Funding & Programs

Care that's accessible — whatever your funding

Shal-Care Physio is registered with all major government funding schemes. If you're unsure what you're eligible for, get in touch — we'll help you work it out.

Funding Overview
Section 01
At a Glance

Which scheme is right for you?

Scheme Who it's for Referral needed? Out-of-pocket cost How to access
NDIS People under 65 with a permanent disability No referral — NDIS plan required None for plan-managed / agency participants Contact us with your plan details
Home Care Package (HCP) Older Australians 65+ approved for HCP No referral — My Aged Care approval needed Billed via package provider Ask your HCP manager to add us
GP EPC / Bulk Billing Anyone with a GP referral under chronic disease management Yes — GP referral required $0 — fully bulk billed (up to 5 sessions/year) Ask your GP for an EPC referral
CHSP Older Australians 65+ not yet on HCP level No — My Aged Care referral Small co-contribution may apply Contact My Aged Care 1800 200 422
WorkCover Injured workers with a WorkCover claim Yes — GP certificate of capacity None — billed directly to insurer Provide claim number at booking
TAC People injured in a transport accident Yes — TAC claim active None — billed directly to TAC Provide TAC claim number at booking
Private / Self-Pay Anyone not using a funded scheme No referral needed Standard fee applies (see Services page) Book directly online or by phone
✎ Confirm CHSP co-contribution amount and HCP billing process with Shalini before publishing
Funding Details
Section 02
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
NDIS

Shal-Care Physio is a registered NDIS provider. We work with self-managed, plan-managed, and agency-managed participants across all disability types. Shalini has experience developing and implementing physiotherapy programs specifically for NDIS participants — including those with complex and multiple conditions.

NDIS physiotherapy can fund assessments, treatment sessions, exercise programs, assistive equipment recommendations, and carer training — depending on what's in your plan.

Eligibility — who this is for
  • Under 65 with a permanent and significant disability
  • Current NDIS plan with Capacity Building — Daily Activities or similar supports funded
  • Self-managed, plan-managed, or agency-managed participants all welcome
How to Get Started
1
Check your plan Review your NDIS plan for Capacity Building funding — your plan manager or LAC can help.
2
Contact us Call or email — have your NDIS number and plan dates ready. We'll confirm if we can support your goals.
3
Initial assessment A comprehensive assessment to establish goals and create a physiotherapy program aligned to your NDIS plan.
4
Ongoing sessions Sessions billed directly to your plan. We handle the paperwork — you focus on progress.
Home Care Packages (HCP)
HCP

Home Care Packages are government-funded supports designed to help older Australians stay living independently at home. Physiotherapy is a core HCP support — and Shalini has extensive experience delivering in-home physiotherapy programs for older adults with a wide range of conditions.

In-home physiotherapy might include mobility assessments, exercise programs, falls prevention, pain management, or post-hospitalisation recovery — tailored to what matters most to you at home.

Eligibility — who this is for
  • Australians aged 65+ (50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
  • Assessed and approved by My Aged Care for a Level 1–4 Home Care Package
  • Package assigned and being managed by an approved HCP provider
✎ Add My Aged Care contact details: 1800 200 422 · myagedcare.gov.au
How to Get Started
1
Contact My Aged Care Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to register and request an assessment.
2
Get assessed and approved A trained assessor will visit to determine your care needs and package level (1–4).
3
Choose Shal-Care as your provider Ask your HCP coordinator to add Shal-Care Physio as a physiotherapy service in your care plan.
4
We come to you In-home physiotherapy sessions delivered at your home — no need to travel.
GP Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) — Bulk Billing
EPC / Medicare

Under the Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program, your GP can refer you to a physiotherapist for up to 5 bulk-billed sessions per calendar year — at no cost to you. This is available to patients with a chronic medical condition who need a multi-disciplinary approach to care.

Shalini bulk bills all EPC-referred patients. Simply bring your referral form to your first appointment — there's nothing else to organise.

