Physiotherapy Private Practice
Starting your physiotherapy practice?
You spent 4 years learning to treat patients. Nobody taught you how to run a business.
You spent 4 years learning to treat patients. Nobody taught you how to run a business.
Physiotherapy has the largest private practice market of any allied health profession in Australia. There are roughly 28,500 physios working in private practice, with around 535 net new practices opening every year. The APA provides solid clinical resources, but when it comes to the business side of setting up, you are mostly on your own.
The biggest source of confusion? Medicare CDM billing. The system changed in July 2025 when GPCCMP replaced the old GPMP/TCA pathway, and most of the information floating around online hasn't caught up. If you're setting up now, you need to understand the current rules, not what applied two years ago.
What catches new physio practice owners off guard
Understanding CDM billing and the new GPCCMP pathway, including which patients qualify and how to manage the 5-session shared cap
Navigating the Medicare provider number application when you want to work across multiple locations or run a home-visit service
Building a GP referral network from scratch when you have no existing relationships outside your clinical placement sites
Choosing between renting a room in an existing clinic, subletting, or committing to a standalone premises with equipment costs
What you need to know before you start
These guides cover the shared foundations every allied health practitioner needs. Written for the CDM pathway and updated for the 2025 GPCCMP changes.
Medicare CDM Billing
The new GPCCMP system explained in plain English. How referrals work, the 5-session shared cap, item numbers by profession, and common billing mistakes.
12 min read
Practice Costs
Real numbers for insurance, software, room rental, registration, and the hidden costs nobody warns you about. Broken down by profession.
10 min read
Provider Number
The PRODA account, the HW093 form, common rejection reasons, and the location-specific trap. A plain-English walkthrough.
8 min read
Business Structure
Honest comparison with allied-health-specific considerations. GST, ABN registration, and when to get an accountant.
9 min read
Physiotherapy quick reference
Registration & Association
- Registration body
- Physiotherapy Board of Australia (AHPRA)
- Professional association
- Australian Physiotherapy Association
- AHPRA regulated
- Yes
Medicare & Fees
- Key CDM item numbers
- 10960, 10966, 81110
- Medicare rebate (individual)
- $56.70
- Typical session fee
- $90-$150
- Typical patient gap
- $33-$93
Medicare Item Numbers
| Item | Description | Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| 10960 | Individual allied health service (20+ min) | $56.70 |
| 10966 | Individual allied health service via telehealth (20+ min) | $56.70 |
| 81110 | Group allied health service (60+ min) | $18.90 |
Get the free practice setup checklist
Updated for the 2025 GPCCMP changes. Covers business setup, Medicare, and your first 90 days.
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