Exercise Physiology Private Practice
Starting your exercise physiology practice?
You spent 4 years learning to prescribe exercise as medicine. Nobody taught you how to run a business.
You spent 4 years learning to prescribe exercise as medicine. Nobody taught you how to run a business.
Exercise physiology is the fastest-growing allied health profession in Australia, and more EPs are moving into private practice every year. But it comes with a set of complications that other professions don't face. You're not AHPRA-regulated (you're accredited through ESSA instead), which changes how some Medicare and business rules apply to you. And there's a GST question that trips up a lot of EPs.
The business guidance landscape for exercise physiologists is essentially empty. ESSA provides accreditation support and some professional resources, but when it comes to the practical mechanics of setting up a practice, getting a provider number, understanding CDM billing, and building a referral network? There's almost nothing.
You also face a positioning challenge. Personal trainers, strength coaches, and physiotherapists all overlap with parts of your scope. GPs are still learning what an accredited exercise physiologist does. Building referral relationships takes more active education than it does for a physio or podiatrist.
The GST question for exercise physiologists
Most allied health services are GST-free under the medical exemption. But for EPs, the exemption only applies when the service is “treatment” of a diagnosed condition. General fitness, wellness, or performance services may attract GST. If your annual revenue exceeds $75K, you need to register for GST and understand which of your services are exempt. Get accounting advice on this early. Read more in the business structure guide.
What catches new EP practice owners off guard
Navigating Medicare CDM billing as a non-AHPRA profession where ESSA accreditation requirements and Medicare eligibility rules work differently
Understanding the GST implications unique to exercise physiology, where some services may not qualify for the medical GST exemption
Finding your niche in a crowded wellness space where personal trainers, strength coaches, and physios all overlap with your scope
Building GP referral relationships when many GPs still don't fully understand what an accredited exercise physiologist does
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
Exercise physiology quick reference
Accreditation & Association
- Accreditation body
- Exercise & Sports Science Australia (self-regulated, not AHPRA)
- Professional association
- Exercise & Sports Science Australia
- AHPRA regulated
- No (self-regulated via ESSA)
Medicare & Fees
- Key CDM item numbers
- 10953, 10959, 81100
- Medicare rebate (individual)
- $56.70
- Typical session fee
- $80-$130
- Typical patient gap
- $23-$73
Medicare Item Numbers
| Item | Description | Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| 10953 | Individual allied health service (20+ min) | $56.70 |
| 10959 | Individual allied health service via telehealth (20+ min) | $56.70 |
| 81100 | 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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