Is Chiropractic Treatment Covered by Medicare in Australia?
If you have ever wondered whether you can claim chiropractic care through Medicare, you are not alone. Many Australians are unsure how Medicare works when it comes to allied health services like chiropractic.
Here is everything you need to know in simple terms.
Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic?
Yes, but only in certain circumstances.
Medicare does not automatically cover chiropractic visits for everyone. However, if your General Practitioner (GP) believes that you have a chronic or ongoing condition, they may create a GP Chronic Care Management Plan (GPCCMP).
This plan was previously called a Chronic Disease Management plan or Enhanced Primary Care plan. It allows you to access up to five subsidised visits each year to allied health providers such as chiropractors, physiotherapists, or podiatrists.
Why the GPCCMP Exists
The GPCCMP is designed as a trial to see if chiropractic care can help you manage your condition.
Your GP will use those initial visits to see whether you respond well and if it is improving your overall wellbeing. This helps ensure that the care you are receiving is effective, appropriate, and beneficial for your health.
How It Works
Start with your GP
Your GP will assess your condition to decide whether it is chronic or complex, meaning it has lasted for six months or more.
Get your GPCCMP referral
If your GP believes chiropractic may help, they can include it as part of your plan and refer you to a clinic of your choice.
Book your chiropractic visits
You can then book your appointments at a clinic such as Wellbeing Chiropractic, which can process Medicare claims directly.
Track your progress
After your initial visits, your GP will review how you are responding to care and decide whether to continue chiropractic as part of your long-term health plan.
What Conditions Are Commonly Eligible?
To qualify for a GPCCMP, your condition generally needs to have been present for six months or longer. Common examples include:
Ongoing lower back or neck pain
Arthritis or spinal degeneration
Chronic tension headaches or migraines
Long-term postural strain or work-related discomfort
Musculoskeletal issues that need ongoing management
Your GP will decide whether chiropractic is suitable for your specific case.
What About Private Health?
You cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same visit. However, once you have used your GPCCMP visits for the year, you can continue your care using your private health extras cover.
This helps keep your care consistent without large out-of-pocket costs.
How Wellbeing Chiropractic Can Help
At Wellbeing Chiropractic, we regularly support patients who are referred under GPCCMP plans. Our friendly team can:
Help you organise your referral paperwork
Process Medicare claims on the spot
Work alongside your GP to keep your care plan on track
Tailor your chiropractic care to your goals and lifestyle
Our aim is to make the process simple and to help you feel better, move better, and live better.
In Summary
Chiropractic care can be covered by Medicare, but only if you have a GPCCMP referral.
The program is designed as a trial to see whether chiropractic care is helping your condition.
After your initial visits, your GP will review your results and may recommend ongoing care.
Want to know if you are eligible for a GPCCMP referral?
Book an appointment or contact your nearest Wellbeing Chiropractic clinic today. We can help you understand the process and start feeling your best.
