Medicare Changes to Telehealth and Allied Health in 2025: What Physiotherapy Patients Need to Know

Medicare has introduced several updates across telehealth and allied health for 2025, and many patients are unsure how these changes affect their physiotherapy care. If you rely on Medicare rebates through chronic disease plans or you use telehealth as part of your treatment, understanding these updates can help you plan your appointments with confidence.

This article breaks down the key points in simple language to help patients in Mount Waverley and across Melbourne make informed decisions about their care.

Why Medicare telehealth rules keep changing

Telehealth expanded rapidly during the pandemic, giving Australians easier access to health care. As the system evolves, Medicare continues to refine item numbers, eligibility and funding to ensure services remain safe, appropriate and sustainable. These updates are not designed to complicate care. Instead, they aim to make telehealth available for the people who benefit from it most while maintaining quality and accountability.

For physiotherapy patients, this has created some common questions about what is covered, what requires a referral and when face to face sessions are needed.

How telehealth fits within physiotherapy care in 2025

Physiotherapists can use telehealth for many stages of treatment. This may include movement assessments, guided exercises and injury education. Telehealth is especially useful for patients who cannot attend the clinic due to illness, mobility challenges or travel limitations.

However, Medicare only funds certain types of telehealth through specific pathways. These pathways are linked to GP care plans, chronic disease management or programs with structured reviews. Telehealth cannot replace all face to face physiotherapy and is not universally covered for all conditions.

Physiotherapists continue to follow best practice guidelines to decide when telehealth is suitable and when hands on assessment or in person care is required.

Medicare and chronic disease management in 2025

Patients who receive physiotherapy through a GP Chronic Disease Management plan may be eligible for rebates for up to five allied health sessions per calendar year. This number has not increased for 2025, which remains a point of discussion among clinicians and advocacy groups.

Telehealth availability for these sessions depends on the referring GP and the type of review conducted. Some chronic conditions require periodic face to face GP appointments to maintain eligibility. Others may allow telehealth reviews if the GP determines it is clinically appropriate.

If you are unsure, speaking directly with your GP can help clarify whether your plan supports telehealth physiotherapy.

When telehealth can be used for physiotherapy

Telehealth may be appropriate for patients who:

• Need ongoing monitoring of a long term condition

• Require exercise progression or technique guidance

• Are managing mild flare ups

• Prefer remote follow up between in clinic sessions

• Have limited ability to travel

Telehealth is less suitable when:

• A new injury needs a hands on assessment

• Pain is unexplained or worsening

• Strength or functional testing requires clinic equipment

• There are concerns about safety or mobility

Your physiotherapist will always recommend the safest and most effective format for your treatment.

How these changes affect patients in Mount Waverley

Many patients in Mount Waverley balance work, family commitments and travel. Telehealth offers a convenient way to stay consistent with treatment plans without missing sessions. With clearer Medicare rules in place for 2025, patients can expect:

• More structured guidelines around who qualifies for telehealth rebates

• A stronger focus on continuity of care through GP reviews

• Greater clarity on what can be safely managed remotely

• Improved integration between in clinic and remote care

These updates aim to support reliable treatment pathways rather than limit access.

Private health insurance and telehealth

Most private health insurers continue to support telehealth physiotherapy, although the rebates vary between funds. If you use extras cover, it is a good idea to check:

• Whether your fund covers telehealth physiotherapy

• How many sessions are included annually

• Any plan changes coming into effect for the 2025 year

Private health insurance often provides more flexibility than Medicare for physiotherapy care, especially for patients needing long term management.

Preparing for a telehealth physiotherapy session

If you choose a telehealth appointment, a few simple steps can improve your experience:

• Set up your device at eye level with good lighting

• Ensure you have space to move safely

• Wear comfortable clothing

• Have any exercise equipment your physiotherapist has recommended

• Test your internet connection beforehand

Your physiotherapist will guide you through each stage of the session and make adjustments as needed.

When face to face physiotherapy is the better option

While telehealth is valuable, some conditions are more effectively managed in the clinic. These may include:

• Acute injuries that require immediate assessment

• Complex pain conditions

• Post operative rehabilitation

• Situations where hands on treatment may help recovery

• Progress reviews that require strength or movement testing

In these cases, your physiotherapist will recommend face to face care to ensure accuracy and safety.

Key takeaways for patients

The 2025 Medicare changes can feel confusing, but the core message is simple. Telehealth remains available for suitable physiotherapy cases, especially within structured care plans, but not every appointment will be eligible for a rebate.

If you are unsure whether your condition or care plan qualifies, your GP and physiotherapist can help guide the best format for your treatment.

Important information

This article provides general information only. It does not replace medical advice or individual assessment. Please consult your GP or physiotherapist for advice tailored to your health needs.