At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide a range of allied health services that may be accessed through Medicare for eligible patients with a GP chronic condition management plan. We support children, adults and older adults with practical, goal-focused therapy aimed at improving function, mobility, independence, communication and participation in everyday life.

Depending on the person’s needs and referral, services at Palms may include:

• Physiotherapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Exercise Physiology

• Speech Pathology
  
  

Medicare benefits for allied health services are available only where the patient meets eligibility requirements and has been appropriately referred by their medical practitioner.

What is a GP chronic condition management plan?

A GP chronic condition management plan (GPCCMP) is a Medicare care plan prepared by a GP or prescribed medical practitioner for eligible patients with a chronic condition. It supports coordinated care and can allow referral to allied health and other primary health care professionals where appropriate. The old GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangement system was replaced by the GPCCMP from 1 July 2025.

Medicare states that eligible patients with a chronic condition may be referred to allied health professionals and can receive 5 individual services per calendar year across eligible allied health disciplines.

What services may be available at Palms?

Depending on the referral and your individual needs, we may be able to provide the following services under Medicare for eligible patients:

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may assist with mobility, rehabilitation, balance, strength, pain-related movement limitations, physical function and day-to-day activity.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may assist with self-care, daily routines, home function, fatigue management, equipment recommendations, and independence in everyday life.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may assist with structured exercise support for chronic conditions, rehabilitation, physical conditioning, endurance, strength and function.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology may assist with communication, speech, language, swallowing, voice and cognitive-communication concerns, depending on the person’s needs and referral.

Who may be eligible?

Eligibility for Medicare-funded allied health services depends on the criteria set by Medicare and the referring medical practitioner. In general, patients may be eligible if they have a chronic condition and their GP or prescribed medical practitioner determines that allied health referral is appropriate under a GP chronic condition management plan.

A chronic condition is generally one that has been present, or is likely to be present, for 6 months or longer.

Important note

Not every person with a chronic condition will automatically qualify for allied health services under Medicare, and not every therapy service will necessarily be suitable under this referral pathway. Eligibility, referral and claiming decisions depend on Medicare rules and the referring practitioner’s clinical judgment.

How many sessions can I access?

For eligible patients, Medicare generally allows up to 5 individual allied health services per calendar year across all eligible allied health disciplines combined under a GPCCMP referral. These 5 services are shared across disciplines, not 5 sessions per discipline.

For example, those 5 services might be used across physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and exercise physiology depending on the patient’s needs and referral plan.

How long is the referral valid?

Services Australia states that referrals under a GPCCMP are valid for the timeframe written on the referral. If no timeframe is stated, the referral is valid for 18 months from the first service date provided under that referral.

Clinic and mobile allied health services

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, appointments may be available:

• in clinic

• via mobile visits, where suitable and available

The most appropriate service format depends on the client’s presentation, therapy needs, therapist availability and location.

Clinic appointments

Clinic appointments may suit people who benefit from:

• a structured therapy setting

• access to equipment and therapy spaces

• a quieter, dedicated treatment environment
  
  

Mobile visits

Mobile visits may suit people who:

• have difficulty travelling

• benefit from therapy in their home environment

• require support linked to real-life daily function
  
  

Our approach

At Palms, we focus on function, participation and practical support. We aim to provide therapy that is relevant to real life, whether the goal is improving mobility, supporting independence, building physical capacity, improving communication, or making daily activities more manageable.

We also offer a multidisciplinary allied health team, which means clients may be able to access broader support across physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology and speech pathology where appropriate.

Medicare and allied health at Palms

If you have been referred under a GP chronic condition management plan, we can help you understand:

• which allied health service may be most relevant to your needs

• how Medicare sessions are typically used across disciplines

• whether clinic or mobile therapy may be the better fit

• what additional private services may be available if more therapy is needed beyond Medicare-funded sessions

It is important to note that Medicare rebates usually cover only part of the cost of allied health services unless a clinic chooses to bulk bill. Billing arrangements can vary between providers and services. Medicare sets the rebate rules, but individual practices determine their own fees. Medicare’s billing rules for chronic condition individual allied health items are published by Services Australia.

Looking for Medicare allied health services in Perth?

Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health provides physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology and speech pathology for eligible patients referred under a GP chronic condition management plan.

Contact our team to discuss appointment options, referral requirements, and whether clinic or mobile therapy may be suitable for your needs.