Frequently Asked Questions - Exercise Physiology
Do you have a question you would like to ask us about our Exercise Physiology Services we offer in Melbourne? If so, please contact us via our email info@mvfit.com.au and we will respond to you personally, but before you ask your question, we may already have an answer for you below in our frequently asked questions about clinical exercise physiology.
What conditions can Exercise Physiology services be helpful for
Exercise has been found to be beneficial in the management of numerous conditions and our team can help with conditions that include:
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease)
- Chronic heart failure
- Hypertension
- Peripheral vascular diseases
- Angina
- Metabolic conditions
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Impaired glucose tolerance / insulin resistance
- Diabetes (Types 1 and 2)
- Dyslipidaemia
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Osteoporosis
- Joint replacement
- Fibromyalgia
- Musculoskeletal injury
- Postural issues
- Lower back pain
- Respiratory conditions
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Emphysema
- Hormonal conditions
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Post Menopause Syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto's disease
- Androgen deprivation therapy
- Psychological conditions
- Depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Fatique conditions
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- HIV / AIDS
- Cancer & cancer treatment
- Neurological conditions
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson's Disease
- Developmental Coordination Disorder
If you want to improve your fitness and lose weight, an Exercise Physiologist is the health professional for you. A knowledgeable and experienced personal trainer, who can help improve your lifestyle. We can provide motivation and help you achieve your goals by providing a safe and effective exercise program.
If you are recovering from an injury or suffering chronic pain and still want to lose weight and get fit, we can help you train, as well as rehabilitate. Get the most out of personal training with an Exercise Physiologist.
What are the main differences between physiotherapists and AEPs (clinical exercise physiologists)?
Physiotherapists tend to treat the primary problem, usually an injury, at the acute and early post-acute stages of rehabilitation. AEPs treat the whole person, using exercise and other lifestyle strategies and health coaching. AEPs help people recovering from illness (eg heart attack), injury (eg muscle tear) or an operation (eg hip replacement), with a goal to helping clients to help themselves to better long term health and fitness (prevention).
What is the difference between an AEP and a Personal Trainer?
There can be a big difference in qualification levels between these two professions. A personal trainer is qualified to prescribe exercise to healthy clientele and usually gains a qualification through a TAFE or similar organisation. The courses are often short courses allowing a personal trainer to be qualified after 6 weeks. A basic personal trainer can work with stable, low risk clients, but does not have the in-depth training that an AEP does at post graduate level.
The great thing about Moonee Valley Health and Fitness is that our Personal Trainers are not your typical trainers. All our trainers are either Accredited Exercise Physiologists or Exercise Scientists.
An AEP studies at university for 4 years and completes 500 hours of clinical practice to gain accreditation. All our personal trainers who have exercise science degrees also studied at university for 3 years. An AEP tends to work in a clinical setting. They provide advice to the general ‘healthy’ population as well as those with medical conditions. They form part of a multi disciplinary team which can include doctors, physiotherapists, dietitians and diabetes educators.
Do you offer In-Home Exercise Physiology?
Yes we can come to you! We provide home visits on request to the North-Western suburbs of Melbourne, including Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Niddrie, Maribyrnong, North Melbourne, Carlton, Fitzroy and Coburg.
Make an enquiry below, or call (03)9996-0790 and we can check whether we can offer in-home or mobile exercise physiology in your suburb of Melbourne.
What happens in an Exercise Physiology session?
This depends on your goals, but will generally involve cardio exercise as well as resistance (weight) training. Each exercise program is tailored to the client and is designed to improve their condition and quality of life. As clients improve the exercises will match their progression.
The Exercise Physiologist performs an assessment and sets a strength and conditioning program relative to your functional level. They deal with medical patients through to the weekend warrior and elite athletes.
After you initial consultation, your Accredited Exercise Physiologist will discuss whether and when you need to return for review of the program. Review appointments are 45 minutes in length.
Book your initial consultation or make an enquiry
What should I wear to my sessions?
Exercises tailored to you and your body will be a part of all AEP sessions. Please wear comfortable clothing you can walk and move freely in, and walking shoes or runners. Please also bring a water bottle and a towel to every appointment.
