Chronic Disease Management Plans: Are You Eligible?
A Chronic Disease Management Plan is available to patients with a chronic condition expected to last six months or more, such as diabetes, heart disease or arthritis. It's created by your GP in a longer consultation and unlocks Medicare-subsidised allied health visits each calendar year, with the plan reviewed periodically to keep it current.
Managing an ongoing health condition often means juggling appointments with a GP, physiotherapist, dietitian or other allied health providers. A Chronic Disease Management Plan exists to make that coordination easier — and more affordable.
What is a Chronic Disease Management Plan?
Sometimes still referred to by its older name, a GP Management Plan, this is a Medicare item that allows your GP to formally plan and coordinate your ongoing care, including referrals to subsidised allied health services.
Who is eligible?
You'll generally qualify if you have a chronic medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, six months or longer. There's no fixed list of conditions — eligibility is based on the ongoing nature and complexity of your care needs, as assessed by your GP.
What conditions commonly qualify?
Diabetes
Heart disease and high blood pressure
Asthma and chronic lung conditions
Arthritis and chronic pain conditions
Chronic mental health conditions, alongside a Mental Health Care Plan where relevant
What does the plan include?
A management plan sets out your health goals, the treatments and services you need, and who's responsible for each part of your care. It also unlocks Medicare rebates for a set number of allied health visits per calendar year — such as physiotherapy, podiatry, dietetics or exercise physiology — depending on what's clinically appropriate for you.
How is a plan created?
Your GP will talk through your condition, current treatment and goals, then prepare the plan and any relevant referrals. This usually takes a longer appointment than a standard consultation, so it's worth booking specifically for this purpose.
How often is it reviewed?
Plans are typically reviewed every few months, or sooner if your condition or needs change. Regular review keeps the plan relevant and ensures referrals stay current.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Eligible patients can access a limited number of Medicare-rebated allied health visits per calendar year, with the exact number depending on your circumstances — your GP can confirm what applies to you.
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The GP appointment to create the plan is billed as a standard consultation and may be bulk billed depending on your clinic and eligibility; allied health visits under the plan attract a Medicare rebate, though a gap fee may still apply.
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There's no fixed expiry, but plans are generally reviewed every few months to make sure they still reflect your current needs.
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