What the 2025 Allied Health Referral Changes Mean for Your Physio Treatment in Melbourne

As of 1 July 2025, Medicare has introduced updated rules for how patients access allied health services, including physiotherapy. These changes affect the referral process, the paperwork required, and how patients use chronic condition plans to receive rebates.

If you rely on Medicare supported physiotherapy through your GP, this guide explains what has changed and what you need to check before your next appointment.

Why the referral system has changed

The previous system for chronic condition plans and team care arrangements had been in use for many years. Many patients reported confusion about referral requirements, how long plans remained valid, and when updated documentation was needed.

The 2025 reforms aim to:

• streamline the referral process

• make it clearer when patients can access allied health services

• reduce administrative issues for patients, GPs and clinicians

• improve continuity of care for long term conditions

These changes apply nationwide, including all physiotherapy clinics in Melbourne and Mount Waverley.

What the new referral rules mean for physiotherapy patients

Under the updated system, GPs now issue a revised style of care plan and referral for people with chronic or complex needs. The number of Medicare supported allied health sessions has not increased, but the rules around referral validity and documentation have changed.

Patients now receive:

1. A primary care management plan (updated format)

2. A referral to an allied health provider

3. Clearer documentation outlining goals, conditions and required review dates

To claim a Medicare rebate for physiotherapy, the referral must match the new requirements and include the correct information.

What stays the same for your physiotherapy rebates

While the referral format has changed, several important points remain unchanged:

• Eligible patients can still receive up to five Medicare supported allied health sessions per calendar year

• Sessions must be linked to a chronic or complex condition

• Physiotherapy rebates can only be used when the GP referral is valid

• Each referral must be lodged and recorded correctly

This means your access has not decreased, but the pathway to using those sessions is now more structured.

What has changed for 2025 referrals

1. Updated referral letters

GPs must provide physiotherapists with specific referral details. These include the patient’s condition, treatment goals and review requirements. A simple instruction to “treat and review” is no longer considered sufficient.

2. Required plan reviews

Patients must attend scheduled GP reviews to keep their plan active. If the review is overdue, new referrals may not be issued until this step is completed.

3. Clearer referral validity

Referrals are now more consistent in format. This reduces errors and helps ensure physiotherapy sessions can be processed correctly through Medicare.

4. Improved communication between GP and allied health

The new process encourages clearer communication, ensuring treatment goals are shared and updated as needed.

What patients in Melbourne need to check

Before booking your next physiotherapy appointment, check the following:

• Is your GP plan up to date?

• Is your referral issued under the 2025 format?

• Has your GP stated your condition and goals clearly?

• Are you aware of how many sessions you have used this year?

If you are unsure, your GP or physiotherapist can help confirm the details.

Suggested internal link location: link the phrase physiotherapy in Mount Waverley to your Physiotherapy service page.

How this affects your physiotherapy care

Most patients will find the new system clearer once implemented. Physiotherapy clinics can now verify referral requirements more easily, which reduces the risk of rejected rebates.

For people with chronic pain, arthritis, long term injuries or mobility limitations, these updates support steady ongoing care with clearer documentation and review cycles.

Common questions from patients

Do I still get five sessions per year?

Yes. There has been no change to the total number of Medicare supported allied health sessions available annually.

Do I need a new referral if I already had one in early 2025?

If your referral was issued before 1 July 2025, your physiotherapist may request confirmation from your GP to ensure the documentation meets current requirements.

Can I change physiotherapy clinics under the new system?

Yes. You may change providers, although some GPs prefer to reissue the referral with updated details.

Do the new rules affect private health insurance?

No. Private health rebates are separate and continue unchanged.

How Leap Healthcare supports patients through the updated process

At Leap Healthcare, we work closely with local GPs in Mount Waverley to ensure referrals are correct and patients can access their Medicare supported sessions without confusion.

We can help you:

• check whether your referral is compliant

• confirm how many sessions remain

• clarify whether a review with your GP is needed

• plan your physiotherapy treatment around your condition and goals

If you have any questions about your plan or referral documents, our team is happy to assist.

Suggested internal link location: link the phrase our physiotherapy team to your main physiotherapy page.

Key takeaways

The 2025 changes to allied health referrals aim to make the system clearer for both patients and clinicians. While the number of supported sessions has not changed, referral requirements and documentation have been updated, and patients should ensure their GP plan is recorded under the current format.

Staying informed will help ensure smooth access to physiotherapy care throughout the year.

Important information

This article provides general information only. It does not replace individual medical advice. Patients should speak with their GP and physiotherapist to ensure their care plan and referral meet current requirements.