GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMP)
Understanding the New Program
Programs you may have heard of in the past, such as GP Management Plans, Team Care Arrangements, Enhanced Primary Care Plans and Chronic Disease Management Plans, have now been combined into one system. This new approach is called the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, or GPCCMP.
The change is designed to make access to allied health services easier and more consistent for patients living with long-term conditions. If you already have an EPC plan in place, it will remain valid until all sessions are used or until the plan is due for review.
What You’re Entitled to
Under the GPCCMP, eligible patients can still receive up to five visits with allied health practitioners each calendar year. These visits may be shared between different providers such as chiropractic, physiotherapy or podiatry, or all used with one type of service depending on individual needs. The Medicare rebate available through the GPCCMP is the same as the rebate previously received under the EPC system.
Important Information About Fees
It’s very important to understand that GPCCMP (EPC) visits are not free. Some patients are mistakenly advised otherwise, but our fees remain the same whether you are referred under a GPCCMP or attending as an existing patient.
Here’s how it works:
- You will be charged our usual full fee at the time of your visit.
- We then process your Medicare rebate (the EPC voucher) through our HICAPS machine on the spot.
- Your refund is deposited directly into your bank account, helping reduce your out-of-pocket expense.
This means you will always pay the full fee first, and then receive the rebate back from Medicare.
How Referrals Work Now
A significant change with GPCCMP is the way referrals are managed. The old requirement for a specific referral form has been removed. Instead, your GP can now provide a standard referral letter. A separate letter is needed for each type of allied health service; for example, one for chiropractic and another for physiotherapy.
Each referral must include your GP’s name, practice details, date of referral and the reason for referral. The letter must be signed and dated, which can also be done electronically, and will remain valid for 18 months from the first appointment, unless otherwise stated by your GP.
It’s important to note that GPCCMPs themselves don’t expire, though each referral remains valid for 18 months from your first appointment unless your GP specifies otherwise.
More Flexibility and Simplicity
The update to GPCCMP is designed to give patients more choice and less paperwork. Referrals do not need to name a specific practitioner, meaning you can decide who you wish to see. There is no longer a requirement for your GP to involve two or more collaborating providers in order to make a referral.
Referrals may also be sent electronically, helping reduce the chance of them being lost. Allied health practitioners are not required to confirm acceptance of the referral, and referrals are ultimately at the discretion of the provider in line with anti-discrimination legislation.
Ongoing Responsibilities
Some aspects of the system remain unchanged. Allied health practitioners are still required to provide reports back to the referring GP after the first and last service under a referral. This helps ensure your care is coordinated and your GP stays updated. It’s important to note that GPCCMPs are not available to people living in residential aged care facilities.
Supporting Your Long-Term Health
The introduction of GPCCMP simplifies the process of accessing care and helps make it easier for patients with chronic conditions to use allied health services. If you think you may be eligible, talk with your GP about whether a plan is right for you and how your visits could be best used. Benz Chiropractic is here to provide care that supports your overall wellbeing and helps you work towards your health goals.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule a visit. We look forward to helping you make the most of your plan and supporting your ongoing health.
