London Fitness & Rehabilitation
Exercise Physiologist
DYLAN LONDON
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
BclynExPhys AES AEP ESSAM
What is an Exercise Physiologist
An exercise physiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in understanding the body’s responses to physical activity and designing exercise programs to improve health, fitness, and overall physical performance.
They use principles from biology, physiology, and biomechanics to assess an individual's fitness level, identify any health risks, and create personalized exercise regimens that cater to specific needs, whether for general wellness, rehabilitation, or performance enhancement.
Exercise physiologists are trained to work with a wide range of people, from athletes aiming to optimize performance, to individuals managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity.
Key responsibilities of an exercise physiologist include:
Assessment and Testing:
They evaluate an individual's physical fitness, strength, flexibility, cardiovascular health, and metabolic function. This can involve stress testing, body composition analysis, and measurements of heart rate, oxygen consumption, and muscular endurance.
Exercise Prescription:
Based on assessments, exercise physiologists develop personalized exercise plans that align with the client's health goals, such as weight loss, improving cardiovascular fitness, rehabilitation from injury, or increasing athletic performance.
Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention:
They work with patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or conditions like heart disease or diabetes to design safe, effective rehab programs. They also provide guidance on preventing injuries through proper exercise techniques.
Education and Motivation:
Exercise physiologists educate their clients on how to exercise safely and effectively, as well as the importance of proper nutrition, rest, and mental well-being in achieving fitness goals.
Research and Clinical Practice:
Many exercise physiologists are involved in research, exploring how exercise can improve health outcomes and prevent disease. They might work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, fitness facilities, or research labs.
Is DVA Veteran Support Available?
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) in Australia offers support for veterans who require services from an exercise physiologist. Exercise physiology is an important part of rehabilitation and managing physical health conditions, and veterans may be eligible for these services through the DVA under certain conditions.
How to Access Exercise Physiology Services through DVA:
1. Eligibility: Veterans, war widows/widowers, and certain family members may be eligible for support through the DVA. Eligibility for specific services is usually linked to a veteran's health needs, service history, and whether they have an accepted disability or health condition.
2. Referral Process:
- You generally need to get a referral from your GP (General Practitioner) or a specialist who can assess your health and recommend exercise physiology services.
- The GP can help you with a referral under the DVA's allied health program.
3. Services Covered: Exercise physiologists can assist with a variety of issues, including:
- Chronic pain management
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation (e.g., after an injury or surgery)
- Improving overall physical fitness, which may be necessary due to service-related injuries or disabilities
4. Approved Providers: Exercise physiologists who are registered with DVA or who work under the DVA's Allied Health Program can provide services. These providers may be eligible to receive reimbursement for services provided to DVA clients.
5. Payment/Costs: Depending on your status and the circumstances, the DVA may cover the costs of these services in full or in part. In some cases, veterans may need to pay a gap fee, depending on the agreement with the provider.
How to Find an Exercise Physiologist:
You can search for approved exercise physiologists who work with the DVA by:
- Visiting the DVA website for a list of approved providers
- Asking your GP or health professional to refer you to a suitable provider
- Calling the DVA for more specific guidance on accessing allied health services
Contacting DVA:
You can contact DVA directly for more information or to discuss eligibility. The DVA has a Veterans' Affairs Line at 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372), or you can visit the DVA website at [dva.gov.au](https://www.dva.gov.au).
If you are a veteran seeking rehabilitation or managing health conditions, an exercise physiologist could be a helpful part of your recovery and wellness plan.
Is Medical Insurance Cover Available?
In Australia, medical funds, often referred to as private health insurance, typically do not cover the services of an exercise physiologist under standard hospital or general treatment policies. However, there are some scenarios where an exercise physiologist might be covered:
1. Extras Cover (Ancillary cover): Some private health funds offer extras or ancillary cover, which may include allied health services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, and sometimes exercise physiology. Coverage depends on your specific health fund and policy.
2. Medicare: While Medicare does not directly cover exercise physiologist services, there are a few exceptions:
- Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan: If your doctor refers you to an exercise physiologist as part of a CDM plan (formerly EPC – Enhanced Primary Care), Medicare may contribute a rebate for up to 5 allied health services per year, which could include an exercise physiologist. However, you would still need to cover any remaining costs after the rebate.
3. Workers' Compensation and Insurance: If you are injured at work or through a motor vehicle accident, your workers' compensation or insurance may cover the cost of seeing an exercise physiologist as part of your rehabilitation.
4. NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme): If you're eligible for the NDIS and require exercise physiology services for your disability or condition, these services may be funded through the NDIS.
It’s always a good idea to check with your health insurance provider to see if your policy covers exercise physiology under any specific extras plans. If you're not covered by private insurance, you can also explore the options available through Medicare, CDM plans, or other healthcare schemes.
What If I Dont Have Any Insurance?
Don't let this make you avoid contacting us! We may be able to find a way to assist you because what is important to us is your ongoing health and well being.
Please take the time to contact us or give us a call and let's talk about it.
