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.

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.

How Physiotherapy May Help

Our physiotherapists may assist NDIS participants with:

Mobility and Transfers

Support for walking, sit-to-stand transitions, bed mobility, transfers, and moving more safely and efficiently in different environments.

Strength and Physical Capacity

Individualised exercise and movement programs aimed at supporting strength, endurance, physical confidence and participation.

Balance and Falls Risk

Assessment and therapy targeting balance, coordination and movement safety, particularly where falls risk or reduced confidence is affecting day-to-day life.

Gross Motor Skills

For children and some adults, physiotherapy may assist with gross motor development, movement patterns, coordination and physical participation.

Equipment and Physical Function

Physiotherapists may also contribute to assessment and recommendations relating to mobility aids, physical function, and other supports where this sits within physiotherapy scope and clinical need.

How Physiotherapy may help

Physiotherapy focuses on movement, physical function and rehabilitation. Depending on the individual, physiotherapy may assist with:

• mobility and walking difficulties

• strength and physical conditioning

• balance and falls-related concerns

• pain-related movement limitations

• rehabilitation after injury, surgery or illness

• sports or activity-related injuries

• musculoskeletal concerns

• gross motor development

• physical function at home, work, school or in the community

Support is always tailored to the person’s goals, presentation and everyday needs.

Clinic-based Physiotherapy in Perth

Although this page is optimised for people searching for Physiotherapy in Perth, our main Physiotherapy clinic location is in Noranda and Malaga. Many clients from across Perth choose to attend our clinics for Physiotherapy because it offers a dedicated allied health environment with access to a broader therapy team and purpose-designed therapy spaces.

Clinic-based Physiotherapy may be a good option for clients who:

• prefer a structured therapy environment

• are able to travel to appointments

• a dedicated treatment environment

• access to rehabilitation equipment and therapy spaces

• regular face-to-face physiotherapy review

• benefit from regular review in clinic

• want access to a broader allied health service in one place
  
  

Mobile Physiotherapy across Perth

For some clients, mobile physiotherapy may also be available across Perth and nearby areas. Mobile physiotherapy can be especially useful when support is best delivered in the person’s own environment, including at home, in supported accommodation, or in the community.

Mobile physiotherapy may be especially helpful when:

• travelling to a clinic is difficult

• the person needs support in their usual environment

• home-based mobility or transfer assessment is needed

• therapy is more relevant in the person’s everyday setting

• family, carers or support workers would benefit from practical guidance at home

Service availability depends on therapist availability, travel area and the type of support required.

Our Mobile Therapy Services

FAQ

Can I get physiotherapy through Medicare?

Yes, if you are eligible and have a valid referral under a GP chronic condition management plan. Physiotherapy is covered under MBS item 10960 for eligible patients.

What is the Medicare item number for physiotherapy?

The Medicare item for physiotherapy under the chronic condition management allied health pathway is 10960.

How many Medicare physiotherapy sessions can I have?

Eligible patients can generally access up to 5 individual allied health services per calendar year under this pathway. These are shared across eligible allied health disciplines, not just physiotherapy.

Do I need a referral?

Yes. A valid referral from a GP or prescribed medical practitioner is required under a GP chronic condition management plan.

How long does a Medicare physiotherapy appointment need to be?

For item 10960, the MBS requires the service to be at least 20 minutes long.

Is this the same as EPC or CDM?

Those are older terms. The current Medicare term is GP chronic condition management plan, although some older GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements remain valid until 30 June 2027.

Will Medicare cover the full appointment fee?

Not always. Medicare provides a rebate for eligible services, but out-of-pocket costs may still apply depending on the clinic’s billing arrangements and the appointment type. The current Medicare benefit for item 10960 is $61.80.

Can children use Medicare physiotherapy?

Potentially, yes, if they meet eligibility requirements and have the correct referral. Eligibility is determined by the referring medical practitioner and Medicare rules.

Do you offer longer appointments than 20 minutes?

Yes. While the Medicare item requires a minimum of 20 minutes, longer appointments may be more suitable when a person needs more comprehensive assessment, treatment or support. Billing arrangements can vary depending on appointment length and clinic policy.

Do you provide Physiotherapy for people across Perth?

Yes. We support clients from across Perth through clinic-based physiotherapy at our Malaga and Noranda locations, and in some cases through mobile physiotherapy services where suitable.

Where are your Physiotherapy clinics located?

Our physiotherapy clinics are located in Malaga and Noranda. This page is designed for people across Perth who are looking for physiotherapy nearby and are willing to attend one of our clinics.

Can I have mobile Physiotherapy in Perth?

In some cases, yes. Mobile physiotherapy may be available across Perth depending on therapist availability, travel area and the type of support required.

What does a Physiotherapist help with?

Physiotherapists help people with mobility, rehabilitation, strength, balance, pain-related movement limitations, injury recovery and physical function in everyday life.

Do you work with children and adults?

Yes. We provide physiotherapy for children, adults and older adults depending on their needs and goals.

Do you offer other services as well?

Yes. In addition to physiotherapy, Palms also offers occupational therapy, exercise physiology and speech pathology.

Which clinic is best if I live in Perth?

That depends on your location and preference. Clients across Perth may choose either Malaga or Noranda, depending on convenience, appointment availability and the type of service they need.

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.