Diabetes and care plans at PDC

The start of a new year often opens the door to the possibility of a new care plan, providing a collaborative and educational approach to healthcare appointments. The financial relief of subsidised visits eases the burden of attending appointments throughout the year. But what exactly is a Care Plan?

A Care Plan, falling under the umbrella of Chronic Disease Management Plans, is a tool to assist you in comprehensively addressing your health needs. Together with your GP and/or practice nurse, you'll identify health goals and create an action plan to achieve them. With this plan, you become eligible for a Medicare rebate for up to five allied health visits per calendar year.

Who qualifies for a Care Plan? Anyone with a chronic medical condition lasting or expected to last for at least six months and who hasn't received a Care Plan elsewhere in the past 12 months.

When should you get a Care Plan? As soon as you're diagnosed with a chronic medical condition and annually thereafter. They're valid for 12 months, and it's never too late to start if you've never had one.

Why do you need a Care Plan? While not mandatory for attending appointments, Care Plans help you to access best-practice diabetes management and care, offering regular subsidised access to allied health and group diabetes education services through Medicare.

Where do you get a Care Plan? Your regular GP or medical centre will prepare your Care Plan. Be sure to mention when booking your appointment that it's for a Care Plan to ensure adequate time allocation.

Start your year with a personalised care plan, making health management an achievable and supported journey.