Chronic Disease Management

GP Management Plans

What is a GP Management Plan (GPMP)?
A GP Management Plan is a written plan of management developed by your GP and practice nurse in consultation with you. The GP Management Plan is a written set of information about what you need in managing your chronic or complex condition.

Who will benefit from a GP Management Plan?
Any person with a chronic (long term) medical condition such as:

• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Osteoporosis

What happens when your doctor organises a Management Plan?
Together we:

• Identify your health priorities
• List the actions you can take to help manage your condition
• What (if any) other health care and community services you need
• What results you would like from the GPMP to help with your chronic condition

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Team Care Arrangements

What is a Team Care Arrangement (TCA)?
If the doctor determines you would benefit from other health care providers or allied health professionals being involved in providing treatment, a team care arrangement will be completed. With your consent, your doctor or practice nurse will ask the relevant allied health professionals to be part of your care plan.

What is a allied health professional?
Any allied health worker like a physiotherapist, dietitian, podiatrist, audiologist, diabetes nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist, asthma nurse or exercise physiologist.

How many visits can I have with an allied health professional?
Persons with a GP Management plan and Team Care Arrangement are eligible for 5 visits per calendar year to see allied health professionals.

Will it cost anything to have a GPMP and TCA done by my GP or practice nurse?
All GPMP and TCA plans are bulked billed by your GP, so there will be no charge for these services.

Will it cost anything to see an allied health professional with a GPMP and TCA?
Allied health professionals may require you to pay on top of the Medicare rebate. Speak to your allied health professional about any charges.

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GP Management Plan Review 

What is a GP Management Plan Review (GPMP Review / TCA Review)?
Once a plan is in place, it should be regularly reviewed by your GP. This is an important part of the plan cycle, where you with your GP and practice nurse check that your goals are being met and agree on any changes that you may require.
A GP Management Plan Review is usually undertaken every 3-6 months.
All GPMP Reviews are bulk billed by your GP. There will be no charge for these services.

FAQ
How long will it take?
The GPMP will take about 45-60 minutes of your time. Your doctor and practice nurse will spend this time consulting with you to prepare your care plan.
A GPMP Review will take about 15-20 minutes with your doctor to review your care plan.

Who is eligible?
Your GP will decide if you fulfill the eligibility requirements set by Medicare, prior to preparing a plan.
Medicare has guidelines on who can and can’t have a GP Management Plan prepared. Your GP will help in making this decision.

How can I make an appointment for the allied health professional?
Please contact their number to make an appointment. 

If you have any questions, ask your doctor or practice nurse 

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Home Medicines Review (HMR)

Do you know your medicines? If medicines aren’t used properly, or if the wrong ones are used together, the results can be serious. Each year more than 140,000 Australians have to go to hospital with problems caused by their medicine. In up to 69% of these cases, the problem could have been avoided. Older people are particularly at risk.

The Home Medicines Review (HMR) Program was developed in response to this problem. It is funded by the Australian government and managed by the Pharmacy Programs Administrator.

A Home Medicines Review involves your GP and an accredited pharmacist of your choice. Your GP writes a referral to the pharmacist. A pharmacist conducts an interview, preferably in your home, and then writes a report for to the GP. The GP will discuss any recommendations with you and may make appropriate changes to your medicines. 

The solutions may involve:

• showing you how to take your medicines correctly
• explaining why and when to take them
• explaining where they should be stored
• explaining what to expect when taking them
• outlining what problems you should report to the GP
• checking that prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and vitamins are appropriate to take together
• clarifying any confusion with generic medicines
• giving you some help so you can remember to take your medicines
• changing your medicines.

Who should have a Home Medicines Review?

Reviews are particularly useful for people who:

• take more than five medicines a day
• have recently spent time in hospital
• are concerned about their medicines
• are confused about their medicines
• do not always remember to take their medicines.

How much does it cost?

The pharmacist’s review and report is paid for by the Australian government, so it will not cost you anything. Your GP may bulk-bill or charge you for the GP consultations.

If you (or someone you care for) might benefit from having a Home Medicines Review, talk to your GP or pharmacist about organising one. They are available in all states and territories.