Do I need a referral?

No, to see a Physiotherapist (or any other Allied Health Professional) in Australia you don’t need a referral.

Patients can access up to 5 MBS-supported individual allied services per calendar year with a referral from your GP. This is subsidised by Medicare  - the current rebate per session is $61.80 (a gap fee may apply).

Individual allied health services are available to patients with a GP chronic condition management plan (GPCCMP)  or residents of a residential aged care facility that have a multidisciplinary care plan. Until 1 July 2027 these services are also available to patients that have both a GP management plan and team care arrangement.

For referrals written on or after 1 July 2025, referrals will be valid for the length of time specified in the referral, or if no timeframe is specified, 18 months from the date of the first service provided under the referral. The referral may also specify the number of services to be provided; however, this is not required.

For referrals written prior to 1 July 2025 (EPC = Enhanced Primary Care Plan) the referral must specify the number of services. The referral remains valid until all services are provided