What is a Chronic Disease Management plan?

The Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, formerly known as Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan, is an arrangement that allows GP’s to co-ordinate the health care of patients with chronic medical conditions, taking a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach with other allied health care providers- including physiotherapy. Patients with chronic medical conditions who are being managed by a GP under a CDM plan, are eligible for Medicare rebates for physiotherapy and other allied health services on referral from their GP.

Who is eligible to access Physiotherapy through the CDM?

Patients who have a chronic medical condition, defined as one that has existed for six months or longer, are eligible at the clinical discretion of their GP.

There is no list of all possible eligible medical conditions, however common chronic conditions managed under the CDM may include diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders and cancer.

How can I access Physiotherapy through the CDM?

If you believe you have a chronic medical condition that may benefit from physiotherapy, you should discuss your eligibility with your GP. Should they agree, they will prepare the appropriate plan, and a referral to your chosen physiotherapist, or their recommended physiotherapist in the event you do not have one.  

How many Physiotherapy consultations can I access through the CDM?

Under the CDM, you will be eligible for up to 5 consultations across all allied health providers in one calendar. Your GP may allocate the 5 consultations to one allied health provider, or spread them across multiple providers e.g. 4 physiotherapy and 1 exercise physiology.

What is the out-of-pocket expense for accessing Physiotherapy through the CDM?

This depends upon whether the allied health provider is willing to accept the Medicare benefit as full payment for their service.

At Wanneroo Physiotherapy, we waive the gap payment so that there is no out-of-pocket expense to patients on a CDM plan. Once we have received the appropriate paperwork from your GP we will claim the rebate for each visit online- all you need to do is sign a form each visit!

For any further information, visit the following link to access a patient information sheet:

Medicare CDM Patient Info Sheet