Did you know that Medicare can cover up to 85% of the cost for five exercise physiology sessions? 

Here in Australia, the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan—also known as a Team Care Arrangement (TCA)—is a fantastic government initiative designed to offer coordinated care for people with chronic or complex health conditions. Here’s how it works for exercise physiology services:

1. Referral Requirement: To take advantage of this benefit, you’ll need a referral from your General Practitioner (GP). Your GP will evaluate your condition and determine if exercise physiology could help in managing your health.

2. Access to Allied Health Services: With an EPC/TCA, you can receive up to five Medicare-subsidised sessions each calendar year with certain allied health professionals, including exercise physiologists. This subsidy helps reduce the cost of these sessions.

3. Chronic Health Conditions: The EPC/TCA is designed for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, or other long-term health issues that can benefit from structured exercise programs.

4. Holistic Care Approach: This plan aims to provide a comprehensive care approach by integrating services from various health professionals, including your GP and allied health providers like exercise physiologists. This coordinated care helps ensure all your health needs are met.

5. Benefits: Participating in an EPC/TCA allows you to receive personalized exercise programs tailored to your specific health goals and conditions. Exercise physiologists can help you improve your fitness, manage symptoms, prevent complications, and boost your overall well-being through structured physical activity.

To get started, simply discuss your interest in using an EPC/TCA for exercise physiology services with your GP. They’ll assess your eligibility based on your health needs and can help initiate the referral process if it’s right for you. This initiative is here to make allied health services more accessible and affordable for managing chronic health conditions effectively.

As Exercise Physiologists, we’re here to create personalised exercise programs just for you! We start by getting to know your physical abilities, medical history, and health goals through a thorough assessment. With this information, we design a workout plan tailored to your needs, helping you improve your condition, manage any symptoms, and boost your overall well-being. And don’t worry, we’ll be with you every step of the way, offering support and making adjustments to keep your program effective and safe.