Bulk Billing and Private Health Cover for Exercise Physiology accessible via Telehealth.
What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist is an allied health professional who prescribes exercise for preventing and managing chronic diseases and injuries, as well as improving health and performance. They are registered Allied Health Providers and are recognised by Medicare and Private Health funds. Find out more about Accredited Exercise Physiologists.
Am I eligible for referral?
Patients with chronic health conditions may be eligible for referral to an Allied Health professional under Medicare’s Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) scheme. A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for six months or longer, for example, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions and stroke. An EPC referral entitles the patient to a maximum of 5 individual sessions with an Allied Health provider in each calendar year. Read more about Medicare EPC plans.
How do I get a referral?
You GP will need to discuss your eligibility and write the referral, then fax a copy of the referral through to us. Part of the government telehealth initiative means that your GP can do this face to face, via video call or phone call. We’ve spoken to some of our friendly GP’s about it and they have welcomed the initiative, as seeing an allied health professional to manage chronic conditions means that patients are less likely to be reliant on front line healthcare professionals in the coming months. If your GP would like any further information about Bodytrack’s Virtual Exercise Physiology clinic, they are more than welcome to contact us.
Can I use my Private Health cover?
Some private health funds have already approved telehealth items for Exercise Physiology, these include BUPA, CBHSH, CUA, Australian Unity, Teachers Health and TUH. Members of private health funds not listed should ask the fund directly whether they will cover treatments delivered via telehealth. We expect more funds to add telehealth items throughout the week.
How does a telehealth session work?
Telehealth sessions under EPC referrals are 30 mins and are bulk billed, meaning no out of pocket expense for the patient. Prior to your appointment, you will receive a pre-exercise questionnaire; providing this information to your Exercise Physiologist before your appointment allows them to make the most of the time they spend with you. We use the premium version of Zoom to conduct our telehealth services, you don’t need to be a tech-whiz, we guide you through the simple set up step by step.
Your session will include discussion of your exercise and medical history, as well as your goals. We then guide you through functional movement assessment which are all tailored to suit your capacity. Using all the information they gather in your assessment, your Exercise Physiologist will prescribe an individualised exercise program which can be accessed via app or pdf. More than just an exercise program, your Exercise Physiologist will then keep in touch with you regularly to monitor your progress, keep you motivated and modify your program based on how your body responds.
Do I need gym access or equipment?
Not at all! If you have a resistance band, weights or other gym equipment that’s great, but our team are able to prescribe an exercise program that requires no equipment at all, using common household items or just your body weight.
Not a tech-whiz? No worries!
Our virtual clinic is free, secure, and simple to use. We provide instructions and are available to talk you through it every step of the way. We’ve helped more than 100 clients get set up, we’ve even made home visits, anything to keep you moving! If you’d like to test the set up and see what it’s like using Zoom, book a Free Zoom Setup appointment and we can guide you through it at a time that suits you.
Find out more about Bodytrack Telehealth.
Have a specific question? Contact us or call (07) 3870 4119. If you’re ready to get started with Telehealth you can call or book online.