Exercise Physiology FAQ’s

  • An accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is an allied health professional who specialises in helping people with chronic conditions, injuries, disabilities or pain via movement, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs tailored to the individual. An AEP seeks to safely and sustainably restore optimal physical and mental function, health and wellness day-to-day life.

    Unlike programs created by a personal trainer, programs offered by AEP’s are available for rebates under private health insurance, Medicare, NDIS, TAC, WorkSafe, WorkCover and DVA.

  • An accredited exercise physiologist (AEP) is an allied health professional with a degree in exercise physiology and extensive training in understanding the body’s response to exercise. An AEP specialises in creating exercise programs for those with chronic health conditions or injuries while Personal trainers are fitness professionals who design and lead workout programs for generally healthy individuals seeking improved fitness, strength, or appearance.

    AEP’s:

    Complete a four-year accredited degree course at university

    Fulfil 500 hours of clinical experience as part of the degree

    Gain Exercise and Sports Science Australia accreditation

  • An Exercise Physiologist (EP) and a Physiotherapist are both healthcare professionals who work to improve patients' health, manage pain, recover from injuries and improve physical function however, they have different areas of focus and expertise.

    An exercise physiologist specialises in developing and implementing exercise as the primary treatment. Programs with an EP are usually performed with the EP alongside the person within a 1:1 or small group session. In comparison, a physiotherapist may also use exercise as a treatment for various medical conditions but also use a variety of physical therapies including manual therapy and ultrasound. Often a physiotherapist will direct a person to complete simple exercises at home in between appointments.

  • No, you do not require a referral to attend our clinic.

  • Medicare:

    You may have been referred to us under a Team Care Arrangement (TCA) from your Doctor with a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, (previously called Enhanced Primary Care Plan). This entitles you to up to 5 Medicare rebated sessions of $61.80 split with a team of Allied Health Professionals, in which Exercise Physiology falls under.

    Please see below fee schedule as of June 2026:

    • 45 minute initial consultation and assessment = $168 (Medicare covers $61.80, gap $106.20)

    • 45 minute follow up appointment = $138 (Medicare covers $61.80, gap $76.20)

    • 30 minute follow up appointment = $98 (Medicare covers $61.80, gap $36.20)

    Private health insurance:

    Your private health insurance may pay rebates on consultations with us in 1:1 appointments and group bookings.

    Private health item codes are as follows:

    • 102 for initial consultation

    • 202 for personal consultations

    • 502 for group sessions

    We have a HICAPS terminal onsite for on the spot claiming and your rebate is determined by your level of cover. We recommend checking your policy as they all vary.

    NDIS:

    Body Place is a registered provider for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). All of our Exercise Physiologists are registered with the NDIS and accredited through Exercise and Sports Science Australia to provide services under the Improved Health and Well-being section for those with a permanent disability, where that disability impacts on the ability to perform daily activities.

    We can service those who are organisation managed or self managed.

    Please see below fee schedule as of January 2024:

    • 60 minute initial consultation and assessment: $161.99

    • 45 minute follow up appointment: $121.49

    • 30 minute follow up appointment: $81.00

    *please note: there is no out of pocket fee for NDIS participants

    WorkCover

    For worker’s compensation in Victoria, you will need a doctor’s referral from your GP that states your injury and recommends seeing an Exercise Physiologist. After obtaining the referral, you will need an approval letter from your case manager specifying the number of covered appointments. Worksafe sets the fees and appointment length for workers' compensation in Victoria. You will need to pay our private consultation fees upfront and the insurer will reimburse you directly.

    Please see below fee schedule as of 1st July 2024:

    • 45 minute initial consultation and assessment: $160 (Rebate $101.80, Gap $58.20)

    • 45 minute follow up appointment: $136 (Rebate $67.87, Gap $68.13)

    • 30 min follow up appointment: $96 (Rebate $67.87, Gap $28.13

    • 45 min group class (6 person max): $45 per class (Rebate $22.63, Gap $22.37)

  • To become an NDIS participant a person must:

    • Have a permanent impairment

    • Be aged less than 65

    • Live in Australia in an NDIS area

    • Be an Australian citizen

    If you are not sure whether you are eligible to access the NDIS an eligibility checklist can be found here.

  • Our team of Exercise Physiologists support people living with a disability to minimise the impact of their disability through exercise and improving their physical fitness. Disabilities that commonly benefit from NDIS Exercise Physiology services include:

    • Autism

    • Amputation

    • Cerebral Palsy

    • Brain Injury

    • Muscular Dystrophy

    • Paraplegia

    • Stroke

    • Parkinson’s Disease

    • Multiple Sclerosis

    • Vision Impairments

    • Hearing Impairments

    • Intellectual Disabilities

  • Your first consultation involves 60 minute or 45 minute discussion about your history, lifestyle, health goals and current state. The physical component of the appointment may require you to complete some exercises and movements to gain an understanding of your current fitness level and/or limitations. The initial consultation is used to set up an ongoing plan to manage your chronic health condition or injury to ensure you get the most out of each session.

  • Your referral or GP letter (if applicable)

    Medicare/Private Health card

    Wear shoes and clothes you feel comfortable exercising in.