What is a GP care plan?
Care plans are a federally funded program, designed to optimise the health of people who suffer from a chronic condition, that would benefit from a more structured approach to their care.
Who is eligible for a GP care plan?
To be eligible for a care plan you must have a chronic condition – medicare classifies a chronic condition as a condition that has, or is likely to last longer than 6 months. You must also have a regular GP that consents to the care plan along with you, and other members of your treatment team
Which common conditions are eligible for care plans?
Typically, other members of your treatment could include allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, podiatrists or dietitians. You might also see specialists that manage certain aspects of your condition.
The care plan itself is a patient-centric document that clearly outlines your healthcare goals and how members of your treatment team – and yourself! – will help you achieve these goals. Your GP might also include clinically relevant goals for your care on the document.
How long does a GP care plan appointment take?
A care plan done well will unite and coordinate you and your treatment team. It will be a ‘living’ document that changes with you and your health to ensure it is always representative of your current priorities and the plan for you to reach your goals.
How often can I have a GP care plan?
A patient’s journey through the care plan process is unique for each patient, it will vary on the type of goals the person has set, how much support the person would like to achieve those goals, and the type of conditions the person has will influence how often recommended tests take place, and how large the treatment team is.
However, there are some commonalities to a person’s care plan journey – especially in the beginning stages and we can go through those now. Usually your GP will identify that you would benefit from a care plan and will discuss the process with you, although sometimes you might become aware of care plans via other means – perhaps you have a friend or family member who has a care plan, or perhaps you are seeing a physiotherapist who might suggest you discuss a care plan with your GP.
What is involved in the GP care plan appointment?
The initial consultation will be with yourself and your regular GP. Here, you will discuss the care plan, your current health priorities and the inclusion of your treatment team. Once this is decided, you will have a separate consultation with one of our practice nurses. Our nurses role will be to work with you to develop your healthcare priorities into goals and create the documentation to formalise your care plan. The nurses can assist you in coordinating your care, helping you to navigate the healthcare system, and can also provide you with education and guidance on your condition and healthcare goals.
Which M3 Clinics offer GP care plans?
GP care plans are available with GPs at:
How much does a care plan cost?
Care Plans at all M3 Health Clinics are bulk billed.
GP Services
- 24 hour blood pressure monitoring
- 24 hour holter monitor
- 45 – 49 health assessment
- 75+ health assessments
- COVID Vaccine
- Face to face GP consultations
- Flu vaccine
- GP care plans
- Mental health care plans
- Immunisations
- Iron infusions
- Telehealth consultations
- Travel vaccinations / travel clinic
- Video Telehealth Consultations
- Yellow Fever Vaccination
