Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist in Australia?
Short answer: No — you can book directly. But you need a GP care-plan referral to claim a Medicare rebate (up to 5 subsidised visits a year).
You don't need a referral to see a physiotherapist in Australia — you can book an appointment directly. Common reasons include back and neck pain, sports injuries and post-surgery rehabilitation. The reason to get a referral is Medicare: without one you pay the full private fee.
To receive a Medicare rebate on physiotherapist visits, you need a referral under a GP-managed care plan. A Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan — previously called an EPC plan — covers up to 5 subsidised allied-health visits per calendar year for eligible patients with a chronic or ongoing condition, shared across all your allied-health providers.
Request a care-plan referral online
Have a short telehealth consult with a GP, and if you're eligible your care plan and referral are issued so your physiotherapist visits can be rebated by Medicare.
Need this referral? Get it online.
Request online, have a short telehealth consult with an AHPRA-registered GP, and get your referral where clinically appropriate — Australia-wide, bulk billing available.
Get a Referral →General information only, current for Australia and not a substitute for personal medical advice. Medicare rules and eligibility can change — your GP will confirm what applies to you.