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Medicare M10 provides Medicare-supported allied health assessment and treatment services for eligible people under 25 with complex neurodevelopmental conditions or specified eligible disabilities. Occupational Therapy is one of the allied health professions that can provide services under this pathway.
Unlike most Medicare allied health programs, this scheme can cover both assessment and treatment services provided by allied health professionals.
Who May Be Eligible for Medicare M10?
Medicare M10 may be available to eligible people under 25 with a complex neurodevelopmental condition, such as autism, intellectual disability or global developmental delay, or with a specified eligible disability.
Eligibility depends on the Medicare criteria and appropriate medical referral pathway. A diagnosis alone does not necessarily mean that every M10 service is available.
See the Diagnosis and treatment for complex neurodevelopmental conditions fact sheet.
Who Can Provide Services?
Registered occupational therapists with a Medicare provider number are able to provide services under this program.
At Innerlink Therapy, therapists work with families to provide individualised assessments and therapy programs that support communication, independence, and participation in everyday life.
How Many Medicare M10 Services Are Available?
Medicare M10 uses lifetime limits rather than annual limits.
Eligible patients may access:
- up to 8 allied health assessment services per lifetime, shared across eligible allied health professions
- up to 20 allied health treatment services per lifetime, also shared across eligible allied health professions.
For treatment, a referral can include up to 10 services. A further referral is required if additional treatment services are clinically recommended, up to the lifetime maximum of 20.
Medicare M10 Occupational Therapy Item Numbers
Common occupational therapy items include:
- 82010 – Occupational Therapy assessment/contribution to diagnosis or treatment planning
- 82025 – Occupational Therapy treatment
Referral requirements depend on the M10 pathway being used. For complex neurodevelopmental conditions, a GP may refer the person to a paediatrician or psychiatrist, who can then refer to eligible allied health professionals for assessment. Following diagnosis, the paediatrician or psychiatrist develops a treatment and management plan before referring for allied health treatment.
Different referral requirements may apply for specified eligible disabilities, so families should confirm their eligibility and referral pathway with their doctor or Medicare.
How Occupational Therapy Can Support Children and Young People
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people develop the skills needed for everyday life, including:
- Sensory processing
- Emotional regulation
- Fine motor skills
- Gross motor coordination
- Self-care and independence
- Executive functioning
- Participation in school, work and community activities
At Innerlink Therapy, therapy programs are evidence-based and tailored to the individual, supporting children and adults to build practical skills that improve daily participation and quality of life.
When Should Families Seek Occupational Therapy?
Parents or referrers may consider an occupational therapy assessment if a child has difficulty with:
- Sensory sensitivities
- Emotional regulation or behaviour
- Fine motor skills (writing, drawing, cutting)
- Gross motor coordination
- Daily independence skills
- Attention and executive functioning
Appropriate Occupational Therapy support can help children and young people build skills and strategies for participating in everyday activities.
How to Access Occupational Therapy Through Medicare
To access Medicare-funded occupational therapy:
- Visit a GP, paediatrician, or specialist
- Discuss concerns about development, functioning, or health
- Request an appropriate Medicare referral or management plan
- Book an appointment with a Medicare-registered occupational therapist
Depending on eligibility and individual circumstances, families may also access services through the NDIS, private health insurance or private payment. Funding and claiming rules differ between programs, so families should confirm which funding option applies to each service.
Occupational Therapy and Medicare at Innerlink Therapy
Innerlink Therapy provides Occupational Therapy assessment and therapy from our clinic in Belmore, Sydney.
If you have a Medicare M10 referral, or would like to discuss whether Innerlink Therapy can provide the Occupational Therapy services identified in your referral, contact our Client Care Team.
You can also learn more about our Occupational Therapy services and funding options