Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatment to manage pain, restore function, and prevent injury. We are very often asked the question: Can I get physiotherapy through Medicare? The short answer is yes, but there are specific criteria and pathways you need to follow to get approved for a medicare rebated physiotherapy management plan.

Whether you’re in Richmond, South Yarra, Kew, Toorak, Hawthorn, or Prahran, this guide will help you understand how to access Medicare-funded physiotherapy and how to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

What Is Medicare and How Does It Apply to Physiotherapy?

Medicare is Australia’s publicly funded universal healthcare system. While it covers GP visits, hospital treatment, and some specialist services, physiotherapy is not automatically covered unless it meets certain conditions.

Physiotherapy through Medicare is only available via a GP referral under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan — previously known as the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan.

What Is a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan?

The CDM plan is designed to support people with chronic medical conditions who require team-based care. If you have a condition lasting longer than six months — such as lower back pain, arthritis, diabetes, or post-surgical rehabilitation needs — you may be eligible for the chronic disease care plan.

Once your GP prepares the care plan, you’ll be entitled to up to five physiotherapy visits per calendar year, including physiotherapy, under Medicare. It is important to note that majority of the clinics in Australia do NOT provide bulk billing services for these CDM’s and there is usually an out of pocket fees that is required to be paid by you at the clinic.

At our Richmond and South Yarra Physiotherapy clinics, in addition to our medicare appointments that have an out of pocket charge, we also offer Bulk Billed Physiotherapy through some of our physio staff. It is advised that you call the clinic for details on the staff memebes that provide bulk bill physio services.

What Conditions Are Covered?

Medicare doesn't fund physio for short-term injuries or preventative care. Instead, it focuses on chronic and complex conditions, such as:

• Chronic lower back or neck pain

• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

• Post-stroke rehabilitation

• COPD or chronic respiratory issues

• Diabetes (where exercise therapy is essential)

• Chronic tendon injuries or bursitis

• Persistent shoulder, hip, or knee dysfunction

Do I Need a Referral?

Yes. To receive Medicare-funded physiotherapy, you must visit your GP, who will assess your eligibility and prepare the CDM plan. Without this plan and proper referral, Medicare will not rebate the physiotherapy services.

Walk in appointments are welcome at our clinic, however, without a Chronic care plan referral, you will be charged our regular consult fees.

What Happens at a Medicare-Subsidised Physio Appointment?

Once referred, your physiotherapist will work in colaboration with your GP to deliver treatment that supports you through out the recovery of your condition.

Our 45 minute initial consultations include:

• A detailed assessment to understand the extent of your injury.

• Hands-on manual therapy for pain management and improvement of joint and muscle function.

• Pain management techniques: Electrotherapy modalities, home based advise

• Exercise programs: We use the latest in tech to ensure that you have high quality exercises with video demonstrations.

• Shockwave therapy: An excellent means of pain management, we use shockwave therapy for a range of issues such as joint and muscle pain, ligament injury,

At our clinic serving Kew, Richmond, and Hawthorn, there are no additional fees for shockwave therapy during Medicare-funded visits — a service often charged extra elsewhere.

Medicare vs. Private Physio: What's the Difference?

FeatureMedicare-FundedPrivate PhysiotherapyAccessRequires GP referralNo referral neededNumber of SessionsUp to 5 per yearUnlimitedOut-of-pocket CostMay be gap-free or include co-paymentVaries by clinicEligibilityChronic conditions onlyAny conditionWait TimesMay be longerUsually shorter

How Much Will It Cost?

Our clinics in Richmond and South Yarra provide options for for bulk billing physiotherapy, meaning no gap — Medicare covers 100% of the cost. However, some of our senior specialist physiotherapists charge a gap payment.

At our clinics in Richmond, and South Yarra, we strive to keep no-gap or minimal-gap options available for Medicare referrals.

Please call our reception to ensure you are booked in with one of the physios offering Bulk Billed Physio services.

