At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide clinic-based physiotherapy services in Perth for eligible clients referred under a GP chronic condition management plan. Our physiotherapists support children, adults and older adults with practical, individualised care aimed at improving mobility, physical function, strength, balance and participation in everyday life.

Physiotherapy may be relevant for people experiencing:

• mobility and walking difficulties

• rehabilitation needs after illness, injury or reduced activity

• balance concerns

• strength and physical capacity issues

• pain-related movement limitations

• difficulty managing everyday physical tasks

Our approach is focused on function, real-life goals and care that is tailored to the individual.

Can physiotherapy be accessed through Medicare?

Yes — for eligible patients, physiotherapy services may be accessed through Medicare when a valid referral is provided under a GP chronic condition management plan. The current MBS item for physiotherapy under this pathway is 10960. The MBS states that the patient must have a chronic condition and complex care needs, the service must be recommended in the patient’s plan, and the appointment must be at least 20 minutes in duration.

Medicare benefits are only available where the patient meets eligibility requirements and has a valid referral from their GP or prescribed medical practitioner.

What is a GP chronic condition management plan?

A GP chronic condition management plan (GPCCMP) is the current Medicare care plan pathway for eligible patients with a chronic condition. It allows a GP or prescribed medical practitioner to coordinate care and refer the patient to allied health services where appropriate. The old GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangement system was replaced from 1 July 2025, although older plans written before that date can still be used until 30 June 2027.

How physiotherapy may help

Mobility and walking

Physiotherapy may assist people who are having difficulty with walking, changing positions, stairs, transfers, or moving safely and confidently in the home or community.

Strength and physical function

Physiotherapy may help support strength, endurance, coordination and physical capacity where these are affecting day-to-day activities.

Balance and falls-related concerns

For some people, physiotherapy may be useful where balance, steadiness or movement confidence are affecting safety and independence.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Physiotherapy may be relevant for people recovering from illness, injury, surgery, hospitalisation or a period of reduced activity, where movement and function have been affected.

Pain-related movement difficulties

Physiotherapy may also help where pain or musculoskeletal issues are limiting movement, mobility or participation in daily life.

Clinic-based Medicare physiotherapy

This page is for clinic-based Medicare physiotherapy. Clinic appointments may suit people who:

• prefer a dedicated treatment setting

• benefit from access to exercise equipment or therapy spaces

• want supervised support in a structured environment

• are attending for rehabilitation, strength, balance or mobility-focused treatment

Clinic-based physiotherapy can also make it easier to coordinate support with other allied health services where needed.

Who may be eligible?

Eligibility depends on Medicare rules and the referring medical practitioner’s clinical judgment. The MBS states that the patient must have:

• a chronic condition and complex care needs

• a current GP chronic condition management plan prepared or reviewed in the last 18 months, or an eligible older plan during the transition period

• a referral for physiotherapy as part of the management of that chronic condition.

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

How many Medicare physiotherapy sessions can I get?

Medicare allows a maximum of 5 individual allied health services per calendar year under this pathway. These sessions are shared across eligible allied health disciplines, not 5 physiotherapy sessions specifically. That means your total 5 sessions may be split across services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology and speech pathology, depending on your referral and needs.

Session length and billing

Under the MBS rules, a physiotherapy service billed under item 10960 must be at least 20 minutes in duration. The current MBS schedule fee for item 10960 is $72.65, with a Medicare benefit of $61.80.

Please note: Eligible clients may access 20-minute Medicare physiotherapy consultations by request during selected clinic hours. Longer appointments are also available where more comprehensive assessment, treatment or support is needed. Medicare rebates are subject to eligibility, referral and item requirements, and out-of-pocket costs may apply depending on appointment length and billing arrangements.

Payment is required in full on the day of service for all Medicare appointments. We process your Medicare claim immediately after your appointment, and your rebate is typically returned by Medicare later that day, depending on Medicare processing times.

Our approach

At Palms, we focus on practical, individualised physiotherapy support. That means treatment is built around what matters most in everyday life, whether that is:

• walking more confidently

• improving strength or balance

• returning to everyday activities

• managing physical limitations more effectively

• improving comfort and movement in day-to-day tasks

We also work as part of a broader allied health team, so where appropriate, clients may be able to access coordinated support across physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology and speech pathology.

Looking for Medicare physiotherapy in Perth?

Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health provides clinic-based physiotherapy services for eligible clients referred under a GP chronic condition management plan.

Contact our team to discuss referrals, appointment options, and whether physiotherapy may be suitable for your needs.