Managing Chronic Conditions Starts with Your Feet

For many Australians living with chronic health conditions, foot care is one of the most important and often overlooked parts of staying healthy and independent. Conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or circulatory issues can all affect the feet, leading to pain, mobility problems, and in some cases, serious complications.

The good news is that podiatry can be covered by Medicare under a formal care arrangement known as a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP), previously called a Chronic Disease Management Plan (GPCCMP), and Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program. This plan allows eligible patients with long-term conditions to access subsidised allied health visits, including podiatry, when referred by their GP.

Through a GPCCMP, you can claim up to five allied health sessions per calendar year (as outlined by the Medicare Benefits Schedule). For people managing diabetes or other chronic conditions, these sessions can make a huge difference in preventing complications and maintaining mobility.

At Fleet Healthcare, we make this process simple. Our team coordinates directly with GP practices to manage referrals, provide in-home podiatry care, and handle the rebate submission on your behalf. Clients simply pay for the session upfront, and once the rebate is processed, Medicare deposits the funds directly into the client’s nominated bank account.

This article explains how the GPCCMP system works, who is eligible, what podiatry services are included, and how Fleet Healthcare supports clients and GPs through the referral process.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Medicare’s GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP)?
2. Who Is Eligible for Podiatry Under a GPCCMP?
3. What Podiatry Services Are Included
4. Accessing GPCCMPPodiatry Through a GP
5. How Fleet Healthcare Supports GPCCMPReferrals
6. FAQs

Key Takeaways

• Yes, podiatry is covered by Medicare through a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP)arranged by your GP.
• Eligible patients can receive up to five subsidised allied health sessions per calendar year.
• The rebate is approximately $61.80 per visit (Item 10962), depending on the Medicare Benefits Schedule -2025
• Clients pay upfront, and Fleet Healthcare submits the rebate so Medicare reimburses funds directly into the client’s bank account.

 

Is Podiatry Covered by Medicare? What You Need to Know

Managing Chronic Conditions Starts with Your Feet

For many Australians living with chronic health conditions, foot care is one of the most important and often overlooked parts of staying healthy and independent. Conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory issues can all affect the feet, leading to pain, mobility problems, and, in some cases, serious complications.

The good news is that podiatry can be covered by Medicare under a formal care arrangement known as a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP), previously called a Chronic Disease Management Plan (GPCCMP), and Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program.. This plan allows eligible patients with long-term conditions to access subsidised allied health visits, including podiatry, when referred by their GP.

Through a GPCCMP, you can claim up to five allied health sessions per calendar year, with a rebate of around $61.80 per visit (Item 10962), as outlined in the Medicare Benefits Schedule. For people managing diabetes or other chronic conditions, these sessions can make a significant difference in preventing complications and maintaining mobility.

At Fleet Healthcare, we make this process simple and stress-free. Our admin team coordinates directly with GP practices to receive referrals and confirm eligibility. Clients pay for the session upfront, and Fleet Healthcare submits the Medicare rebate electronically on their behalf. The rebated amount is then deposited directly by Medicare into the client’s nominated bank account.

This article explains how the GPCCMP system works, who is eligible, what podiatry services are included, and how Fleet Healthcare supports both clients and GPs through the referral process.

What Is Medicare’s GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP)?

A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, or GPCCMP, is a Medicare initiative that helps Australians living with long-term or complex conditions access coordinated care from their GP and allied health professionals.

the GPCCMP allows GPs to formally plan and monitor treatment for patients who require support from multiple practitioners such as podiatrists, physiotherapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, and exercise physiologists.

GPCCMP enables eligible patients to receive rebates for up to five individual allied-health sessions per calendar year under Medicare. Each session is claimed using an approved referral from a GP.

How It Works

1. Assessment and Planning
   Your GP reviews your medical history, assesses your ongoing conditions, and determines whether you would benefit from a structured care plan involving allied health.
2. Team Care Arrangement (TCA)
   If you require treatment from at least two allied health professionals in addition to your GP, the GP may prepare a Team Care Arrangement. This ensures communication between your healthcare providers and a coordinated approach to care.
3. Referral and Allied Health Services
   Once the plan is created, your GP will provide a written referral for specific allied-health services such as podiatry. Each visit attracts a Medicare rebate of $61.80 per session (Item 10962).
4. Claiming the Rebate
   At Fleet Healthcare, clients pay upfront, and our admin team submits the Medicare claim electronically. Medicare then pays the rebate directly into the client’s nominated bank account, often within a few business days.

Why It Matters

The GPCCMP provides a financial pathway for people managing conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or cardiovascular disease to access regular allied-health support. These visits are not only about symptom management but also about prevention, identifying problems early and reducing the risk of hospitalisation.

For many clients, podiatry is one of the most valuable services under the GPCCMP. Routine foot care, diabetic assessments, and mobility support can dramatically improve comfort, independence, and overall wellbeing.

