Medicare Chronic Condition Management Plans (EPC)

Chiropractic and Dietetics at Epoch Health

If you are living with a chronic or ongoing health condition, your GP may refer you to an Epoch Health chiropractor or dietitian under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

These referrals were previously known as Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans, Chronic Disease Management Plans or Team Care Arrangements. Although “EPC” is still commonly used, the current name is a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

What is a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan?

A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan helps eligible patients access Medicare rebates for services provided by participating allied health professionals.

Eligible patients may access up to five individual allied health services per calendar year. These services are shared across all allied health professions included in your plan—they are not five visits for each profession.

For example, your five services may be divided between chiropractic, dietetics, physiotherapy, podiatry or another eligible allied health service, depending on your individual healthcare needs.

Your GP will determine whether you are eligible and which allied health services are appropriate for your condition.

Chiropractic under an EPC referral

Our chiropractors can assist with the assessment and management of a range of ongoing musculoskeletal concerns, including:

• Persistent neck or back pain

• Joint and muscle pain

• Reduced mobility or physical function

• Osteoarthritis-related symptoms

• Recurring pain or injuries

• Ongoing conditions affecting movement and daily activities

Your chiropractor will complete an assessment and develop an individual management plan based on your condition, goals and GP referral.

Dietetics under an EPC referral

Our dietitians provide practical, evidence-based nutrition support for a range of chronic health conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure

• Weight-management concerns

• Gastrointestinal and digestive conditions

• Cardiovascular disease

• Food intolerances

• Other ongoing health conditions affected by nutrition

Your dietitian will work with you to develop realistic and sustainable strategies suited to your health, lifestyle and personal needs.

Does Epoch Health bulk bill EPC appointments?

No. Epoch Health does not bulk bill chiropractic or dietetics appointments.

You will be required to pay the full consultation fee on the day of your appointment. If you have a valid referral and meet Medicare’s requirements, you can then claim the applicable Medicare rebate.

This means there will be an out-of-pocket gap payment between the consultation fee and the Medicare rebate.

Where available, we can process your Medicare claim after payment so the rebate can be deposited into your Medicare-registered bank account. Medicare rebates and eligibility requirements may change, so please confirm the current rebate with Medicare or our reception team.

What should I bring?

Please bring:

• Your valid GP referral

• Your Medicare card

• Any relevant scans, test results or medical reports

• A list of current medications, if relevant

• Any other information requested by your practitioner

Please send your referral to us before your appointment where possible. A valid referral must be in place for you to claim a Medicare rebate.

How do I obtain a referral?

Book an appointment with your GP to discuss whether a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan is appropriate for you. Eligibility is determined by your GP based on your health condition and care needs.

Once your GP has provided the referral, contact Epoch Health to book with one of our chiropractors or dietitians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book without an EPC referral?

Yes. You do not need a GP referral to see a chiropractor or dietitian privately. However, without a valid referral, you will not be able to claim the Chronic Condition Management Medicare rebate.

Does an EPC referral make my appointment free?

No. An EPC referral provides access to a Medicare rebate but does not necessarily cover the full appointment fee. As Epoch Health does not bulk bill, you must pay the full consultation fee and will have an out-of-pocket gap.

Do I receive five chiropractic visits and five dietitian visits?

No. Eligible patients can access up to five individual allied health services in total per calendar year. These visits are shared across all eligible allied health professions.

Can I use private health insurance as well?

You generally cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same appointment. Our reception team can help you understand the payment process, but you should confirm your individual cover with your health fund.

Can I choose Epoch Health as my provider?

You can ask your GP to address your referral to the relevant chiropractor or dietitian at Epoch Health. Please contact us if your GP requires our practitioner or provider details.

Book an appointment

If you have received a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan referral for chiropractic or dietetics, contact Epoch Health to arrange your appointment.

Please let our reception team know that you have a Medicare referral when booking.

Important: Epoch Health does not bulk bill. Full payment is required at the appointment, and eligible patients may claim the applicable Medicare rebate.