rebate — or move onto another funding source. If you’re over 65, a Support at Home package may cover it; if you’re a veteran, DVA typically covers it in full. Your GP can also review the care plan in the next calendar year.
What actually happens
Once the funding is sorted
I come to you, with the equipment. You need about two square metres of floor and nothing else.
Week 2 — your program, in your space
Built around your kitchen bench, your hallway, your back step. Written up in plain language with photos so you’re never guessing between sessions.
Week 4 — measured, in writing
The week-one baselines repeated under the same conditions, so the change is a number rather than an impression.
The longer version — how sessions work, why I come to you, and what’s in the car.
Good to know
Medicare questions
Does Medicare cover exercise physiology?
Yes — through a Chronic Disease Management plan from your GP. It subsidises up to five allied health sessions per calendar year for people managing a chronic condition.
What exactly do I ask my GP for?
Ask for a GP Management Plan and a referral to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Most GPs will know precisely what you mean; if it helps, say you've found an AEP who does home visits.
Is there a gap to pay?
Usually yes. Medicare pays a set rebate per session and the difference is the gap. I'll tell you the exact figure before you book, never after.
Are the five sessions just for exercise physiology?
No, and this catches people out. The five are shared across all allied health in a calendar year — so if you're also seeing a podiatrist, dietitian or physiotherapist, those come out of the same five.
What happens after the five sessions run out?
A care plan works best as a way to start rather than a way to continue. Most people carry on privately, or under another funding source, once they've got momentum — and by then you'll know exactly what you're getting for the money. Your GP can review the plan the following calendar year.
Do I need a chronic condition to qualify?
Yes — CDM plans are for people managing a chronic or terminal medical condition, generally one present for six months or longer. Your GP makes that call, not me.
Can I use a Medicare plan and something else together?
Not for the same session, but plenty of people use a care plan to get started and then move onto DVA, a Support at Home package or private. Tell me your situation and I'll map it out with you.
Do you come to my home on a Medicare referral?
Yes. In-home and community sessions across Brisbane, within about 12 km of Paddington, and telehealth anywhere in Australia. I bring all the equipment — you need about two square metres of floor.
Two minutes
Enquire about a place
Including if you haven’t spoken to your GP yet — I can tell you what to ask for and what the gap will be, so you walk in knowing.
Rather just call?
0400 111 299
Email
hello@prevailep.com.au
Not sure Medicare is your best route?
Check your funding