Does Medicare Cover Home Visit Physiotherapy?
Yes. Medicare covers up to 5 physiotherapy sessions per year with a GP referral. Here is how the GPCCMP plan works and how to access it.
Short Answer: Yes, Medicare Covers Physiotherapy
Medicare provides rebates for physiotherapy under the GPCCMP (GP Chronic Conditions Management Plan). This plan was formerly known as Chronic Disease Management (CDM) or Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) - if your GP uses any of these terms, they are referring to the same thing.
Under a GPCCMP plan, Medicare covers up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year. These sessions can include physiotherapy, and they can be delivered at home - there is no requirement to attend a clinic. Your physiotherapist comes to you, and Medicare processes the rebate after each session.
To access these sessions, your GP needs to create a GPCCMP plan and write a referral to a physiotherapist. This is a standard process that most GPs are familiar with and can typically be completed in a single appointment.
For a complete overview of all funding pathways available for physiotherapy - including Medicare, Support at Home, DVA and the Restorative Care Pathway - visit our funding and payment options page.
What Is a GPCCMP Plan?
A GPCCMP is a management plan your GP creates for patients living with chronic or complex medical conditions. The plan identifies your health goals, outlines which allied health services would benefit you, and forms the basis for your GP to write a referral to a physiotherapist or other allied health professional.
For older Australians, common qualifying conditions include:
- Osteoarthritis and chronic joint pain
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Diabetes with mobility issues
- Heart disease and COPD
- Neurological conditions such as stroke recovery and Parkinson's disease
- Recurrent falls or history of falling
Your GP makes the clinical decision about whether you qualify for a GPCCMP plan. Most older Australians with ongoing health conditions will meet the criteria. The plan is reviewed annually and can be renewed each calendar year, giving you access to a fresh set of 5 allied health sessions.
As part of the plan, your GP writes a referral letter to a physiotherapist specifying your condition and treatment goals. This referral is what allows you to claim the Medicare rebate for your physiotherapy sessions.
How Much Does Medicare Pay?
Medicare provides a set rebate for each physiotherapy session delivered under a GPCCMP plan. The amount you pay out of pocket depends on whether your physiotherapist bulk-bills or charges above the Medicare rebate.
If your physiotherapist bulk-bills, you pay nothing out of pocket. Medicare covers the full cost of the session, and there is no gap to pay.
If your physiotherapist does not bulk-bill, you pay the difference between their fee and the Medicare rebate amount. This is known as the "gap." The size of the gap varies between providers.
Contact us to discuss billing arrangements for your situation. We can explain the costs involved and help you understand what Medicare will cover for your home physiotherapy sessions.
How to Access Medicare-Funded Physiotherapy at Home
Setting up Medicare-funded physiotherapy is straightforward and usually takes one GP visit. Here is the step-by-step process:
Book an appointment with your GP
Let your GP know you are interested in accessing physiotherapy through Medicare. If you have a specific concern - such as pain, stiffness, difficulty walking, or a recent fall - mention this at the start of your appointment.
Your GP assesses whether you qualify
Your GP determines whether you have a chronic or complex condition that qualifies for a GPCCMP plan. Most older Australians with ongoing health conditions will meet the criteria.
Your GP creates a GPCCMP plan and writes a referral
The plan outlines your health goals and identifies physiotherapy as one of the allied health services you need. Your GP writes a referral letter to a physiotherapist as part of this process.
Contact Wellworx Physio with your referral
Once you have your referral, get in touch with us and we will arrange your first home visit. We come to your home, retirement village or aged care facility - no travel required on your part.
Medicare rebate is processed after each session
After each physiotherapy session, the Medicare rebate is claimed and processed. If we bulk-bill, there is nothing further for you to do. If there is a gap, we will explain the amount before your first appointment so there are no surprises.
The whole process usually takes one GP visit to set up
Your GP can create the GPCCMP plan and write the physiotherapy referral in a single appointment. If you already have a chronic disease management plan in place, your GP may only need to add physiotherapy to your existing referrals.
What If You Need More Than 5 Sessions?
Medicare allows 5 allied health sessions per calendar year under a GPCCMP plan. For many people, 5 sessions is a good starting point - but it may not be enough for ongoing or complex conditions. If you need continued physiotherapy beyond your 5 Medicare sessions, other funding options may be available:
Support at Home
If you have a Support at Home package (formerly Home Care Package), physiotherapy is fully funded under the Clinical Care category with no session limit and no client contribution. Many clients start with Medicare and transition to Support at Home for ongoing care. Learn more about Support at Home physiotherapy.
DVA - Department of Veterans' Affairs
Eligible veterans with a Gold or White card can access physiotherapy at home with a GP referral. DVA covers the full cost of treatment for accepted conditions, with no out-of-pocket expense for eligible participants.
Restorative Care Pathway
A short-term, intensive rehabilitation program of up to 16 weeks designed to help older Australians recover after illness, injury or a period of decline. Clinical services including physiotherapy are fully funded with no client contribution for eligible participants.
Private Health Insurance or Self-Funded
Depending on your level of extras cover, your private health fund may provide rebates for physiotherapy. If no other funding pathway applies, we offer competitive rates for self-funded clients. Contact us for current pricing.
For a detailed breakdown of all available funding options, visit our funding and payment options page.
Who Qualifies for a GPCCMP Plan?
Any Australian with a Medicare card who has a chronic or complex medical condition may be eligible for a GPCCMP plan. Your GP makes the clinical decision about whether you qualify based on your individual health circumstances.
For aged care clients, the most common qualifying conditions include:
- Osteoarthritis and chronic joint conditions
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Post-stroke recovery and Parkinson's disease
- Diabetes with mobility issues
- COPD and heart failure
- Recurrent falls or high falls risk
- Post-surgical recovery (hip replacement, knee replacement)
Most older Australians with ongoing health conditions will qualify. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, speak to your GP - they can assess your situation and let you know whether a GPCCMP plan is appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many physio sessions does Medicare cover per year?
Medicare covers up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year under a GPCCMP (formerly Chronic Disease Management or EPC) plan. These 5 sessions are shared across all allied health services, so if you also see a dietitian or podiatrist, those count toward the same limit.
Do I need a referral from my GP to get Medicare physio?
Yes. To access Medicare-funded physiotherapy, your GP needs to create a GPCCMP (GP Chronic Conditions Management Plan) and write a referral to a physiotherapist. This is a standard process that your GP can complete during a regular appointment.
Can I get Medicare physiotherapy at home instead of a clinic?
Yes. Medicare rebates apply regardless of where the physiotherapy is delivered. You can receive your sessions at home, in an aged care facility, or at a clinic. The rebate amount is the same.
Content reviewed by Jovi Villanueva, AHPRA Registered Physiotherapist (PHY0001876394), Principal Physiotherapist at Wellworx Physio.
Last updated: March 2026
Want Help Setting Up Your Medicare Physiotherapy?
Call us and we can walk you through the process. We can also liaise with your GP if needed. No obligation.