Living with ongoing back pain, arthritis or another long-term condition? If your GP has written you a chronic condition management plan (often still called an EPC plan), you can use it for chiropractic or physiotherapy at Tensegrity Sports Clinics. Medicare then pays part of the cost of each visit.
This guide explains who is eligible, what the plan covers, how billing works and how to book.
What is a chronic condition management plan?
It is a care plan your GP writes when you have a chronic or complex condition. Generally, that means a condition that has lasted, or is likely to last, six months or more. Your GP decides whether you qualify.
Before July 2025, GPs wrote GP management plans and team care arrangements, and many people still call them EPC plans. Since 1 July 2025, GPs write a GP chronic condition management plan instead. However, if your GP made a plan before that date, you can keep using it until 30 June 2027.
What does the plan cover at Tensegrity?
- Chiropractic: yes, at all our clinics.
- Physiotherapy: yes, at our St Leonards clinic.
- Remedial massage: no. The plan does not cover massage.
You can use up to 5 Medicare-supported allied health services each calendar year. All your providers share them. For example, you could use all 5 for chiropractic, or split them between physiotherapy and podiatry. Each service must be at least 20 minutes, one-on-one and in person.
How do I use my plan with Tensegrity?
- See your GP. Ask whether a chronic condition management plan suits you, and ask for a referral to a chiropractor or physiotherapist.
- Book with us. Tell reception you are using a Medicare plan, and bring your referral to your first visit.
- Get treated. Your practitioner assesses you, treats you and gives you an exercise plan to keep your progress going between visits.
- We report to your GP. We send your GP a written report after your first and last visit, so your care stays connected.
What does it cost?
How billing works
- You pay the consultation fee on the day.
- We lodge the claim with Medicare for you.
- Medicare pays your rebate into your bank account.
- The rebate covers part of the fee, so there is an out-of-pocket cost. Rebate amounts change, so call us for the current figures.
You cannot claim Medicare and your private health fund for the same visit. Once you have used your plan sessions, you can claim future visits through your extras cover with HICAPS. Please read our cancellation policy before your visit.
Why use your plan at Tensegrity?
Chronic pain rarely improves with treatment alone. So every plan at Tensegrity follows the same model: first a thorough assessment, then hands-on treatment, then exercise rehabilitation you can keep doing at home. In addition, we explain what we find in plain language, so you understand your condition and how to manage it long term.
We also have seven clinics across Sydney, and our team consults in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Korean. Other options include in-home care, if getting to a clinic is hard.
Have a GP referral? Call 1300 903 929 or book online, and let us know you are using a Medicare plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EPC plan the same as a chronic condition management plan?
Yes. EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) is the older name. Since 1 July 2025, GPs write a GP chronic condition management plan instead. If your GP made a GP management plan or team care arrangement before 1 July 2025, you can keep using it until 30 June 2027.
How many sessions do I get?
Up to 5 Medicare-supported allied health services per calendar year. All your allied health providers share them, so if you also see a podiatrist or dietitian, those visits count towards the same 5.
Can I use my plan for remedial massage?
No. A chronic condition management plan does not cover remedial massage. You can use your plan for chiropractic and physiotherapy.
How much will I pay?
You pay the full consultation fee on the day. We then lodge the claim with Medicare for you, and Medicare pays your rebate into your bank account. The rebate does not cover the full fee, so there is an out-of-pocket cost. Call us for the current amounts.
Can I claim my private health fund as well?
No. You cannot claim Medicare and your private health fund for the same appointment. Once you have used your plan sessions, you can claim future visits through your extras cover.
Related reading
- Government-funded care at Tensegrity
- Evidence-based chiropractic at Tensegrity Sports Clinics
- Physiotherapy at Tensegrity Sports Clinics
- Lower back pain