Eligibility — who this is for
  • Any Medicare cardholder with a chronic medical condition
  • Condition has been present for 6+ months or is likely to be present for 6+ months
  • GP has created a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan including physiotherapy
  • Up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year (shared across all allied health providers)
How to Get Started
1
Talk to your GP Ask your GP if you're eligible for a Chronic Disease Management plan. Most GPs are very familiar with this process.
2
Get your referral Your GP will provide a referral form listing physiotherapy as an allied health service in your plan.
3
Book with us Call or book online — mention your EPC referral and bring the form to your first appointment.
4
No payment required Shalini bulk bills directly to Medicare. You pay nothing for up to 5 sessions per year.
WorkCover & TAC
WorkCover / TAC

Shal-Care Physio is an approved WorkCover and TAC provider. If you've been injured at work or in a transport accident, you may be entitled to physiotherapy treatment at no cost — funded through your insurance claim.

WorkCover covers Victorian workplace injuries. TAC covers injuries sustained in car, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accidents on Victorian roads. Both schemes have straightforward processes once a claim is active.

WorkCover — what you need
  • Active WorkCover claim number
  • Certificate of Capacity from your treating GP
  • Approval from your case manager (for ongoing treatment)
TAC — what you need
  • Active TAC claim number
  • Transport accident occurred on a Victorian road
  • Injuries sustained in the accident requiring physiotherapy
How to Get Started
1
Lodge your claim WorkCover: through your employer. TAC: call 1300 654 329 as soon as possible after the accident.
2
Get a GP certificate Your GP provides a Certificate of Capacity (WorkCover) or treatment approval (TAC).
3
Book with us Contact us with your claim number. We'll handle the billing directly with WorkCover or TAC.
4
Treatment begins Treatment at no cost to you. We communicate directly with your case manager as required.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
CHSP

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) provides entry-level support services for older Australians — including physiotherapy — to help them stay independent at home before they require a Home Care Package. It's a lower-intensity option with a small co-contribution from the client.

Eligibility — who this is for
  • Australians aged 65+ (50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
  • Assessed by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) through My Aged Care
  • Suitable for people who need some support but not a full Home Care Package
✎ Confirm CHSP co-contribution fee with Shalini — add to this section
How to Get Started
1
Contact My Aged Care Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to register.
2
RAS assessment A Regional Assessment Service assessor will confirm your needs and CHSP eligibility.
3
Ask for Shal-Care Request Shal-Care Physio as your physiotherapy provider when your referral is processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Section 03
Funding Questions
Can I use more than one funding scheme?
In some cases yes — for example, a CHSP client who also has a WorkCover claim for a separate injury. Contact us and we'll help work out what's applicable to your situation.
I don't know what I'm eligible for — can you help?
Absolutely. Call or email us and describe your situation. We'll let you know which schemes are likely to apply and how to access them. We'd rather you call and ask than miss out on funding you're entitled to.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?
For private (self-pay) appointments — no referral needed at all. For bulk billing under EPC you'll need a GP referral. WorkCover and TAC require a certificate or claim. NDIS and HCP require plan / package approval.
How do I know if my NDIS plan covers physiotherapy?
Look for "Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living" or "Improved Health and Wellbeing" in your plan. Your LAC or plan manager can also advise. We're happy to help you figure this out — just get in touch.
General Questions
How long is a typical course of treatment?
It depends entirely on your condition. An acute sports injury might resolve in 4–6 sessions. Chronic or post-surgical conditions often benefit from 8–12 sessions with a maintenance program ongoing. Shalini will be clear about expected timelines from the first assessment.
Do you do home visits?
Yes — particularly for HCP and CHSP clients, and for patients who are unable to travel. Home visits may attract a travel fee for private clients outside the Lara area. Please ask when booking.
✎ Confirm home visit coverage area and fees with Shalini
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Any relevant referral letters, scan or imaging reports, current medication list, and your funding details (NDIS number, claim number, or referral form). Wear comfortable clothing you can move in.
Can I claim on private health insurance?
Yes — if you have extras cover that includes physiotherapy. We provide receipts for claiming. Note that EPC bulk billed sessions cannot also be claimed on private health insurance.
✎ Confirm Hicaps/private health claiming capability with Shalini
Unsure Where to Start?

Just give us a call

We can help you work out what funding you're eligible for and get you started without the stress.

Book Online 📞 (03) 0000 0000