Who Is Eligible for Podiatry Under a GPCCMP

Eligibility for a Chronic Disease Management Plan (GPCCMP) is determined by your GP, based on your medical history and ongoing care needs. The GPCCMP is designed for people who have a chronic or complex medical condition that requires support from more than one healthcare professional.

According to Healthdirect Australia, a chronic condition is any illness or health issue that has been present, or is likely to be present  for six months or longer. This includes a wide range of physical and mental health conditions.

Common Conditions That Qualify

You may be eligible for podiatry under a GPCCMP if you have one or more of the following:

• Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes (for foot checks, ulcer prevention, or circulation assessment)
• Arthritis or other joint conditions that affect mobility or cause pain in the lower limbs
• Peripheral vascular disease or poor circulation
• Neuropathy or nerve-related pain and sensation changes in the feet
• Chronic wounds or pressure areas that require regular monitoring
• Balance or gait problems that increase the risk of falls
• Post-surgical or long-term mobility issues related to the feet or lower limbs

Your GP will decide whether your condition meets the criteria for a structured care plan and whether podiatry is clinically relevant to your ongoing health management.

How GPs Determine Eligibility

The process begins with a GP assessment and review of your overall health and treatment needs. If your condition is chronic and you require ongoing input from allied health professionals, your GP can prepare a GP Management Plan (GPMP) and a Team Care Arrangement (TCA).

These documents outline your goals, treatment plan, and the allied health professionals involved in your care.

Why Podiatry Is Often Included

For many Australians living with chronic health issues, especially diabetes and arthritis, podiatry is one of the first services GPs include in a care plan. The feet are often early indicators of circulatory, nerve, or mobility problems  and ongoing podiatry helps detect changes before they become serious.

At Fleet Healthcare, our podiatrists provide in-home care for clients referred under a GPCCMP. This includes regular foot checks, treatment, education, and reporting back to your GP to ensure all care remains coordinated and evidence-based.

What Podiatry Services Are Included (Assessment, Treatment, and Care Plans)

Under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (GPCCMP), eligible Australians can access Medicare-subsidised podiatry sessions that help manage ongoing health conditions and prevent future complications. These services are designed to maintain mobility, prevent pain or infection, and support overall wellbeing especially for those living with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, or circulatory disorders.

What’s Covered

According to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Item 10962), podiatry services claimable under a GPCCMP may include:

• Comprehensive foot assessments including skin, nail, and vascular checks
• Diabetic foot screenings to assess circulation, nerve function, and ulcer risk
• Treatment of corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails to prevent infection and discomfort
• Wound management and pressure area care for people with ulcers or chronic foot wounds
• Footwear and orthotic recommendations to support proper alignment and balance
• Education on daily foot care and prevention of injury or infection

Each consultation must be clinically relevant to the client’s ongoing chronic condition and included in the GP’s management plan.

How the Rebate Works

Each GPCCMP referral covers up to five allied health sessions per calendar year, shared across services such as podiatry, physiotherapy, dietetics, occupational therapy, or exercise physiology. For podiatry, the current rebate is $61.80 per visit, based on Medicare Item 10962.

At Fleet Healthcare, clients pay for their session upfront, and our admin team submits the Medicare claim electronically on their behalf. The rebate is then deposited directly into the client’s nominated Medicare-linked bank account, typically within a few business days.

Care Plan Integration

Fleet Healthcare’s podiatrists are skilled in working within the structure of GPCCMP referrals. After each session, they provide detailed notes and progress updates to the referring GP to ensure all care remains aligned with the plan’s objectives. This communication ensures continuity, accountability, and measurable outcomes.

Multi-Service Coordination

Fleet Healthcare’s podiatry sessions can also be combined with other allied health supports funded under a GPCCMP, including:

• Physiotherapy for mobility and pain management
• Exercise Physiology for strength and endurance
• Dietetics for diabetes and weight management
• Occupational Therapy for independence in daily living

Together, these services form a complete support network that addresses the physical, functional, and lifestyle challenges of chronic conditions.

 

Accessing GPCCMP Podiatry Through a GP

Accessing podiatry under Medicare starts with your general practitioner (GP). Your GP plays a key role in assessing your health, preparing your care plan, and ensuring that podiatry is included as part of your chronic disease management strategy.

At its core, the Chronic Disease Management Plan (GPCCMP) is about helping people with long-term conditions get coordinated, ongoing support from their healthcare team.

Step 1: Book a GP Appointment

To begin, book an appointment with your GP and request a Chronic Disease Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement review. Your GP will assess your condition, discuss your health goals, and determine whether you are eligible for a GPCCMP referral.

If approved, your GP will list the allied health services recommended for your care,  such as podiatry and outline how these will support your condition.

Step 2: Receive a Referral

Once the care plan is created, your GP will issue aGPCCMP referral letter for podiatry. This document is required by Fleet Healthcare  to process your Medicare rebate and must be received by Fleet Healthcare before your appointment.

At Fleet Healthcare, referrals can be sent directly from the GP’s clinic via secure email. Alternatively, clients can forward the referral to our admin team or bring a printed copy to their first appointment. If needed, Fleet’s clinicians can also take a photo of the referral and email it to our office for processing.

Step 3: Attend Your Appointment

Fleet Healthcare provides mobile podiatry sessions in the comfort of your home or residential facility. During the visit, the podiatrist will complete an assessment and treatment based on your care plan, focusing on prevention, pain relief, and foot health.

Step 4: Claiming the Medicare Rebate

After your appointment, clients pay for the session upfront. Fleet Healthcare’s admin team then submits the rebate electronically through Medicare on your behalf. Once processed, the rebate amount currently $61.80 per visit under Medicare Item 10962 is deposited directly into your nominated bank account linked to Medicare.

This process ensures clients receive their rebate quickly and without needing to handle the paperwork themselves.

Step 5: Ongoing Review

Your GP and podiatrist will continue to communicate about your progress, ensuring that your GPCCMP remains up to date. GPs typically review plans every 6 to 12 months, adjusting referrals or adding additional allied health services as your needs evolve.

Fleet Healthcare ensures all reports, updates, and outcome measures are shared promptly with your GP, maintaining a smooth and transparent care pathway.

How Fleet Healthcare Supports GPCCMP Referrals

Managing chronic conditions often requires collaboration between multiple health professionals. At Fleet Healthcare, we make it easy for clients and GPs to connect through the Chronic Disease Management Plan (GPCCMP), ensuring that podiatry and other allied health services are coordinated efficiently and delivered with care.

Streamlined Referral Process

Fleet Healthcare’s administration team works closely with GP clinics across Sydney to handle GPCCMP referrals quickly and securely. Once your GP prepares a GPCCMP and includes podiatry, the referral can be sent directly to us via email.

If your GP cannot send the referral electronically, clients can forward it themselves or provide a copy to our team. 

This flexibility ensures that paperwork never delays your care.

Coordinated Allied Health Care

Podiatry often works best when supported by other allied health services.

Our multidisciplinary approach ensures each client’s care plan is holistic, practical, and outcome-focused. Communication between therapists is consistent, with all notes and updates shared securely with the referring GP to maintain accountability and continuity.

Supporting GPs and Referrers 

Fleet Healthcare also supports GPs and Referrers alike  by providing clear reports and updates after every visit. This transparency ensures all providers involved in a client’s care have up-to-date information to monitor progress and outcomes.

Our goal is to make allied health collaboration simple, consistent, and patient-centred helping every client make the most of their Medicare entitlements.

To learn more or send a referral, visit our Fleet Healthcare Bookings page.

 

FAQs

Is podiatry covered by Medicare?

Yes. Podiatry is covered under the Chronic Disease Management Plan (GPCCMP). Eligible patients can access up to five subsidised allied health visits per year, including podiatry, when referred by their GP. Learn more about Fleet Healthcare’s podiatry services.

How much does Medicare pay for podiatry?

Medicare provides a rebate of $61.80 per session under Item 10962 of the Medicare Benefits Schedule. You may need to pay a small gap depending on your provider’s fees. At Fleet Healthcare, clients pay upfront, and we submit the rebate claim to Medicare on your behalf. The rebate is then deposited directly into your bank account.

How do I access podiatry through a GPCCMP?

Start by booking an appointment with your GP. If you have a chronic or complex health condition lasting longer than six months, your GP can prepare a GPCCMP and Team Care Arrangement (TCA). This plan will include the allied health professionals you need such as a podiatrist, physiotherapist, or dietitian and outline your treatment goals.

What conditions qualify for Medicare-funded podiatry?

You may be eligible if you have a long-term condition such as:

• Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• Arthritis
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Chronic wounds or circulation issues
• Balance or mobility problems

Eligibility is determined by your GP during the assessment process.

Can I use my GPCCMP for other allied health services?

Yes. Your five annual sessions can be shared across allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, dietitians, and occupational therapists. Your GP will recommend which services are most relevant for your condition.

How do I make a booking with Fleet Healthcare?

Once your GP provides the GPCCMP referral, it can be emailed directly to Fleet Healthcare. You can also upload or forward it to our booking page.

Does Fleet Healthcare bulk bill?

Fleet Healthcare currently operates on an upfront payment model, where clients pay at the time of service. Our team then submits the Medicare rebate electronically.

Author Bio

Alexander Hunt is the Founder and Managing Director of Fleet Healthcare. As a practising physiotherapist, he brings over a decade of experience across NDIS, aged care, and mobile allied health. Alex is passionate about delivering care that meets people where they are — and helps them thrive in their everyday environment.

 

Professional Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

While we aim to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, professional standards, funding arrangements, eligibility criteria, and regulatory frameworks may change and may vary between providers and governing bodies.

Any references to funding or service access are general in nature and should be confirmed directly with the relevant provider or authority.

Fleet Healthcare Services Pty Ltd accepts no liability for actions taken based on the information provided in this article.