Exercise Physiology Under a Chronic Disease Management Plan
Medicare has recognised exercise physiology as an eligible allied health service since 2006. If you're managing a chronic condition — such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, chronic pain or a musculoskeletal condition — your GP can refer you to an accredited exercise physiologist under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, formerly known as an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan.
Exercare provides mobile Medicare-funded sessions across south-east and eastern Melbourne, so you're seen at home, at a local gym, in the hydrotherapy pool or via telehealth — whichever suits your condition and circumstances best.
Current Medicare rebate: the exercise physiology benefit under a CDM plan is $63.40 per session (July 2026 schedule). Your initial assessment is bulk-billed, with a travel fee if you live more than about 15 minutes from our Dandenong North base. A gap fee applies to subsequent sessions, which we'll walk you through when you get in touch.
What a Medicare-Funded Program Includes
- Initial assessment against your GP's referral and management plan
- A tailored, evidence-based exercise program for your condition
- Progress reporting back to your referring GP
- Education on managing your condition through movement
- Liaison with your GP and other treating practitioners where needed
Conditions Commonly Managed Under a CDM Plan
Chronic pain & musculoskeletal conditions
Ongoing back, joint or muscle pain that benefits from a structured, supervised exercise program.
Cardiovascular disease
Heart disease, hypertension and related conditions managed through graded cardiovascular exercise.
Type 2 diabetes
Exercise as a core part of blood glucose management, alongside your GP's broader care plan.
Osteoporosis & falls risk
Bone-loading and balance programs to reduce fracture and falls risk in older adults.
How to Access Medicare-Funded Exercise Physiology
- Book an appointment with your GP to discuss a Chronic Disease Management plan
- Your GP prepares a CDM plan and refers you to Exercare
- Contact Exercare to book your first mobile visit across south-east and eastern Melbourne
- We provide progress reports back to your GP as your program continues
Up to 5 allied health services are available per calendar year under a CDM plan, shared across any allied health professionals you see (physiotherapy, podiatry, dietetics, exercise physiology, etc).
Medicare Exercise Physiology Across South-East Melbourne
We deliver Medicare-funded exercise physiology across south-east and eastern Melbourne including:
Medicare Exercise Physiology FAQs
Yes. Medicare-funded exercise physiology requires a referral from your GP under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan.
Up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year under a CDM plan. This total is shared across all allied health professionals you see, not exclusive to exercise physiology.
Your initial assessment is bulk-billed. If you live more than about 15 minutes from our Dandenong North base, a travel fee applies. Get in touch and we'll confirm it for your suburb. A gap fee applies to subsequent sessions, which we'll outline during your first contact with us.
Yes. Exercare is a fully mobile service — we can see you at home, at a local gym, in the hydrotherapy pool or via telehealth depending on what suits your condition.