Is osteopathy covered by Medicare?

At Movement Matters Osteopathy, many of our patients on the Gold Coast often ask if osteopathy is covered by Medicare. As a Gold Coast osteopath, Dr. James Morgan (Osteopath) provides holistic care for a range of musculoskeletal conditions, and understanding how you can claim your treatments through Medicare is essential

In Australia, osteopathy is partially covered by Medicare, but only under specific circumstances. You can access Medicare rebates for osteopathic treatment if you’re on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, also known as an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan. This plan is provided by your General Practitioner (GP) and is intended for patients with chronic medical conditions who need ongoing treatment from allied health professionals, like Dr. James Morgan (Osteopath) at Movement Matters Osteopathy.

A chronic condition is defined as one that has been or is likely to persist for at least six months. Common conditions we treat at Movement Matters Osteopathy that may qualify for a CDM plan include:

• Lower back pain
• Sciatica
• Joint and muscle pain
• Arthritis
• Headaches and migraines
• Postural issues

As a Gold Coast osteopath, Dr. James Morgan tailors treatments to each patient’s specific needs, whether they’re dealing with chronic pain, restricted movement, or other musculoskeletal issues. Your GP will assess your condition and determine whether you qualify for the CDM plan. 

Once you’re placed on a Chronic Disease Management plan, Medicare will cover a portion of the cost of up to five allied health treatments per year. These sessions can be shared between different allied health services, such as osteopathy, physiotherapy, or podiatry. At Movement Matters Osteopathy, Dr. James Morgan ensures that every treatment is aligned with your health goals, optimising your wellbeing and mobility.

The Medicare rebate under the “Medicare Benefits Schedule” for osteopathy is currently set at $60.35 (as at July 2024) per session. However, patients are responsible for any gap payment between the cost of the session and the rebate. Our team can assist you in managing this and ensure you’re clear on what’s covered. View our pricing here.

If you believe you have a chronic condition that could benefit from osteopathy, book an appointment with your GP. Once your GP includes you in a chronic disease management plan, the document will be automatically sent to us. You can then book your osteopathic sessions with Dr. James Morgan at Movement Matters Osteopathy on the Gold Coast. Our team is happy to work with your doctor to provide a treatment plan that aligns with your health needs. 

In addition to Medicare rebates for eligible patients, most private health insurance policies offer rebates for osteopathic treatments. If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you may be able to claim part of your treatment costs through your fund. Many of our patients at Movement Matters Osteopathy use a combination of Medicare rebates and private health insurance to manage their healthcare costs effectively.

While osteopathy is not fully covered by Medicare for everyone, those on a Chronic Disease Management plan can access subsidised osteopathic treatments. Dr. James Morgan (Osteopath) at Movement Matters Osteopathy on the Gold Coast is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our patients through expert osteopathic care.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for Medicare-covered osteopathy, contact us today at Movement Matters Osteopathy. We can guide you through the process and provide comprehensive osteopathic treatments to help manage your pain and improve your quality of life.