GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements

1 Feb 2018 12:21 PMTandem Health
GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements

Many of our patients have GP Management Plans (GPMP), otherwise known as ‘EPCs or Care Plans. These are important documented plans that summarise a patient’s health issues, their goals for their health and well-being, strategies to achieve their health care goals, and the health care professionals involved in helping achieve these goals.

Here are some key points regarding GPMPs:

  • A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for six months or longer, for example, asthma, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and stroke.
  • If you have a chronic (or terminal) medical condition, your GP may suggest a GPMP, which enable them to plan and coordinate your care.
  • A GPMP is a plan of action you have agreed with your GP, that identifies your health and care needs, sets out the services to be provided by your GP and other health care providers, and lists the actions you can take to help manage your condition.
  • If you also have complex care needs and require treatment from two or more other health care providers, your GP may suggest Team Care Arrangement (TCA) as well, which may entitle you to Medicare rebates for certain allied health services, such as Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Dietetics, Exercise Physiology, Diabetes Educator.
  • The practice nurse can provide support and monitoring between visits to your GP.
  • You and your GP should regularly review your plan, to check that your goals are being met and agree on any changes that might be needed.

For more information or to find out if you are eligible for a GPMP and TCA, speak with your GP, or call the Department of Human Services (Medicare) patient inquiries number: 132 011.

Further information can also be access online at: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/F17F6787B14E6CF1CA257BF0001B0AEC/$File/Fact%20Sheet%20-%20CDM%20-%20Patient%20Info%20-%20Feb%202014.pdf