Living with a chronic condition such as diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease can impact many aspects of your health and wellbeing. Medication is only one part of treatment. That’s why your doctor may create a chronic condition management plan (formerly known as CDM), giving you access to allied health providers, including an exercise physiologist.
What does an exercise physiologist do?
Accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs) are university-qualified allied health professionals who prescribe evidence-based movement programs tailored to your specific health needs.
Staying (or becoming!) physically active can help manage chronic conditions by:
- Lowering your heart rate and blood pressure
- Improving heart function and blood glucose levels
- Boosting your mood and sense of wellbeing.
Exercise physiology sessions are often included in chronic condition management plans, meaning Medicare rebates are available. Others access exercise physiology using private health insurance, WorkCover (RTWSA) or NDIS.
As part of accessing Medicare-subsidised allied healthcare, you can read more about what a CDM (Chronic Disease Management) or CCMP (Chronic Condition Management Plan) is and how to access one – on our page:
Are you eligible for Medicare subsidised allied healthcare services?
(What was previously called a CDM plan is now referred to as a GPCCMP: General Practitioner Chronic Condition Management Plan – under the updated Medicare framework.)
Connected, integrated care
As our name suggests, we at Connect Healthcare are strong believers in connecting the skills of different allied health providers to help enhance your care.
Let’s consider how an allied health team might work together in a real-world scenario, such as cardiac rehabilitation following a heart event.
After hospital discharge, a patient may be referred for ongoing support as part of a chronic condition management plan. At Connect Healthcare, that plan could include collaboration between a physiotherapist, dietitian and exercise physiologist.
In this scenario:
- The physiotherapist supports recovery of strength and mobility following inactivity or surgical procedures.
- The dietitian provides nutritional guidance to support heart health and energy levels.
- The exercise physiologist develops a personalised rehabilitation program that gradually builds cardiovascular fitness and functional capacity without overdoing it.
This team-based approach ensures that care meets the patient’s immediate clinical needs and supports long-term lifestyle change that may improve overall health.
Why tailored exercise matters
If you’re living with chronic health conditions or haven’t exercised in a while, you may be nervous about increasing your activity levels. An exercise physiologist can guide and encourage you, helping you gradually improve your exercise tolerance.
Connect Healthcare’s exercise physiologists tailor every program based on your:
- Medical history and current health status
- Medications and their effects on exercise tolerance
- Functional movement capacity
- Lifestyle and personal preferences – we want to help you enjoy exercise!
Your program may include a mix of:
- Resistance training to build bone density and strength
- Aerobic exercises to improve cardiovascular health
- Balance and stability work to help reduce fall risk
- Health coaching and behaviour change education to help you stay active.
Do I need a referral to see an exercise physiologist?
It depends on how you wish to pay.
If you’re hoping to access Medicare rebates, you need to be referred by your GP as part of a chronic condition management plan. A referral may also be needed if you’re claiming through other government schemes like DVA or NDIS.
However, if you’re paying privately or using your private health insurance cover (check your inclusions), you don’t need a referral. You can just book directly.
The Connect Healthcare difference
We believe in collaborative, integrated care. Our team approach means your exercise physiologist works alongside other professionals such as physiotherapists, dietitians, and chiropractors to deliver holistic support tailored to your long-term goals.
This model ensures continuity, convenience and personalised care.
Book an exercise physiology appointment.
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
References
- Healthdirect, Exercise physiologists, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/exercise-physiologist, [Accessed 12 September 2025]
- Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Exercising with a chronic condition, https://hw.qld.gov.au/blog/exercising-with-a-chronic-condition/, [Accessed 12 September 2025]
- Services Australia, Requirements for a chronic condition management plan, https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/requirements-for-chronic-condition-management-plan?context=20, [Accessed 12 September 2025]