We often get asked if physio can be claimed on Medicare. Or have people asking us about bulk-billed physio appointments. The answer is yes, physio can be claimed on Medicare... sometimes.
So you're stock standard physiotherapy appointment can't be claimed on Medicare. If you book in to see a physiotherapist yourself, there is no option for the physiotherapist to forfeit the gap fee and bill Medicare instead of you (which is how bulk-billing works). If you have private health cover which includes physio, then you are typically eligible to receive some of the cost of the physiotherapy fee back. Since 2020, most private health companies include telehealth physiotherapy sessions in their physiotherapy coverage. We do recommend checking with your insurer if you have any specific questions about what is covered for you.
However, there are certain instances where your physiotherapy session can be claimed on Medicare. If you have been experiencing a particular health condition/injury for 6 months or more, then you may be eligible for a GP Chronic Disease Management Plan and a Team Care Arrangement (TCA; formerly known as EPC sessions). This can provide you with up to 5 allied health appointments per calendar year which can be charged to Medicare. Some providers may choose to charge a gap fee when the Medicare rebate is below the usual cost of an appointment, or some may waive the gap fee and accept the Medicare rebate as full payment.
At Connect Physio Co, we aim to make physiotherapy as accessible as possible, so on top of our free 10 minute physio appointments, we also do not charge a gap fee for Medicare sessions referred via your GP. This means there is absolutely no out of pocket cost to you.
You can book this appointment type here
Or learn more about the TCA Medicare appointments here
You can reach us at admin@connectphysioco.com if you have any questions about our free bulk-billed physiotherapy appointments.