To access a Medicare Chronic Care Plan (also known as a “Chronic Disease Management Plan” or CDM), patients need to follow a few steps. Here’s a general overview:

• Visit a GP (General Practitioner): The first step is to visit a GP. They are the ones who can assess whether a patient has a chronic condition (lasting six months or more) and determine if a Chronic Disease Management Plan is appropriate. This is typically for conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, respiratory diseases, etc.
• GP Assessment: The GP will conduct an assessment, which includes reviewing the patient’s medical history, current health status, and any ongoing chronic conditions. If the GP believes the patient qualifies for a CDM, they will create a care plan tailored to the patient’s needs.
• Creating the Plan: If eligible, the GP will prepare a Chronic Disease Management Plan, which can include referrals for allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, dietetics, and others.
• Referral for Allied Health Services: As part of the Chronic Disease Management Plan, the GP can refer the patient to various allied health professionals, including physiotherapists. Patients may be eligible for up to five Medicare-rebated allied health services per calendar year as part of this plan.
• Physiotherapy: Once the referral is made, patients can access physiotherapy services with a Medicare rebate.

Once you have a chronic disease management plan and referral from your GP, call your physiotherapist to book an appointment. These appointments are subsidised by Medicare and may incur a gap fee. Your physiotherapist will develop a treatment plan including frequency of treatment and will liaise with your GP. Once you have used the number of sessions under this referral, you can choose to continue your treatment privately.

f you are a veteran or war widow/widower, you may be eligible for physiotherapy services covered by DVA if you have a white or gold card. To confirm your eligibility, you can contact DVA or check your eligibility status through your MyService account.

To access DVA physiotherapy services, you will need a referral from your GP or specialist. Once referred, you can book an appointment with our clinic, where we will liaise directly with DVA to manage billing and paperwork.

The physiotherapy approach to treating Medicare and/or DVA patients is no different to private patients. We treat a variety of conditions including musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, arthritis, post-surgery rehabilitation, and neurological conditions like stroke or spinal injuries. Each treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs.

For veterans our physiotherapy and exercise physiology services address the specific challenges faced by veterans, from physical injuries sustained during service to conditions like PTSD. The approach acknowledges both physical and emotional health, ensuring veterans receive comprehensive care.

In summary, physiotherapy provides DVA patients with the tools and treatments needed to enhance their physical health, improve mobility, manage pain, and foster mental well-being, all tailored to the unique needs of each individual.