If you live with a chronic medical condition, you may be eligible for a care plan from your GP to help you manage your chronic medical condition and improve your quality of life.

There are two types of care plans that can be prepared by your General Practitioner (GP) for Chronic Disease Management (CDM):

  • GP Management Plans (GPMP); and
  • Team Care Arrangements (TCAs)

Some patients have a combined GPMP/TCA or some have a GPMP only.  Your GP can advise which is best for you. You can read more about care plans here.

What is a GP Management Plan?

A GP Management Plan (GPMP) can help people with chronic medical conditions by providing an organised approach to care. A GPMP is a plan of health goals and action you have agreed with your GP. This plan:

  • identifies your healthcare needs;
  • sets out the services to be provided by your GP and other healthcare providers, e.g Specialists, Pharmacist, Podiatrist, Diabetes Educator, Asthma Educator, Physio; and
  • lists the actions you can take to help manage your condition.

What is a Team Care Arrangement?

If you have a chronic medical condition and complex care needs requiring multidisciplinary care, a Team Care Arrangements (TCAs) can help coordinate the care you need from your GP and other health or care providers.

TCAs require your GP to collaborate with at least two other health or care providers who will give ongoing treatment or services to you.

Who Qualifies for a GP Management Plan?

You may qualify for a GP Management Plan if you have a medical condition that has been present (or is likely to be present) for 6 months or longer. For example, asthma, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and stroke. There is no list of eligible conditions.

How can I get a GP Management Plan?

Your GP may suggest a GPMP or TCA to you during a consultation or you can request one. At Whitehorse Medical Centre, our practice nurses play a big role in recalling you for review of your health needs, health goals and supporting you with actions that need to be taken.

If you’d like to explore how a GP Management Plan could help you, please book an appointment to discuss this with your regular doctor.

What happens once a care plan has been made for me?

Once a GPMP and/or TCA is in place, it should be regularly reviewed by your GP. This is an important part of the planning cycle, where you and your GP check that your goals are being met and agree on any changes that might be needed.

 

My Medicare

Why register in MyMedicare

Seeing your GP regularly and formalising the relationship you have with your GP through MyMedicare can lead to better health outcomes. By registering as a patient with your regular GP, additional funding becomes available to your healthcare provider to deliver the care you need. MyMedicare does not tie you to a particular GP – you can change your preferred GP at any time.

Privacy

All personal information recorded in MyMedicare, including your chosen health care providers, will be kept secure and your privacy will be maintained. More privacy info: health.gov.au/mymedicare-privacy.

How to Register

It’s voluntary and free to register in MyMedicare, and registration is open to Australians with a Medicare card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Veteran Card. Talk to your regular GP about registering in MyMedicare, or go to: health.gov.au/mymedicare

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