How Medicare funding works

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 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 may be bulk-billed depending on location — get in touch to confirm. A gap fee applies to subsequent sessions, which we'll walk you through when you get in touch.

What's involved

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
Who it's for

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.

Getting started

How to Access Medicare-Funded Exercise Physiology

  1. Book an appointment with your GP to discuss a Chronic Disease Management plan
  2. Your GP prepares a CDM plan and refers you to Exercare
  3. Contact Exercare to book your first mobile visit across south-east Melbourne
  4. 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).

Where we service

Medicare Exercise Physiology Across South-East Melbourne

We deliver Medicare-funded exercise physiology across south-east Melbourne including:

View all service areas →

FAQs

Medicare Exercise Physiology FAQs

Do I need a GP referral?

Yes. Medicare-funded exercise physiology requires a referral from your GP under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan.

How many sessions am I entitled to?

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.

Is bulk billing available?

Bulk billing may be available for your initial assessment, depending on location — get in touch and we'll confirm what's available for your suburb. A gap fee applies to subsequent sessions, which we'll outline during your first contact with us.

Can sessions happen at home?

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.

Ask your GP about a referral to Exercare

If you're managing a chronic condition, speak to your GP about a Chronic Disease Management plan, then contact Exercare to arrange your first mobile visit.