EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTS ELIGIBLE TO PROVIDE SERVICES UNDER MEDICARE
From January 1 2006 exercise physiologists (EPs) will be able to provide services under Medicare's allied health measure to people with chronic and complex illnesses. The IDGP has been actively involved in assisting the Australian Association of Exercise and Sports Scientists with its application for inclusion of EPs in the Medicare program.
To be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for these services, patients will need to be referred by their GP and have their health managed through an Enhanced Primary Care plan. Eligible patients will be entitled to a total of five allied health visits a year, including exercise physiology services. Each of the five visits will attract a Medicare rebate of $44.95.
The IDGP program, Exercise - Essential Medicine for Diabetes, uses an innovative model whereby GPs refer patients with poorly managed diabetes to an exercise physiologist for assessment, design and supervision of a customised 12 week exercise schedule. The program is a collaboration between the IDGP, the University of Wollongong Department of Biomedical Science and Beaton Park Leisure Centre.
The program includes sessions where participants receive individual supervision by an Exercise Physiologist and/or senior Exercise Science students from the UoW. Experience with the program has shown that patients can be effectively managed over a series of 5 supervision sessions.
For information on eligibility for the Medicare initiative or the IDGP exercise program contact Linda Blackmore, Diabetes Program Officer.
