Chiropractic Medicare Services
Bulk Billing Chiropractor Newcastle
Medicare Chiropractic Care for Eligible Patients
Looking for a bulk billing chiropractor in Newcastle? At Family Life Chiropractic in Hamilton South, eligible patients can access Medicare-subsidised chiropractic care through a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP), previously known as a CDM or EPC plan.
We understand that managing chronic pain and ongoing musculoskeletal conditions can be challenging. Our aim is to make accessing chiropractic care easier, with no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients at their initial Medicare consultation and convenient on-the-spot Medicare claiming.
Located in Hamilton South, we’ve been providing chiropractic care to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie families for over 20 years. Our experienced Newcastle chiropractors provide personalised assessment, treatment and practical advice to help patients manage musculoskeletal discomfort, improve movement and stay active in everyday life.
We process Medicare claims on the spot, with no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients at their initial consultation and a $22 gap payment for subsequent visits.
How Does Medicare Chiropractic Care Work?
Medicare provides rebates for eligible allied health services, including chiropractic treatment, when referred by a GP under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP).
Previously known as CDM or EPC arrangements, these plans help people with chronic health conditions access coordinated care from healthcare professionals.
If your GP determines that chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition, they may provide a referral to an eligible chiropractor.
Under the program:
- Eligible patients can access up to five Medicare-subsidised individual allied health services per calendar year.
- Your GP determines eligibility and the appropriate referral arrangements.
- Medicare contributes towards the cost of eligible appointments.
At Family Life Chiropractic, we work with local GPs to provide coordinated chiropractic care for patients managing ongoing musculoskeletal concerns.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Chiropractic Care?
You may be eligible for Medicare-subsidised chiropractic treatment if you have a chronic medical condition that has been, or is likely to be, present for at least six months.
Your GP will assess your individual circumstances and determine whether a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and chiropractic referral are appropriate.
Musculoskeletal concerns that may be relevant to a patient’s broader chronic condition management include:
- Chronic lower back pain
- Persistent neck pain and stiffness
- Osteoarthritis and joint discomfort
- Sciatica and nerve-related symptoms
- Disc-related back and neck pain
- Scoliosis-related musculoskeletal concerns
- Persistent movement restrictions
- Other chronic musculoskeletal conditions
Having one of these conditions does not automatically qualify you for Medicare-funded chiropractic care. Eligibility and referral decisions are made by your GP.
How to Access Bulk Billing Chiropractic in Newcastle
Getting started involves three simple steps.
1. Speak With Your GP
If you’re managing a chronic condition, discuss whether a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and referral for chiropractic care may be appropriate.
2. Obtain Your Chiropractic Referral
If eligible, your GP can provide a referral for Medicare-subsidised chiropractic services under the relevant arrangements.
3. Book With Family Life Chiropractic
Contact our Hamilton South clinic to arrange your appointment and let our team know you have a Medicare referral.
We’ll explain our fees, check the relevant referral details and assist with Medicare claiming at your appointment.
Already have a GP referral? Contact our team to book your chiropractic consultation.
Where clinically appropriate, our chiropractors can refer patients for bulk-billed spinal X-rays through external imaging providers, with no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients.
Medicare Chiropractic Rebates & Fees
Initial Chiropractic Consultation – No Gap Fee
$0 out-of-pocket for eligible Medicare-referred patients.
Your initial consultation is bulk billed, provided you meet the relevant Medicare requirements and have a valid referral.
Your chiropractor will discuss your health history, assess your musculoskeletal concerns and explain suitable treatment options. Treatment may be provided where clinically appropriate.
Standard Chiropractic Appointments
Subsequent standard appointments attract an out-of-pocket fee of approximately $20 after the applicable Medicare rebate.
Our team processes eligible Medicare claims on the spot, helping make the payment process straightforward.
Medicare eligibility, available services and rebate amounts are subject to current program requirements. Please confirm applicable fees with our team when booking.
Medicare Chiropractic Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients
Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients may access up to 10 Medicare-subsidised follow-up allied health services per calendar year, including chiropractic care, under the relevant Medicare arrangements.
These services may be available following an appropriate GP referral associated with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessment or eligible chronic condition management arrangements.
The annual allocation is shared across eligible allied health services, and your GP will determine the appropriate referral pathway.
Our team is happy to assist with referral enquiries and explain the chiropractic services available at our Newcastle clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bulk Billing Chiropractic
Can you bulk bill a chiropractor through Medicare?
Yes. Eligible patients can access bulk-billed chiropractic appointments through Medicare when they have an appropriate GP referral under a Chronic Condition Management Plan. At Family Life Chiropractic in Newcastle, we bulk bill the initial consultation for eligible referred patients, with a $22 gap fee for subsequent visits.
How much does a bulk billing chiropractor cost in Newcastle?
At Family Life Chiropractic, eligible Medicare-referred patients pay $0 for their initial chiropractic consultation, while standard follow-up appointments have a $22 out-of-pocket gap fee after the Medicare rebate. We process Medicare claims on the spot.
What is a Medicare CDM or EPC referral for chiropractic care?
A CDM or EPC referral is an older term commonly used for Medicare-supported allied health care. The current arrangement is called a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP). Eligible patients can receive a GP referral for chiropractic treatment as part of managing a chronic health condition.
Who is eligible for Medicare-funded chiropractic care?
Patients with a chronic medical condition lasting, or expected to last, at least six months may be eligible for Medicare-subsidised chiropractic care. Your GP determines whether a Chronic Condition Management Plan and chiropractic referral are appropriate for your individual healthcare needs.
How many chiropractic visits does Medicare cover each year?
Eligible patients can access up to five Medicare-subsidised individual allied health services per calendar year, including chiropractic appointments. These visits are shared across eligible allied health professions, so the number available for chiropractic care depends on your other allied health services and GP referral arrangements.
Do I need a GP referral to see a bulk billing chiropractor?
Yes. To access Medicare-subsidised chiropractic care under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, you need an appropriate GP referral. You can still book a private chiropractic appointment without a GP referral, but the Medicare chronic condition rebate will not apply.
Can Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients receive 10 Medicare chiropractic visits?
Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients may access up to 10 Medicare-subsidised individual allied health services per calendar year, including chiropractic care, through the relevant GP referral arrangements. The 10 services are shared across eligible allied health professions.