If you’re living with a chronic health condition, whether that’s diabetes, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, or something else, there’s a Medicare-funded tool your GP can put in place that most people either don’t know about or don’t fully understand.
It’s called a GP Management Plan, and it can make a real difference to how well your condition is managed and what support you can access.
Here’s what it actually involves.
What Is a GP Management Plan?
A GP Management Plan (GPMP) is a written plan prepared by your GP that sets out your health goals, the actions needed to reach them, and the treatment and support you’ll receive. It’s designed specifically for people with chronic or complex conditions that are likely to be ongoing for six months or more.
It’s not just paperwork. It’s a structured approach to your care that makes sure all the important things are being looked after, not just the most pressing symptom at each appointment.
What Is a Team Care Arrangement?
A GP Management Plan is often paired with a Team Care Arrangement (TCA). This is the part that unlocks Medicare rebates for allied health services.
With a Team Care Arrangement in place, you’re entitled to five subsidised visits per calendar year with allied health professionals such as:
- Dietitians
- Physiotherapists
- Podiatrists
- Diabetes educators
- Exercise physiologists
- Psychologists
- Occupational therapists
For people managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or chronic pain, this can be genuinely significant in terms of the quality of care you can access and the out-of-pocket costs involved.
Think you might be eligible for a GP Management Plan? Book in at Southport Metro and we’ll work through it with you. Book online or call 07 5612 7830.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for a GP Management Plan if you have a chronic condition that has been, or is likely to be, present for six months or more. This includes conditions like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Asthma or COPD
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Obesity
- Mental health conditions
- Cancer
- Stroke
If you’re not sure whether your condition qualifies, your GP can advise you at your next appointment.
How Does the Process Work?
Your GP will book a longer appointment to go through your history, your current condition, and your goals. They’ll then prepare the plan, which gets added to your medical record.
The plan is reviewed at least once a year, or sooner if your circumstances change. Reviews are important because they let your GP adjust the plan based on how things are going and make sure you’re still on track.
What About the Chronic Disease Management Items?
Under Medicare, GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements are billed under Chronic Disease Management (CDM) items. These attract a Medicare rebate, which your GP clinic will process on your behalf.
At Southport Metro, our team can walk you through what to expect in terms of costs and rebates when you come in.
Book at Southport Metro Doctors
Our GPs manage a wide range of chronic conditions and can put a GP Management Plan in place at your next appointment. We’re open 7 days a week at Australia Fair Metro Shopping Centre in Southport.
Book online or call us on 07 5612 7830.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Please speak with your GP for advice tailored to your personal health circumstances.