Unlocking the Benefits of Chronic Disease Management Plans

Benefits of Chronic Disease Management Plans

Did you know you may be eligible for five free Medicare rebated sessions to improve your health? Managing a chronic medical condition can be challenging, but the Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) offers access to vital support and care. This plan, previously known as the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program, provides eligible patients with up to five yearly Medicare-rebated sessions with allied healthcare professionals. This blog post will discuss the value of CDMPs, the eligibility criteria, and how to obtain a referral. Understanding Chronic Disease Management Plans

CDMPs are designed to assist individuals with chronic or terminal medical conditions that require ongoing treatment from a multidisciplinary team. The plan allows access to five Medicare-rebated allied healthcare sessions per year, with a rebate of $56 per session (or a higher rate if you have exceeded the Medicare safety net for the year). Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a CDMP, you must meet the following criteria:

1. A chronic or terminal medical condition is present for six months or more.

2. A condition requiring ongoing treatment from a multidisciplinary team, including at least two other medical or allied health practitioners and your general practitioner (GP).

Examples of conditions covered by a CDMP include:

• Chronic musculoskeletal conditions

• Asthma

• Cancer

• Cardiovascular disease

• Diabetes (type 1 & 2)

• Kidney disease

• Stroke

The five Medicare-rebated sessions can be allocated to a single allied health discipline or divided among various disciplines. For instance, you can use all five sessions for physiotherapy or divide them between physiotherapy and podiatry. Allied health practitioners available through a CDMP include:

• Aboriginal Health Worker

• Audiologist

• Chiropractor

• Diabetes Educator

• Dietitian

• Exercise Physiologist

• Mental Health Worker

• Occupational Therapist

• Osteopath

• Physiotherapist

• Podiatrist

• Psychologist

• Speech Pathologist

Obtaining a Chronic Disease Management Referral To begin the process of obtaining a CDMP referral, follow these steps:

1. Consult your GP to determine your eligibility.

2. If eligible, your GP will work with you to create a GP Management Plan (a summary of your medical history and management plan) and a Team Care Arrangement (an agreement between your GP and other medical or allied health practitioners to manage your care together).

3. Your GP or practice nurse will complete the necessary documentation for the CDMP referral and send it to the relevant practitioners.

4. Once the documentation is received, you can access the Medicare rebates following your visits with your chosen allied health practitioner.

Conclusion Chronic Disease Management Plans offer valuable support for individuals with chronic medical conditions, enabling access to essential allied healthcare services. If you or a loved one could benefit from a CDMP, consult with your GP to determine eligibility and begin the referral process. You can better manage your health and enhance your overall well-being by taking advantage of the available support.