Can I claim rebates through my Private Health or get other government funded Exercise Physiology sessions?
Yes, we are registered to provide sessions for NDIS Improved Daily Living, Aged Care Support At Home, Medicare, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Worksafe and TAC.
If you are elligable, a GP referral will be required to claim Medicare Rebates.
Consultations with an AEP may attract a rebate from your private health fund as Exercise Physiology is listed under extras. The rebate available does differ for each health fund, so check with your provider as to your entitlements.
GP Referrals for Exercise Physiology
Exercise is one of the best medicines that can be prescribed for chronic disease and injuries. Doctors are referring to Accredited Exercise Physiologists to prescribe safe, effective, specific and tailored exercise programs to patients.
Moonee Valley Health and Fitness is proud to be part of the Exercise is Medicine Australia Network (EIM).
To claim any Medicare benefits that are available, a referral is required from your GP to access these subsidised programs. To find out if you are eligible, contact our clinic on (03)9996-0790 or visit your doctor and ask about your options.
What is the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan available under Medicare
Medicare Australia have developed a ‘chronic disease management plan’ (CDM) which is set out by your medical practitioner (including general practitioner, but not a specialist or consultant physician). To be eligible for Medicare support you must be referred from a GP to one of our Exercise Physiologists and placed on a Chronic Disease Management Plan. To be eligible for that Plan you must have a chronic disease or injury (an issue longer than three months). Your GP will determine practitioner support for you which may include a maximum of 5 Medicare rebate services per each calendar year for services like Exercise Physiology.
If appropriate, this can be arranged through your GP. Referred participants will receive a rebate from Medicare for each of the 5 sessions.
Rebates can be processed on the spot or can be claimed on the spot and only a small out of pocket expense is charged.
What is an EPC referral?
The Enhanced Primary Care progam or EPC program is now known as the Chronic Disease Management plan, and is explained in the above FAQ - What is the Chornic Disease Management (CDM Plan?. Some people still refer to this plan as an EPC program but it is essentially the same thing - 5 subsidised sessions through Medicare.
Workcover and CTP Schemes
MV Health and Fitness exercise physiologists provide functional exercise for the purposes of returning an injured worker to suitable work activities. This includes specific exercise therapy related to the worker’s injury and work demands, and / or specific work activities as exercise.
All our exercise physiologists are WorkCover accredited to provide return to work services under WorkCover and CTP schemes
What Private Health Funds can I use with Exercise Physiology?
Exercise Physiology services are now recognised by almost all private health funds and substantial rebates are available. We recommend you contact your health fund to ensure you are eligible for Exercise Physiology services dependent on your level of cover. Our Exercise Physiologists are registered with the all the major Health Funds which include:
- Australian Unity
- Australian Health Management
- Commonwealth Bank Health Services
- GMF Health
- Grand United (GU) Health
- BUPA Australia
- HBF
- HCF / Manchester Unity
- Medibank Private
- NIB
- Teachers Health Fund (THF)
- Reserve Bank
- ...plus other Health Funds
You can view a full list of the available health funds and what type of rebates for exercise physioloy and fitness services you can receive here - Private Health Funds
Do I need a referral?
No. Referrals are certainly welcome, but are not necessary to book an appointment.
Anyone can see an Exercise Physiologist. A referral is not a necessity. Most private health funds recognise Exercise Physiology allowing for private health rebates.
A referral from your doctor is required when using Medicare (CDM) funding or for insurance claims (Workcover/CTP). Eligibility requirements will need to be discussed with your Doctor.
What are your payment methods?
We do not have a HICAPS machine at MV Health and Fitness, so all patients will need to arrange any health fund rebates that are available for exercise physiology. Please contact your fund if you wish to know the exact rebate amount, as this varies depending on your fund and your level of cover. We accept cash, EFTPOS, VISA and MasterCard. Payment is required at the time of consultation and no accounts will be issued.
Where is Moonee Valley Health and Fitness located?
We are located at 378 Mount Alexander Road, Travancore VIC 3032. Directions to get to the studio can be found here - MV FIT on Google Maps
Do you offer same day appointments?
Yes we do offer same day appointments when available. Call us now on (03) 9996 0790 for the earliest available appointment.