Medicare funding

Understanding Medicare Item Numbers for Allied Health Services

If you require Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, or Exercise Physiology, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates through a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan, previously known as an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plan. These rebates help reduce the cost of allied health services when referred by your General Practitioner (GP).

To access these services under Medicare:

  1. Book an appointment with your GP – Let them know you’re seeking support for a chronic condition or ongoing health issue.

  2. If eligible, your GP will prepare a CDM Plan, which includes a referral to allied health providers like occupational therapists, speech pathologists, or exercise physiologists.

  3. You may be entitled to up to five Medicare-subsidised sessions per calendar year, shared across all eligible allied health services.

  4. Your therapist will use specific Medicare item numbers to process the rebate after each appointment.

Ask your GP about a referral under Medicare to start your journey toward better health with support from qualified allied health professionals.

Need help understanding if you qualify? Talk to your GP today.