Your Guide to Coverage and Eligibility
If you’re looking to see a chiropractor but are concerned about the cost, you may wonder if Medicare can help. This page explains how Medicare rebates work for chiropractic services. This article will help you know how you can take advantage of them.
Medicare is Australia’s public health insurance system. It helps cover the cost of many healthcare services. Medicare does not cover treatment for everyone. There are some cases where you can get a rebate for these services. Knowing how this works can help you save on out-of-pocket expenses.
General Coverage: Normally, Medicare does not cover the cost of chiropractic services. There are exceptions through the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan.
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan: This plan is for those with chronic or complex health condition. If you suffer from these issues, you might be eligible for a CDM Plan. This plan is designed to help manage long-term conditions. If your GP creates a CDM Plan for you, it may include rebates for chiropractic care.
Chronic Conditions: To qualify for a CDM Plan, you need to have a long-term health condition. This may include conditions like chronic back pain, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal problems. Your GP will decide if your condition qualifies.
Referral Requirement: You need a referral from your GP to be eligible for the Medicare rebate. Your GP will assess your condition and, if suitable, refer you for chiropractic services under a CDM Plan.
Claim Process:
1. Visit your GP to discuss your condition. If eligible, your GP will create a CDM Plan and refer you to a chiropractor.
2. Book an appointment with the chiropractor and inform them about your CDM Plan.
3. After your chiropractic session, you can claim the rebate from Medicare. The clinic might assist you with this process.
Direct Billing: Some clinics offer direct billing, where they charge Medicare directly. In this case, you only pay the gap fee at the time of your appointment.
Can I claim a rebate without a referral? No, you need a referral from your GP and a CDM Plan to claim Medicare rebates for chiropractic services.
How do I know if I qualify for a CDM Plan? If you have a long-term health condition that requires ongoing care, speak to your GP. They will assess your condition and determine if a CDM Plan is appropriate for you.
How many chiropractic sessions are covered under Medicare? Medicare covers up to five allied health services per year, which may include chiropractic sessions.
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand our services.
Exercise physiologists support clients with diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, obesity, mental health challenges, chronic pain, and injury recovery.
No referral is needed for private sessions. For Medicare coverage under a Chronic Disease Management Plan, your GP will need to provide a referral.
Yes. Eligible clients can claim rebates through Medicare and most private health insurers for accredited services.
Physiotherapists focus on diagnosing and treating acute injuries. Exercise physiologists specialise in long-term health improvement through structured exercise, especially for chronic conditions
Initial consultations are 45–60 minutes. Follow-up sessions generally range from 30–45 minutes depending on your needs.
Our clinic is conveniently located in Ferny Hills, with easy access from surrounding suburbs