A care plan is an agreement between you and your usual GP to help you optimize your health.

The purpose of a care plan is to identify your individual needs, set realistic goals, and agree on tasks or health activities that need to be undertaken to achieve them. It helps to on your health and any treatment you are receiving.

Care plans (also called GP management plans) were established by the Australian Government to enable GPs provide comprehensive and coordinated high quality care to those who would benefit most from them.

Anyone with a chronic condition that has been present or likely to be present for more than 6 months.

These include but are not limited to:

• Asthma
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Arthritis- osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other forms of arthritis
• Osteoporosis or osteopaenia- leading to an increased risk of fracture
• Various cardiovascular conditions e.g. ischaemic heart disease

Check with your GP if you are not sure of your eligibility.

What happens at the time of my care plan?

The time of your care plan is an opportunity for you and the GP to take a step back and look at your overall health and well being and make sure that no aspect of your health needs is being overlooked.

It also involves:

• A review of your recommended age specific and individualized preventive health activities.
• A review of your medications (if any).
• A review and update of any blood tests that are required to monitor your progress.
• An opportunity to discuss new chronic problems which may have arisen since the last review.
• A referral to other health professionals for example specialists and/or allied health professionals where necessary, or a review of their last report.

Benefits/aim of a care plan?

• To provide the best possible care for you.
• To promote your health and well being as much as possible.
• To prevent or minimise the development of complications from your existing medical condition(s) e.g. loss of vision in diabetes.
• Early detection and management of complications.
• To keep you out of hospital, or minimise the need for emergency department or doctor visits.

Can I get a copy of my care plan?

A copy of the care plan is offered to you and it is good for you to keep this on your records as a reminder of all that has been planned.

How often is the care plan done?

Usually every 3-6 months depending on your individual circumstances.

GP and Practice Nurse team

Practice nurses play a very important role in the provision of your care and you will often find that the GP and the nurse work closely together on your care plan.

This will often require you to see the nurse prior to seeing the GP on the day of your appointment.

Are care plans bulk billed?

Yes, care plans are bulk billed.