Updated October 2026
Medicare Rebates for Speech Pathology
A Guide for GPs: Stuttering, Cluttering and Voice Disorders
Medicare rebates may be available for speech pathology assessment and treatment of stuttering, cluttering and voice disorders.
Eligibility depends on the patient's age, diagnosis and healthcare needs. There are two main Medicare referral pathways.
1. GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP)
Up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year
Patients with persistent stuttering, cluttering or voice disorders may be eligible for Medicare-rebated speech pathology under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.
To qualify, patients must have a chronic medical condition lasting, or expected to last, at least six months (or a terminal condition), and meet Medicare's requirements for complex care needs.
GPs are responsible for assessing eligibility, preparing or reviewing the management plan and providing a referral for speech pathology where clinically appropriate.
Eligible patients can access up to five allied health appointments per calendar year, shared across eligible allied health professions.
Appointments must be at least 20 minutes.
Medicare Item Numbers
Appointment typeMBS itemIn-person speech pathology10970Video telehealth93000Telephone consultation93013
Further information: Medicare Chronic Condition Management – Referral and Billing Requirements
https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=82020
2. Stuttering and Eligible Disabilities (M10)
For eligible patients under 25 years
From 1 March 2026, stuttering was added to Medicare's list of eligible disabilities under the M10 pathway.
Patients under 25 with suspected or diagnosed stuttering may qualify for Medicare-rebated speech pathology assessment and treatment.
Eligible patients may access:
Up to 8 assessment sessions over their lifetime, generally requiring medical review and agreement after the first 4.
Up to 20 treatment sessions over their lifetime, with a maximum of 10 per referral.
These limits are shared across participating allied health professions.
What Do GPs Need to Do?
GPs can assess and diagnose eligible disabilities or refer for further specialist or allied health assessment where appropriate.
Before referring for treatment, an eligible medical practitioner must establish a treatment and management plan.
A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan is not required for this pathway.
Medicare Item Numbers – Speech Pathology (M10)
Speech Pathology Assessment (minimum 50 minutes)
82005 – In-person assessment
93033 – Video telehealth assessment
93041 – Telephone assessment
Speech Pathology Treatment (minimum 30 minutes)
82020 – In-person treatment
93036 – Video telehealth treatment
93044 – Telephone treatment
Which Conditions Are Eligible?
The M10 eligible disabilities list includes:
Stuttering
Speech sound disorders, including:
Articulation disorders
Phonological disorders
Childhood apraxia of speech (also known as developmental verbal dyspraxia)
Dysarthria
Cleft lip and/or palate
Other conditions are also included under the M10 pathway.
Cluttering and voice disorders are not independently listed as eligible disabilities under M10, although patients may qualify where they have another eligible diagnosis and meet the relevant requirements.
For the complete eligibility criteria, referral requirements and list of eligible disabilities, please refer to the official Australian Government resources below.
Further information:
Medicare M10 – Eligibility, Referral Pathways and Resources
MBS Item 82020 – Speech Pathology Treatment Requirements
Referring to Your Voice Matters
Your Voice Matters – Stuttering & Professional Voice Care Adelaide provides specialised speech pathology assessment and treatment for children, adolescents and adults experiencing stuttering, cluttering and voice disorders.
Appointments are available in Adelaide and via telehealth, where clinically appropriate.
We welcome referrals from GPs, paediatricians, psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals.
Please contact Your Voice Matters to discuss a referral or arrange an appointment.
Information current as at October 2026. Medicare eligibility and rebates are subject to current MBS requirements. Referring practitioners should consult the relevant Medicare guidelines when determining patient eligibility.