Chronic Disease Management Plans: How Your GP Can Help
If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or arthritis, your GP can help you manage it with a structured Chronic Disease Management Plan. These Medicare-funded plans give you access to allied health services and coordinated care — often at reduced cost.
What Counts as a Chronic Condition?
A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for at least 6 months and requires ongoing management. Common conditions include:
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
- Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Heart disease and hypertension
- Stroke and cardiovascular conditions
- Arthritis and osteoporosis
- Kidney disease
- Cancer (current or history)
- Mental health conditions (ongoing)
- Chronic pain
- Neurological conditions (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, epilepsy)
The Two Types of Chronic Disease Management Plans
1. GP Management Plan (GPMP)
A GP Management Plan is a written plan prepared by your GP that details:
- Your specific health conditions
- Management goals (e.g., target blood sugar levels, weight loss targets)
- Treatment and services you need
- Lifestyle changes that will help
- Review schedule (typically every 3-6 months)
2. Team Care Arrangements (TCA)
A Team Care Arrangement is prepared when your condition requires input from at least two other health providers beyond your GP. These might include:
- Physiotherapist
- Dietitian
- Podiatrist
- Exercise physiologist
- Diabetes educator
- Psychologist
- Speech pathologist
- Occupational therapist
- Audiologist
When both a GPMP and TCA are in place, you become eligible for Medicare rebates on up to 5 allied health appointments per calendar year.
How Much Do Allied Health Visits Cost?
With a GPMP+TCA, Medicare rebates approximately $60 per allied health visit. Many providers bulk bill TCA patients, meaning no out-of-pocket expense. Others charge a gap fee — typically $20-$60 per session.
If you have a valid concession card, some providers offer fully bulk billed services. Always ask before booking.
How to Get Your Plan Started
- Book a longer GP appointment — GPMP/TCA preparation typically takes 30-40 minutes. When booking, mention you’d like to discuss a Chronic Disease Management Plan.
- Bring your records — test results, specialist letters, current medications, and any existing care plans.
- Discuss your goals — your GP will work with you to set realistic health goals and identify which services will help.
- Get referrals — if a Team Care Arrangement is appropriate, your GP will coordinate with at least two other providers.
- Attend your allied health appointments — bring your plan with you to access Medicare rebates.
- Review regularly — return to your GP every 3-6 months to review progress and adjust the plan.
Example: A Diabetes Management Plan
Consider a patient with Type 2 diabetes. A typical GPMP+TCA might include:
- GP: Regular HbA1c monitoring, medication management, annual comprehensive review
- Diabetes educator: Education on blood glucose monitoring, injection technique, and lifestyle management
- Dietitian: Personalised meal plans and nutrition counselling
- Podiatrist: Annual foot examination to prevent diabetes-related foot complications
- Exercise physiologist: Tailored exercise program
All of these services can be accessed with Medicare rebates under a GPMP+TCA.
Book a Chronic Disease Management Appointment
All Family Doctor GPs prepare Chronic Disease Management Plans. Many of our clinics also have in-house allied health services, making your care seamless and convenient.
Find your nearest Family Doctor clinic and book a longer appointment to discuss a management plan for your condition.