Breakthrough on chronic disease management by GPs

Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said today that the Australian Government’s introduction of chronic disease items to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) would deliver a double benefit to GPs and their patients.

Dr Haikerwal said the new MBS items will allow GPs to provide more time and specialised care to patients with any chronic disease, rather than a few selected diseases, and it will reduce the red tape associated with the preparation and delivery of care plans to patients with chronic diseases.

"The AMA has been negotiating with the Government for nearly two years for these changes," Dr Haikerwal said.

"There are enormous benefits for patients.  Asthma, diabetes, mental health issues and many other disabling conditions can now be better managed under these MBS items – with less red tape to rob doctors of time with their patients.

"Important clinical decisions on chronic diseases now rest with the doctor where they belong, not with bureaucratically determined areas of care as was previously the case.  A GP can now independently prepare a care plan or establish a team care arrangement, or both, depending on the needs of the each patient.

"With Australia’s ageing population – and the increased burden of chronic diseases in society and the desire to remain at home while being cared for - these new items will contribute significantly to more effective chronic and complex care, and care of older people.

"Where a GP has contributed to a care plan for a patient in an aged care facility, that patient will now have improved access to Medicare rebates for allied health professionals and dental care."

The new chronic disease management items are for:

• preparation by a GP of a GP Management Plan;

• coordination by a GP of Team Care Arrangements;

• review by a GP of a GP Management Plan;

• coordination by a GP of a review of Team Care Arrangements; and

• contribution to a multidisciplinary care plan being prepared by another health or care provider, including for residents of aged care facilities.

Dr Haikerwal said the new items signify Government recognition that the MBS must not disadvantage patients with chronic disease and complex care needs - but instead allow them an appropriate rebate for more time they spend with their doctors.

"The beauty of these new MBS items is that GPs can spend more time on patient work and less time on paperwork for the Government," Dr Haikerwal said.