Bulk billing assistance at Lakeside Chiropractic can be accessed through:
GP Chronic Care Management Plans (GPCCMP / EPC)
If you have a chronic health condition, your GP may include chiropractic care as part of a GP Chronic Care Management Plan (GPCCMP), also referred to as a CDM or EPC plan.
- This plan is designed for conditions that have been present, or are expected to be present, for 6 months or longer.
- If your GP deems it appropriate, they can refer you for up to five Medicare-funded visits per calendar year across allied health providers, including chiropractic.
- The care plan is prepared and managed by your GP, and eligibility is based on their clinical assessment.
How to Use Your GPCCMP Referral
- Step 1: Book an appointment with your GP
Ask whether you are eligible for a GP Chronic Care Management Plan. - Step 2: Obtain a referral
If suitable, your GP will provide you with a referral letter for up to five Medicare-funded visits per year. - Step 3: Book at Lakeside Chiropractic
Call us on (08) 9300 0095 or book online. Bring your referral, Medicare card, and a debit card to all your visit. - Step 4: Claim on the day
Your visit will be bulk billed. The Medicare rebate is processed in-clinic and refunded directly back to your physical debit card.
FAQ
1. Am I eligible for a GPCCMP/CDM plan?
Your GP can determine eligibility. Generally, these plans are for patients with a chronic condition (lasting 6 months or more) or complex care needs.
2. Do I need to bring anything?
Yes. Please bring:
- Your referral letter (CDM/EPC plan)
- Your Medicare card
- A debit card (required for rebate processing – credit and cheque cards cannot be used).
3. Are chiropractic visits fully bulk billed?
Yes, there is no gap payment for eligible CDM/EPC referrals. Both initial and standard consultations are bulk billed under this plan.
4. Do unused visits carry over to the next year?
No. The five visits reset each calendar year and cannot be rolled over. If you don’t use them, they expire at the end of the year.
5. Do I still need to pay on the day?
Yes. At your appointment, you will first pay the consultation fee using your debit card. We then process your Medicare rebate immediately in the clinic, and the rebate amount is refunded straight back onto your card on the spot. This means there is no out-of-pocket expense for eligible EPC/CDM visits.
6. Do I need a new referral each year?
Yes. A new EPC/CDM referral from your GP is required each calendar year if you wish to continue accessing Medicare-funded visits.
7. Can I use EPC/CDM visits for massage therapy?
No. Medicare rebates apply only to allied health services such as chiropractic, podiatry, or dietetics. Massage therapy is not covered.
WorkCover WA and Insurance Commission WA (Motor Vehicle Claims, ICWA)
If you have a Workers Compensation claim or Personal injury claim you are required to bring all documentation with you stating that the claim is approved and the Claim no. If you have not go this documentation you will have to pay for the appointments yourself and get reimbursed from Workcover when it is approved.
When your claim has been accepted, forward all accounts and invoices relating to medical treatment and other approved workers’ compensation entitlements to your employer, or their insurer, as soon as possible.
As with all correspondence, it is important to keep and file copies for your own reference.
Department of Veteran’s Affairs
If you have a Department of Veteran’s Affairs White or Gold card (DVA), your Chiropractic appointment is completely bulk billed. You must get a referral from you DVA approved GP and ask for Chiropractic services. Your referral is valid for 12 sessions or one year, which ever ends first. You may return to your GP for new referral to the chiropractor if required.
