Exercise Physiology for Medicare Clients
Has your GP told you that you have a chronic health condition? Are you looking for advice on how to implement exercise to help you feel your best?
Chronic diseases are those long-lasting health conditions that can negatively impact your life, including your ability to access social, financial or medical support. They can be complex and may require professional support to help manage. Some common chronic diseases include:
Arthritis
Asthma
Chronic low back pain
Cancer
Cardiovascular diseases
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases
Chronic Kidney Disease
Dementia
Diabetes
Eating disorders
Endometriosis
Mental health conditions
Osteoporosis
And, there are many more than may be invisible to the eye. Some of the most underappreciated chronic illnesses include chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune conditions.
Why are Exercise Physiologists so Important?
As the Australian population ages, we are encountering an ever-increasing number of people struggling with chronic illness. It is crucial that we find options to actively prevent and manage them so that we remain healthy and uninhibited by our personal health circumstances.
Regular exercise is a fundamental component of primary and secondary health care for many chronic conditions. Physical activity improves our quality of life in so many ways, including allowing us to enjoy our hobbies, connect with our loved ones and the broader community, and improve energy levels. This is because our body makes specific adaptations to exercises, including improved endurance, muscular strength, metabolic health, balance, flexibility and mental clarity. But sometimes, having a health professional in our corner who understands how to tailor activity to make it safe, effective and enjoyable, can be the final step needed to unlocking our active lifestyle for the long term.
Exercise physiologists are university-educated health professionals who understand on a deep level the different processes that influence how the body responds to structured exercise, especially in the presence of a chronic health condition. Exercise physiologists will consider your health history, concerns, personal goals, and outside commitments to cater your rehabilitation programs to sustainably fit with your life.
How to Access Exercise Physiology Services Under Medicare
Luckily, under the Medicare Benefits Schedule Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plan, anyone with a chronic condition and a medicare account can access up to 5 exercise physiology services and receive a rebate. The plan entitles you to five referral sessions to any allied health professional you require, to be satisfied within one calendar year.
At Integral Performance Exercise Physiology, all Medicare-referred clients can receive bulk-billed sessions which will provide you with the exercise rehabiltation and education to actively manage your health condition and help improve your overall wellbeing.
What You Need to Do:
If you have a chronic health condition and wish to see an exercise physiologist, please speak with your general practitioner to receive the appropriate referrals and recommendations. Upon receiving your referral, please ask your practitioner to either print off your referral for you to bring with you to your appointment, or to email the referral to referrals@integralperformance.com.au.
