An EPC Plan, or Enhanced Primary Care Plan, is a component of Australia’s Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program under Medicare. These plans enable General Practitioners (GPs) to coordinate a comprehensive care approach for patients with chronic medical conditions that have lasted, or are expected to last, six months or more. Conditions can include diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal issues, and mental health disorders.
EPC Leichhardt plans are particularly valuable due to the community’s increasing demand for accessible allied health services. By connecting eligible patients with professionals such as physiotherapists, podiatrists, dietitians, and exercise physiologists, EPC plans help reduce health disparities and improve long-term management of chronic conditions.
Eligibility for an EPC Plan in Leichhardt
To access an EPC plan in Leichhardt, patients must meet the following criteria:
They must have a chronic medical condition, defined as one that has been present for six months or longer.
The condition must require ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team, including the GP and at least two other healthcare providers.
The patient must have a valid Medicare card.
Common chronic conditions eligible for EPC plans include:
Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Persistent musculoskeletal disorders
Chronic mental health disorders
Stroke and post-stroke care
What Services Are Covered?
Under an EPC plan, eligible patients can receive up to five subsidised allied health visits per calendar year. These services are partially or fully covered by Medicare, depending on the provider’s billing policy.
In Leichhardt, patients can access the following services under an EPC referral:
Physiotherapy: For joint and muscle pain, rehabilitation, post-surgery support, or mobility improvement.
Podiatry: For foot care, diabetic foot assessments, or biomechanical concerns.
Dietitian services: To manage nutrition, weight, or dietary requirements for chronic illness.
Exercise physiology: For supervised exercise plans tailored to health conditions.
Occupational therapy: To assist with daily living tasks and physical adaptations at home.
Psychology and counselling: In cases where chronic disease includes mental health considerations (though Mental Health Care Plans may also be required).
These services are not interchangeable—once the five visits are allocated to a type of service, they cannot be transferred to another discipline within the same year.
How to Get an EPC Plan in Leichhardt
The process for obtaining an EPC plan in Leichhardt is straightforward but requires collaboration with your GP.
Book an Appointment with Your GP: Your GP will conduct a thorough health assessment to determine if your condition qualifies.
Development of a Care Plan (GPMP): If eligible, your GP will develop a General Practitioner Management Plan outlining the nature of your chronic condition and proposed strategies.
Team Care Arrangement (TCA): If the condition requires care from at least two allied health professionals, a Team Care Arrangement is created to coordinate that care.
Referral to Allied Health Providers: The GP will issue formal Medicare referrals for up to five services, specifying the type and number of visits.
Patients should note that the five visits are shared across all allied health services, not per provider. These visits reset every January 1st, not 12 months from the first use.
Medicare Rebates and Out-of-Pocket Costs
The Medicare rebate for each EPC service is currently $58.30 (as of 2025). Many providers in Leichhardt bulk bill these services, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for patients. However, some clinics may charge a gap fee, especially if they offer premium services or operate privately.
Before booking, it’s advisable to ask providers:
Do you bulk bill EPC referrals?
Are there any gap fees?
How many EPC visits can I book with you?
This ensures patients can maximise their benefits without unexpected costs.
The Importance of Coordinated Care in Leichhardt
The Leichhardt community, known for its vibrant population and mix of younger professionals and aging residents, benefits greatly from structured and coordinated healthcare. The EPC program addresses a growing need for early intervention and consistent monitoring of chronic health conditions.
Multidisciplinary care under EPC plans allows patients to maintain independence, improve their quality of life, and prevent complications or hospitalisation. In areas like Leichhardt, where access to a variety of healthcare professionals is relatively strong, patients are in an excellent position to take full advantage of the Medicare system.
EPC Leichhardt: Supporting Better Health Outcomes
If you're living in Leichhardt and managing a long-term health condition, speaking with your GP about an EPC plan can open doors to targeted, subsidised support. With careful coordination, you can access valuable services that help you stay active, reduce pain, improve mental health, and manage disease progression effectively.
Conclusion
EPC Leichhardt services offer a powerful Medicare-supported solution for people managing chronic conditions. From physiotherapy to nutrition, allied health providers in the area play a vital role in long-term care. If you qualify, speak with your GP about developing a care plan that works for you. For those experiencing chronic pain or mobility issues, accessing an EPC physio through this program can be a vital step toward better health and improved daily functioning.
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