The government is introducing changes to Chronic Disease Management (CDM) MBS items, which will come into effect on 1 November 2024, pending the passing of legislation. These changes involve the consolidation of existing plans and adjustments to referral processes, aiming to simplify and reduce the administrative workload for healthcare providers, like CDEs.
Key points
- The current GP Management Plan (GPMP) and Team Care Arrangement (TCA) will be combined into a new GP Chronic Condition Management (CCM) plan (previously known as CDM Plan).
- People with an existing GPMP and/or TCA before 1 November 2024 can continue to access services under those plans for two years. After 1 November 2026, a GP CCM plan will be required to access ongoing allied health services.
- People registered with a practice through MyMedicare will need to access their GP CCM plan through the practice where they are registered.
- GPs have started registering patients in MyMedicare, with increased registration expected during the transition period from November 2024 to November 2026.
- The referral process from GPs to CDEs and other allied health professionals will change. GPs will issue referral letters similar to those used for specialist referrals, which is expected to reduce administrative tasks for CDEs and allied health professionals in private practice. The current referral forms for allied health services (TCA and Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans) will be phased out.
- GPs will no longer be required to collaborate with at least two providers for team care arrangements, which should further reduce administrative efforts for CDEs and allied health professionals in private practice.
For more information, please see the MBS website here.
ADEA continues to advocate for longer consultations and additional visits for people living with diabetes and those at high risk of diabetes-related complications. We will continue to keep you updated. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].