What types of massage are covered by health funds?

Based on our research, there are very specific requirements of a treatment that must be covered in order for the treatment to be eligible for the health fund rebate. For example, Remedial Massage is defined by ATMS as:

“Remedial massage is the systematic assessment and treatment of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues of the body to assist in rehabilitation, pain and injury management. It’s performed to create favourable conditions for the body to return to normal health after injury and is defined by the premise that the treatment can reasonably reverse certain physical effects a patient may be presenting.”

Before any remedial massage treatment begins, thorough patient consultation and assessment are to be performed to ascertain the patient’s current health status. If the patient is suitable for remedial massage and relies on the patient’s feedback to identify the areas that require attention, the therapist can then apply the relevant and appropriate treatment.

The assessment must include the development of a specific treatment plan as to the best course of treatment for the patient’s condition/injury. This treatment plan forms the basis of the clinical notes. These notes must be consistent with your association's Code of Conduct, the Unregistered Health Practitioner Act, and the additional requirements set by the individual health funds.

We advise you to speak with your association (or your industry body) or registered health fund about what can and can't be claimed and ensure you remain compliant with your regulatory requirements at all times.