Do Medicare Physio Sessions Reset in January?

This is one of the most common questions physiotherapists hear at the end of the year. Many patients using Medicare for physiotherapy are unsure whether unused sessions carry over or reset once January arrives.

If you are planning physio treatment in the new year, understanding how Medicare allied health sessions work can help you avoid confusion and missed opportunities.

The short answer

Yes. Medicare physiotherapy sessions reset at the start of each calendar year.

Medicare provides up to five allied health sessions per calendar year under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan. Once January begins, eligible patients can access a new set of sessions, provided their plan and referral are still valid.

How Medicare physiotherapy sessions work

Under Medicare, patients with a long term or chronic condition may be eligible for rebates on allied health services, including physiotherapy. To access these rebates, you must have a current GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and a valid referral.

Key points to understand:

• Medicare covers up to five allied health sessions per calendar year

• Sessions are shared across all allied health providers, not just physiotherapy

• Unused sessions do not roll over into the next year

• The session count resets on January 1

This means that if you used three sessions last year, you do not carry those unused two sessions into the new year.

What resets in January and what does not

While the session count resets in January, not everything automatically renews.

What does reset

• Your Medicare allied health session allowance

• Your ability to claim up to five rebated sessions again

What may not reset

• Your GP Chronic Condition Management Plan review date

• Your referral expiry

• Your eligibility if your condition or circumstances have changed

This is where many patients get caught out.

Do you need to see your GP again in January?

Not always, but sometimes.

If your GP plan and referral are still current, you may be able to use your new sessions without another GP visit. However, many plans require regular reviews, and referrals may expire after a set period.

It is a good idea to check:

• The date your plan was last reviewed

• Whether your referral is still valid

• Whether your GP has recommended a review before continuing care

If you are unsure, your physiotherapist can help guide you on what to check.

Common Medicare mistakes patients make

Physiotherapists often see the same issues early in the year. These include:

• Assuming unused sessions roll over

• Booking appointments without checking referral validity

• Thinking the five sessions apply per provider

• Believing Medicare covers the full cost of treatment

Being clear on these details helps avoid unexpected out of pocket costs or delays.

Planning physiotherapy care around the calendar year

January can be a good time to address issues that were put off during the year. With sessions resetting, patients often use this period to restart or continue treatment.

For patients in Mount Waverley and surrounding areas, early planning can help spread care more evenly through the year rather than rushing appointments later on.

What to do if you have already used your Medicare sessions

If you have used all five Medicare sessions, physiotherapy can still continue without a rebate. Some patients also use private health insurance extras, depending on their cover.

Your physiotherapist can help explain the available options and what may be most suitable for your situation.

Key takeaway

Medicare physiotherapy sessions do reset in January, but eligibility depends on having a current GP plan and referral. Checking your paperwork early can help ensure a smooth start to treatment in the new year.

Important information

This article provides general information only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult your GP or physiotherapist for guidance specific to your condition.