How much does seeing an osteopath cost? Fees and rebates explained
By the team at Matrix Health & Performance, Ivanhoe East
Health costs should not be a mystery, so here is a plain-language guide to what osteopathy costs, what you can claim back, and the schemes that can help cover care in Australia.
Our fees
At Matrix Health & Performance in Ivanhoe East, a 60-minute initial appointment is $150, and new patients currently save $20, bringing it to $130. Standard 30-minute return appointments are $110, and extended 60-minute returns are $180.
Your first appointment is longer than most because we do the work properly: a thorough diagnosis, hands-on treatment in the same session, and a clear plan to take home.
Private health rebates and HICAPS
If you have extras cover that includes osteopathy, you can usually claim your rebate on the spot through HICAPS, so you only pay the gap. How much you get back depends on your fund and level of cover. If you are not sure whether your policy covers osteopathy, a quick call to your fund before you book will tell you.
Medicare and Chronic Disease Management plans
Medicare does not cover standard osteopathy appointments. The exception is a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, arranged by your GP for eligible chronic conditions, which can provide a Medicare rebate for up to five allied health visits per calendar year. Your GP decides eligibility, and a gap fee usually still applies. If you think this might apply to you, talk to your GP, and we are happy to walk you through how it works at the clinic.
TAC and WorkCover
If your injury is from a transport accident (TAC) or a workplace injury (WorkCover), osteopathy treatment may be covered under your claim. You will need a claim number, and some circumstances involve a referral. Call us before your first visit and we will help you sort out the details.
The honest bottom line
Good care costs less in the long run than cheap care that does not change anything. Our aim is always the same: get to the cause, build a plan that holds, and get you to the point where you do not need us very often. If we do not think osteopathy is right for your problem, we will say so and point you in the right direction.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Individual circumstances vary, so if you are dealing with pain or an injury, get it assessed properly.
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Questions about your own situation?
Book your 60-minute first appointment and we will assess what is actually going on, or call the clinic for an honest chat about whether we can help.
Same-day appointments often available. Online booking, instant confirmation. HICAPS rebates on the spot.