If you have just left your doctors office and you're feeling more than a little bit confused by the term
'EPC', then you have come to the right place! While an EPC is a great resource, it can be a bit tricky
to navigate if you’re not familiar with how it works. So, let us help break it down.

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Firstly, let us start by telling you what an EPC referral is, and how it works.

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EPC stands for Enhanced Primary Care. It’s a system that allows you to see specialists

without paying the full amount out of pocket. The government helps cover part of the

cost, through a 'subsidy', making specialist care more accessible and affordable. You

might have seen this in the past when some services are billed through Medicare

and you pay a small gap amount.

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This usually happens if you have a chronic condition that needs ongoing
treatment, like occupational therapy, physiotherapy or podiatry. That's where
we come in! Leading Health Solutions are here to help with all your OT needs!

 

 

 

To qualify for a Medicare EPC referral, your GP will first evaluate your health needs. If they think

you could benefit from seeing a specialist—like an occupational therapist, podiatrist, or speech

therapist—they’ll write a referral for you and send this through on your behalf.
 

 

 

One of the perks of EPC referrals is that you can use them to see any specialist who accepts them. You’re not limited to the specialists your GP suggests—you can request a referral to any Medicare-approved specialist, including us here at Leading Health Solutions.

It’s important to note that not all specialists are part of the EPC scheme, so it’s a good idea to check before making an appointment. If the specialist doesn’t participate, you might still be able to see them, but you’ll likely have to cover the full cost yourself.

In short, Medicare EPC referrals can help you get the care you need at a reduced cost. If you think you could benefit from seeing a specialist, talk to your GP about getting a referral for services like occupational therapy through Leading Health.