Physiotherapy doesn't have to be expensive. If you have a chronic health condition, you may be eligible for bulk-billed Medicare physiotherapy with zero out-of-pocket cost. Better Physiotherapy Bundoora is one of the few clinics in the northern suburbs that bulk bills eligible EPC patients with no gap fee.
What Is Bulk Billing for Physiotherapy?
Bulk billing means we bill Medicare directly for your physiotherapy sessions and you pay nothing. There is no gap fee, no upfront cost, and nothing to claim back. Your only requirement is a valid Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) referral from your GP.
How to Access Bulk Billed Physiotherapy — Step by Step
- Book an appointment with your GP and tell them you have a chronic condition (back pain, knee pain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, COPD, osteoarthritis, neurological condition, or any other chronic health issue).
- Ask your GP if you are eligible for a GP Management Plan (GPMP) or Team Care Arrangement (TCA). These are the referral documents that unlock Medicare-funded allied health sessions. Your GP determines eligibility.
- Your GP prepares the referral and nominates up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year. These can all be used for physiotherapy, or shared across different allied health services.
- Bring the referral to your first physiotherapy appointment at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora. We bulk bill directly — you pay nothing.
What Conditions Qualify?
Any chronic condition that has been present for 6 months or more and would benefit from physiotherapy. Common qualifying conditions include:
- Chronic lower back pain
- Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, spine)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- COPD or asthma
- Osteoporosis
- Chronic pain conditions
- Neurological conditions (Parkinson's, stroke, MS)
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
This list is not exhaustive — ask your GP. The threshold is lower than many people expect.
Other Ways to Fund Your Physiotherapy
If you don't qualify for an EPC referral, or need more than 5 sessions per year, other funding options include:
- Private health insurance extras — most policies cover $25–$70 per session. HICAPS claiming available on-the-spot.
- NDIS — physiotherapy is funded under Capacity Building for eligible participants. See our NDIS page.
- WorkCover — fully covered for accepted work injury claims. See our WorkCover guide.
- TAC — covered for injuries from motor vehicle accidents in Victoria.
- DVA — covered for eligible veterans with Gold or White cards.
- My Aged Care — covered through Home Care Packages for eligible older Australians.
Why Bulk Billing Matters
We believe financial barriers should not prevent people from accessing physiotherapy. Many of the patients who would benefit most from physio — older Australians with chronic conditions, people on lower incomes, those managing long-term pain — are also those most likely to delay or skip treatment due to cost. Our no-gap EPC bulk billing policy means these patients can access the same evidence-based care as private patients at no cost to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a physio at all?
No — you can book directly without any referral. A referral is only needed if you want to access Medicare bulk billing.
My GP said I might not qualify for an EPC. What are my other options?
Private health insurance extras cover physiotherapy and can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost. NDIS, WorkCover, TAC, and DVA funding all cover physiotherapy for eligible patients at no cost. We can help you identify which pathway applies to your situation.
How do I know if I have chronic condition management plan already?
Ask your GP at your next appointment whether you have an active GPMP or TCA. If you don't, you can ask whether you are eligible for one. Your GP makes this decision based on your health conditions.
Will I receive the same quality of treatment with bulk billing as a private paying patient?
Absolutely. At Better Physiotherapy Bundoora, every patient receives the same thorough, evidence-based assessment and treatment regardless of how they are funding their care.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora