Whether you need a referral depends on how you’re paying for your sessions. You don’t need a referral to see us privately, through private health insurance or with self-managed or plan-managed NDIS funding. Medicare and DVA need a GP referral, and WorkCover and other insurance need approval from your claims manager or insurer.
| How you’re paying | Do you need a referral? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Self-funded | No | Book directly with us. |
| Private health insurance | No | Most private health funds include Exercise Physiology under extras cover. Check with your fund to see if you’re eligible for rebates. |
| Medicare | Yes, a GP referral letter | Under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan. Up to five Medicare-subsidised allied health sessions per calendar year, shared across all allied health services. Exercise physiology is bulk billed, with no gap. |
| DVA | Yes, a GP referral | DVA Veteran Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral. White Card holders are covered for accepted conditions only. |
| WorkCover (ReturnToWorkSA) | Approval from your claims manager | We see workers with a ReturnToWorkSA claim and invoice your claims agent or self-insured employer once treatment is approved. |
| CTP, Lifetime Support Scheme and other insurance | Approval from your insurer or case manager | We’ll liaise with your insurer or case manager. |
| NDIS | No | We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. You’ll need funding in your plan for the support. |
Self-funded and private health insurance
You can book directly with us without a referral. If you have private health extras cover, check with your fund about rebates for Exercise Physiology, Occupational Therapy or Speech Pathology. You can’t claim Medicare and private health for the same session.
Medicare (GP Chronic Condition Management Plan)
If you have a chronic condition, your GP can prepare a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and write you a referral letter. You may be entitled to up to five Medicare-subsidised sessions per calendar year, shared across all eligible allied health services (up to 10 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). Exercise physiology under the plan is bulk billed, with no gap. For occupational therapy and speech pathology, please call us about fees. More about Medicare exercise physiology.
DVA
We welcome DVA clients, DVA Veteran Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral. The Veteran Gold Card covers clinically necessary treatment for all conditions, and the Veteran White Card covers your accepted conditions. A referral lasts for up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever comes first. More about allied health for veterans.
WorkCover (ReturnToWorkSA)
If you’ve been injured at work in South Australia, you can choose your own provider. We check with your claims manager or self-insured employer that treatment is approved before you start, then invoice your claims agent (EML or Gallagher Bassett) or self-insured employer in line with the ReturnToWorkSA fee schedules. More about WorkCover rehabilitation.
CTP, Lifetime Support Scheme and other insurance
If you’re recovering from a motor vehicle injury or hold income protection or personal injury insurance, you may be eligible for funded services. We can assist with documentation and liaise with your insurer or case manager.
NDIS
You don’t need a referral for NDIS-funded therapy, but you’ll need funding in your plan, usually under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. More about NDIS.
What to bring to your first appointment
- Your referral or approval details, if you have them (GP letter, D904, claim number or NDIS plan)
- Your Medicare card, DVA Veteran Card or private health card
- A list of your medications
- Comfortable clothes and enclosed shoes (and swimwear and a towel for hydrotherapy)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see an exercise physiologist?
Not if you’re paying privately, using private health insurance or using self-managed or plan-managed NDIS funding. You need a GP referral for Medicare and DVA, and approval from your claims manager or insurer for WorkCover, CTP and other insurance.
Can I use Medicare for exercise physiology?
Yes, if your GP has prepared a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and referred you. Exercise physiology under the plan is bulk billed, with no gap, for up to five allied health sessions per calendar year.
How do I use my DVA card for exercise physiology?
DVA Veteran Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral. Ask your GP for a referral, usually on a D904 form, then contact us to book.
Does WorkCover pay for exercise physiology?
Exercise physiology can be paid for under your ReturnToWorkSA claim when your claim has been accepted and treatment is approved by your claims manager or self-insured employer. We can check this for you.
Does private health cover exercise physiology, OT or speech pathology?
Most private health funds include these services under extras cover, depending on your level of cover. Check with your fund to see if you’re eligible for rebates.
Do I need a referral for NDIS therapy?
No. You need funding in your NDIS plan for the support. We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.
Still not sure?
Call us on 0493 278 487 and we’ll help you work out what applies to you. Referring a client? Use our referral form.
We don’t provide physiotherapy or psychology. We’re happy to work alongside your physiotherapist, psychologist and GP.
Contact us
Adelaide Wellbeing Society
9a/1700 Main North Road, Salisbury Plain SA 5109
Phone: 0493 278 487
Email: admin@wellbeingsociety.com.au
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm