Living with a long-term health condition can mean juggling many appointments. A chronic condition management plan can help you and your GP keep that care organised. It is a written plan that sets your health goals.
If it suits you, it can also link you to Medicare-supported allied health visits. This guide explains what a GP chronic condition management plan covers. It also covers who can have one and how to get one in Ringwood.
What Is a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan?
A GP chronic condition management plan is a written plan made with your doctor for a long-term health condition. Your plan sets out:
- your health condition and the care it needs
- health and lifestyle goals that you and your doctor agree on
- actions you will take
- treatment and services you are likely to need
- when your plan will be reviewed
If you would benefit from other health professionals, your plan also lists who your doctor will refer you to.
This plan is sometimes referred to as a chronic disease management plan, GP care plan or Medicare care plan, or by its older name – before 1 July 2025, people had a GP management plan (GPMP) and team care arrangements.
Today there is one plan, and it replaces both. Plans made before 1 July 2025 stay valid for Medicare-supported services until 30 June 2027. After that, you will need the new plan.
What Does a Chronic Condition Management Plan Cover?
A plan can give you access to Medicare-supported services that match the care in your plan. Each calendar year, you may be able to claim for:
- Allied health services. Up to five individual visits with allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, podiatrists and dietitians.
- Practice nurse services. Up to five services given by a practice nurse on behalf of your doctor.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients can have up to 10 individual allied health services. Medicare supports part of the cost, and allied health providers set their own fees. Please make sure to ask about costs before you book.
Who Can Get a Plan?
You are eligible if you have at least one chronic condition. This means a condition that has lasted, or is likely to last, at least six months.
Your GP can let you know whether a plan would benefit you. Examples of eligible conditions include arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.
People living in residential aged care are not eligible for this plan. However, they can use a different type of care plan.
How to Apply for a Plan
You don’t apply to Medicare. Your GP prepares the plan with you during an appointment. The usual steps are:
- Book an appointment. Ask your doctor whether a plan suits you. If you have several concerns to discuss, tell reception when you book.
- Talk through your health. Your doctor will check if you are eligible. Bring a list of your conditions, your medicines and any health professionals you already see.
- Set your goals together. You and your doctor agree on goals and actions. Your doctor records your consent and can offer you a copy of the plan.
- Get your referrals. If you would benefit from allied health care, your doctor refers you directly. You then contact those providers to book.
- Keep up your reviews. Your plan doesn’t expire. It can be reviewed about every three months if that suits your care. To keep Medicare-supported allied health visits, your plan must have been prepared or reviewed in the last 18 months.
If you are registered with MyMedicare, you must get your plan through the practice where you are registered. Please check this before you book.
Fees for Care Plan Appointments
Our doctors work in private practice and don’t bulk-bill by default. Payment is expected on the day. Care plans for patients with a chronic condition may be bulk-billed in most cases. This may allow a bulk-billed appointment up to every three months. Ask your doctor if you are eligible.
Fees are also applied for other appointments. See our fees page for current rates. Medicare rebates may also apply.
Taking the Next Step With Your Health
A chronic condition management plan gives you and your GP a clear way to organise care for a long-term condition. It sets your goals, can link you to Medicare-supported allied health visits and is reviewed over time.
If you’re looking for a seniors’ health and geriatric care in or near Ringwood, VIC, our team of GPs at Warrandyte Road Clinic is here to support your chronic disease management.
When you’re ready, book online or phone 03 9870 9000 for an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan the Same as a GP Management Plan?
Since 1 July 2025, the GP chronic condition management plan has replaced the old system of GP management plan and team care arrangements.
How Many Allied Health Visits Does a Plan Cover?
Medicare supports up to five individual allied health services each calendar year under a plan. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients can have up to 10.
Allied health providers set their own fees, so ask about costs before you book.
Can I Get a Plan Without Seeing Allied Health Providers?
Yes. A plan sets goals and actions for your condition. Referrals to allied health professionals are only included if your doctor thinks you would benefit from them. Your plan can still guide your care with your GP alone.
Your doctor will talk through what suits you.
How Often Is a Plan Reviewed?
Your plan doesn’t expire. It can be reviewed about every three months if that suits your care. To keep Medicare-supported allied health visits, your plan must have been prepared or reviewed in the last 18 months. Your doctor will tell you when a review is due.
Does Warrandyte Road Clinic Bulk-Bill Care Plan Appointments?
Care plans for patients with a chronic condition are bulk-billed in most cases.
Please ask your doctor if you are eligible. Fees apply for other appointments, so see our fees page for current rates.
