From the 1st January 2006 Accredited Exercise Physiologists will be able to provide Medicare services to people with chronic and complex illnesses such as Diabetes, Obesity, Cardiovascular disease, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Depression and Cancer. Eligible patients will be entitled to a total of 5 allied health visits per year including Exercise Physiology Services. Each of the 5 visits will attract a Medicare rebate of $50.05 If you have a chronic health condition (ie longer than 6 months) and want to be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for our services you will need to obtain a referral from your GP together with a Medicare Care Plan Many health funds offer rebates for some Exercise Physiology Services depending on which health fund you are in and what level of cover you have. Rebates can be given for items such as gym memberships, exercise equipment (eg for home use), pilates classes, cardiac rehabilitation programs and personal training. We advise all clients that are in a private Health Fund to check and clarify whether they do cover any Exercise Physiology services prior to booking an appointment (if they are wishing to claim a rebate). With the introduction of Exercise Physiologists among the allied health providers under the Medicare Plus Scheme in 2006, it is expected that most Health Funds will recognise all of our services in the very near future.