What is a GP management plan in Australia?

What is a GP Management Plan in Australia?

A GP Management Plan (GPMP) is a written document created by your General Practitioner (GP) to help manage a chronic health condition. It's a key part of Australia's healthcare system for people with ongoing medical needs.

Key Features

• Chronic condition focus: Plans are created for conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, mental health issues, or arthritis that need ongoing care
• Coordinated care: The plan coordinates treatment between your GP and other healthcare providers (specialists, physiotherapists, psychologists)
• Written document: Your GP documents your condition, treatment goals, and management strategies
• Medicare rebate: You can claim a Medicare rebate for the GP consultation to create the plan

What's Included

A typical GPMP contains:

• Your medical history and current health issues
• Treatment and management goals
• Medications and treatments
• Referrals to other healthcare professionals
• Follow-up arrangements and review dates
• Information about managing your condition

Benefits

• Better coordination between healthcare providers
• Clearer understanding of your treatment plan
• Access to Medicare rebates for allied health services (like physiotherapy or psychology)
• Improved management of your chronic condition

How to Get One

Talk to your GP about whether a GPMP would help manage your health condition. Your GP will assess whether you're eligible and create the plan if appropriate.

For more information about GP management plans and Medicare rebates, visit the Australian Department of Health or ask your GP directly.

This is general information only. Check official sources before acting.