In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Chris, Riwka, and Kim discuss the recent changes to chronic condition management plans in general practice, with a particular focus on implications for Allied Health professionals.

Outlining the transition from the previous GP Management Plan (GPMP) and Team Care Arrangement (TCA) system to the new, single GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP). These changes, effective from 1 July, are designed to simplify processes for general practice and allied health providers alike. They also address the practical consequences of these changes, referrals, compliance requirements, billing, and ongoing communication between GPs and Allied Health.

Key Talking Points:

• Referral Process Simplified: The traditional TCA referral forms have been phased out. Referrals to allied health professionals are now via standard referral letters stating the allied discipline, rather than naming individual providers or specifying the exact number of visits.
• Number of Visits: There is no longer a requirement for referrals to specify or limit the number of allied health sessions; patients have the flexibility to determine which providers and services they access, within their annual limit of five Medicare-funded allied health visits.
• Patient Responsibility: Patients hold greater responsibility for tracking their five eligible allied health services per calendar year, regardless of discipline, similar to private health insurance claiming processes. 
• Transition Arrangements: Existing TCA referrals remain valid until 2027, and no immediate replacement is needed for allied health service delivery if patients already have valid arrangements in place prior to 1 July.
• Reporting Requirements: Allied health providers must report outcomes back to the GP at the end of the referred service(s), utilising electronic communication where possible to ensure records are accurate and up to date.
• Impact on Billing Practices: With increased patient autonomy over service usage, allied health providers may need to review their billing practices, particularly regarding bulk billing versus private billing, as providers will not be reimbursed by Medicare if the patient’s annual allocation has already been used.
• Administrative Advice: Allied health providers and their teams should familiarise themselves with the new referral format, update their internal systems for tracking Medicare service usage, and ensure all staff communicate these changes effectively to patients.

For further details, including electronic referral compatibility and group item number specifics, please refer to the video episode on the GPCCMP Knowledge Hub here: https://www.cubiko.com.au/gpccmp/

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