Starting Friday, 1 November 2024, the Department of Health and Aged Care will be introducing important changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for chronic disease management. These updates are designed to simplify care plans and improve continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions.
Here’s what’s changing:
New Single Care Plan: The current GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements will be replaced by a streamlined GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.
Improved Continuity of Care: Patients enrolled in MyMedicare will be required to access their management plans through the practice where they are registered. Patients who are not enrolled can still access these plans through their usual GP.
Encouraging Plan Reviews: Medicare rebates for developing and reviewing management plans will be equalised. To maintain access to allied health and other services, patients must have their plan established or reviewed within the last 18 months.
Formalised Referrals for Allied Health: The referral process for allied health services will become more consistent with other referral arrangements.
Transition for Existing Patients: Patients who currently have GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements will not lose access to their services during the transition.
What Does This Mean for You?
The upcoming changes to chronic disease management are designed to make your care more streamlined and convenient. Here’s what it means for you:
Simpler Care Plans: Your current care plans will be replaced by one easy-to-manage GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, ensuring more focused and personalised care.
Better Continuity of Care: If you’re enrolled in MyMedicare, you’ll continue receiving care from the same trusted team at our practice, improving consistency in your treatment.
Easier Access to Services: By having your care plan established or reviewed every 18 months, you’ll retain access to important allied health services, like physiotherapy or dietetics.
Seamless Transition: If you currently have a GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangements, you won’t lose any of the services you rely on during the transition to the new system.
These changes are all about ensuring you receive the best possible care, with fewer complications and more support from your healthcare team.
If you haven’t already, consider registering for MyMedicare to take full advantage of these benefits.
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