An Exercise Physiologist has completed a 3 or 4 year university degree. Personal Trainers, a profession that is more familiar to the general public, can train from 6 weeks to 6 months for their qualification. Exercise Physiologists study the science of exercise. They thoroughly study the anatomy, physiology, biology and chemistry of the body, to understand the effect exercise has on the body. A depth of understanding of a broad range of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and depression is attained by an Exercise Physiologist. The effect of exercise on chronic diseases, the prevention of chronic diseases and general health is studied. The most current evidence-based scientific research on exercise is studied in the degree an Exercise Physiologist completes.

For Health Professionals/ Referrers

The Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program was introduced to provide more preventative care for Australians and improve the coordination of care for people with chronic conditions and complex care needs. The program provides a framework for a multidisciplinary approach to health care.

To cut down on paperwork and make it easier for GPs to manage the health care of patients with chronic medical conditions, including patients who need multidisciplinary care, new items in the Medicare Benefits Schedule were introduced in 2005.

A GP can develop a 'GP Management Plan' (Item 721) to help a patient with chronic illness. For patients with complex care needs, this plan may be supplemented by a 'team care plan' (Item 723), which involves allied health workers.

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