News Story

"This is a win for the profession and for people needing our services, particularly those with chronic and complex illnesses," said Associate Professor Steve Boutcher, who is the head of the Health and Exercise Science program.

UNSW's four-year degree, in the Faculty of Medicine, qualifies graduates to work as exercise physiologists, as well as in other areas of the health industry.

From January next year, exercise physiologists will be among the allied health professionals able to provide Medicare services to people with illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and arthritis.

To be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for these services, patients will need to be referred by their GP and have their health managed through an Enhanced Primary Care plan.

"This decision means exercise physiologists will be on the same footing as other allied health professionals, such as chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists and podiatrists," he said.

Chris Tzar, who lectures in the Health and Exercise Science program and who also runs UNSW's Lifestyle Clinic, was the principal negotiator to have exercise physiologists included under Medicare.

The Lifestyle Clinic, which is the only centre of its type in Australia, uses exercise physiologists to give detailed fitness and lifestyle assessments and lifestyle change programs.

The Clinic treats those with chronic illnesses, as well those looking for long-term health improvement. It serves the local community and area health service as well as UNSW staff.

For further information go to: http://www.med.unsw.edu.au/pdf/Lifestyle_Plus_Flyer.pdf