Supporting better health and mobility with Medicare-supported chiropractic care in Brisbane!
At Centenary Chiropractic Centre, we understand that chronic conditions can affect your quality of life. That’s why we proudly support eligible patients through Medicare’s Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan. With a GP referral, you may be eligible for subsidised chiropractic care under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) scheme. Located in Brisbane’s western suburbs, we work closely with your GP to ensure safe, effective, and coordinated care.
What is an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plan?
The EPC program, also known as the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, allows patients with long-term conditions (lasting 6 months or more) to access allied health services that support ongoing care. Eligible patients can receive up to 5 allied health appointments per calendar year.
This can be:
- All 5 visits with one allied health provider (e.g., 5 chiropractic visits
- Or shared between multiple services (e.g., 2 chiropractic and 3 physiotherapy visits)
To be eligible, your GP must complete a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP), ensuring that your condition and treatment are properly documented and managed.
How Chiropractic Care Fits Under EPC
Chiropractic care plays a valuable role in managing chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Through gentle, evidence-based techniques, chiropractic treatment aims to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve posture. Common chronic conditions we support through EPC include:
- Chronic back pain
- Chronic neck pain
- Joint stiffness and arthritis
- Reduced mobility from spinal or postural issues
Regular chiropractic treatment can help manage symptoms, reduce the need for medication, and support your overall well-being. Our chiropractors use spinal adjustments, soft tissue techniques, and tailored exercise advice to help you move more freely and with less discomfort.
EPC Appointments at Centenary Chiro
Your first visit at Centenary Chiropractic Centre involves a thorough history and examination so we can assess your condition and create a personalised treatment plan. We:
- Review your GP referral and any relevant medical reports
- Conduct physical assessments of spinal and soft tissue function
- Develop a safe and effective plan tailored to your needs
We keep your GP informed about your progress and any treatment recommendations. Our goal is to improve your mobility and reduce pain through collaborative care.
Costs, Medicare Rebates & Gap Payments
EPC appointments at our clinic are fully funded by Medicare.
At Centenary Chiropractic Centre, we aim to make this process simple:
- We process your Medicare rebate on the spot via HICAPS
- There is out-of-pocket expense at our clinic
- We help with paperwork to make claiming as smooth as possibl
Private Health Options Beyond EPC
Once you have used your 5 EPC sessions for the year, you can continue chiropractic care using your private health insurance (if you have cover for chiropractic services). Most major health funds offer rebates for chiropractic visits, and we can process claims on-site using HICAPS.
You can also choose to use private health instead of EPC, especially if you prefer to reserve your EPC visits for another allied health provider. Rebates and gap amounts vary depending on your fund and level of cover.
Referral & Booking Process
- GP Consultation – Your GP will determine your eligibility and complete a GPCCMP.
- Referral Sent – Your GP provides a referral to Centenary Chiropractic Centre (you can also bring it with you).
- Book an Appointment – Contact our team to schedule your first chiropractic visit
We’ll guide you through every step and ensure you feel comfortable and supported from day one.
Additional EPC Guidelines to Know (Services Australia Update)
From July 2025 to 2027, important updates to eligibility and care plans come into effect:
- 5 services per year are available under EPC. These can be:
- All with one provider (e.g., 5 chiropractic sessions)
- Or shared (e.g., 1 dietitian and 4 podiatry sessions)
- A GPCCMP must be completed by your GP to access services.
Patients with an existing GPMP or Team Care Arrangement before 1 July 2025 can continue to access services until 30 June 2027.
From 1 July 2027, a GPCCMP will be required for all referrals.
Eligibility includes:
- Patients in the community or permanent residents in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs)
- Your GP must have contributed to a multidisciplinary care plan or reviewed it
- Hospital in-patients are not eligible
Referral Validity:
- Referrals last for the timeframe stated by the GP
- If no timeframe is given, the referral lasts 18 months from the date of your first service
Learn more on the MBS Online website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use EPC for chiropractic?
Yes, chiropractic is one of the approved allied health services under Medicare’s EPC/CDM plan. A GP referral is required.
Do I need a new referral each year?
You will need a new GPCCMP or updated referral when the previous one expires. If no end date is listed, it remains valid for 18 months.
Are EPC chiropractic sessions bulk billed?
Gap payments may apply. Medicare covers a portion of the treatment cost. Contact us to confirm our current fee structure.
Can I combine EPC and private health?
Yes. Many patients use private health once their 5 EPC sessions are used. Just let us know your provider, and we can process claims through HICAPS if available.
We’re Here To Help!
Managing chronic pain and improving your quality of life doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With Medicare-supported EPC services, you can receive tailored chiropractic care that aligns with your broader health plan.
As your local chiropractor for Camira, Ipswich, Brisbane and surrounding areas, we’re here to help. If you’re experiencing ongoing back pain, joint discomfort, or stiffness, consider booking an appointment with us today by calling us on (07) 3818 7118.
References
Services Australia. (2023). Chronic Disease Management – Individual Allied Health Services under Medicare. Retrieved from https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
MBS Online. (2023). Medicare Benefits Schedule – Allied Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.mbsonline.gov.au
