I wanted to share this news with you last year, but the timing wasn't quite right. I thought it would be most helpful to mention this at a time when you have the best chance of actioning it.
You might be wondering what I'm going on about so I'll get to it...
In Australia, there is a scheme that exists to help those with chronic conditions access help and support from Allied Health Professionals with the assistance of Medicare. It's called a Chronic Disease Management Plan, although you might also hear it be referred to as an Enhanced Primary Care Plan or a GP Management Plan. For ease, I'll just call it a Care Plan for the rest of this piece! I want to make sure you have all the info you need to consider whether this is something you'd like to explore.
So what is a Care Plan and what does it involve?
Firstly, a care plan is something that you and your GP set up together. Ideally, it's a plan that supports your health aims and helps connect you with professionals that can assist you in managing your condition. An individual who is eligible for a care plan can use 5 sessions per calendar year with an Allied Health Professional/s. If you're not sure what an Allied Health Professional is... you can read a bit more about them in my previous blog here (but a few quick examples include Podiatrists, Physiotherapists, Dietitians and Exercise Physiologists).
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The 5 sessions can be used in either of the scenarios below:
- 5 sessions that you use with 1 type of service. For example, having 5 sessions with a Physiotherapist.
- Or, using a range of different types of services. For example, having 1 session with a Dietitian, 2 sessions with a Podiatrist and 2 sessions with an Exercise Physiologist.
How do you get a Care Plan (and how do you know if you're eligible)?
Currently in Australia, GPs are the only medical practitioner able to set up a care plan for you. First they will assess your eligibility, and then will likely ask you some questions related to your health goals and priorities. They can also help you decide of what type of Allied Health professional might be beneficial to see in the upcoming year. Unfortunately, there is also some decent paperwork involved to set up a Care Plan (more on that later). Your GP will need to complete this with you for you to then be on your way!
Care Plans are designed for those with chronic conditions. Chronic medical conditions are those that have been, or are likely to be, present for at least 6 months. This includes:
- asthma
- arthritis
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- cancer
- musculoskeletal conditions
- stroke
Why don't more people do this?
Not everyone knows these plans exist! Hence the motivation to write this piece! And although I appreciate discussing a care plan requires a trip to your GP, it can still be such a useful scheme to help you get access to allied health care and support.
There is also some decent paperwork involved. Setting up a care plan requires your GP to fill in some forms and get things in order so the plan can be used in a way which is effective and supportive of your goals.
Hot 🔥 Tip to Remember!
It is up to your GP to determine whether you are eligible for these allied health services which must be directly related to the management of your chronic condition.
It is important to remember that you and your GP need to work 💪 together on this.
So why would we tell you?
The beginning of a new year can often be a time of reflection, and perhaps you've considered your health and how you might like to tackle the year ahead. And if this isn't you, you might know someone who is! I thought sharing this information might provide a helpful nudge to help you make a step forward. It's not always easy to access help and support when you need it, and wanted to help spread the word that this is at least one option that might be suitable for you.
And now what?
If you've read and followed along this far you might be feeling ONE of the following THREE things...
- 💪 I'd like to work with my GP on this and I'm comfortable to get started. Does this sound like you?
- ✋ I'm interested in accessing the help of the Care Plan. I'm not totally sure where to start or who I should see first. Click here and to get some friendly help.
- ⏰ The timing isn't right for me. If this sounds like you and you want to access this later then click here.
And if it's something else.. would you care to share?
P.S. Did you know? Our team host a range of free online events that many have found helpful.