How to Access Physiotherapy in Richmond, South Yarra, and Surrounds

If you're based in Melbourne's South-East suburbs, here’s how you can get started:

1. Book a GP appointment and request a Chronic Disease Management Plan.

2. Ask your GP to refer you to a physiotherapy clinic in Richmond, Hawthorn, or your closest suburb.

3. Call the physiotherapy clinic to confirm availability and whether they offer bulk billing for Medicare patients.

4. Bring your referral and Medicare card to your appointment.

Making Your Treatments More Affordable

Here are ways to reduce the cost of treatment:

• Use all 5 Medicare-funded visits each year if eligible.

• Choose a clinic that offers bulk billing physiotherapy.

• Our clinic offers shockwave therapy and all in clinic treatments is included at no extra charge.

• You can use your private health insurance to cover additional sessions after Medicare visits are used up. Unfortunately you cannot use medicare and private health insurance with the same appointment.

Local Tip

Clinics in Richmond, South Yarra, and Kew that specialise in work-related injuries, arthritis, and chronic lower back pain often integrate exercise physiology and ergonomic education with their physiotherapy — giving you more value from your Medicare plan.

FAQ: Medicare and Physiotherapy in Australia

Q. Can you get free physio through Medicare?

Yes, you can access physiotherapy for free if you qualify under a Chronic Disease Management Plan and attend a clinic that offers bulk billing. Not all clinics bulk bill, so check when booking.

Q. Can physiotherapists bulk bill?

Yes, some physiotherapists bulk bill, meaning they accept the Medicare rebate as full payment — no out-of-pocket cost to you. This is more common in community health centres or clinics with a Medicare-aligned pricing policy.

Q. How can I get free physiotherapy?

To get free physiotherapy:

1. Visit your GP and ask for a CDM plan referral.

2. Choose a physio clinic that offers bulk billing.

3. Bring your Medicare card and referral to your appointment.

Q. How many physio sessions on Medicare?

Medicare allows up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year, shared between services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, and dietetics. If you only need physiotherapy, you can use all 5 sessions for that.

Q. What is 5 free physiotherapy sessions Australia?

This refers to the Medicare-funded allied health visits under the CDM plan. These 5 sessions are not automatically free unless the clinic bulk bills, but they are heavily subsidised.

Q. How to get cheaper physio?

• Use your Medicare plan if eligible

• Choose clinics that bulk bill

• Use private health extras cover

• Combine Medicare and private insurance strategically

• Ask your physio for home exercise programs to reduce session frequency

Q. Are physios covered by Medicare?

Yes — but only when referred by a GP under a Chronic Disease Management Plan. You cannot self-refer for Medicare-covered physiotherapy.

Q. How to get free physio sessions?

The most common pathway is:

• Get a GP referral under the CDM plan

• Choose a bulk billing physiotherapist

• Use up to 5 sessions per year

Q. How much does a physio appointment cost in Australia?

Private physiotherapy sessions usually range from $120 to $150 per standard appointment. Longer sessions or specialised treatments (like dry needling or shockwave) may cost more.

Q. What is the average cost of a physiotherapy session?

The average cost is around $100 per session, but this varies by location and service. Clinics in Toorak, South Yarra, and Hawthorn may charge slightly more due to location demand.

Q. What is the maximum Medicare will pay for physical therapy?

Medicare rebates $60.35 per session under the CDM plan. This amount is fixed, regardless of how much the physio charges. Any gap payment depends on the clinic.

If you’re living in Richmond, South Yarra, Prahran, Kew, Hawthorn, or Toorak, you may be missing out on free or subsidised physiotherapy through Medicare.

Our physiotherapy clinic specialises in treating chronic lower back pain, arthritis, workplace injuries, and postural issues — all commonly covered under the Medicare CDM plan. We offer hands-on therapy, shockwave therapy (no added fees), and exercise programs, with minimal to no out-of-pocket cost.

Call us now or book online below to start your recovery today.