Assistance from your GP

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or send us an enquiry

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Chronic disease GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements

Chronic disease GP management plans provide support for people with chronic medical conditions, including cancer, that are likely to be present for six months or longer.

A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer can result in complex care needs. A chronic disease management plan can provide an organised approach to your health care so that it meets your needs.

There are two types of chronic disease GP management plans your GP can prepare for you.

A GP management plan (GPMP)
Team care arrangements (TCAs).

GPMPs can help you by providing an organised approach to care. A GPMP is a plan of action that:

Identifies your health care needs
Sets out the services to be provided by your GP
Lists any other health care and community services you may need
Lists the actions you can take to help manage your condition.

A TCA enables you to have access to other health care providers, including allied health workers, who may be able to provide treatment or services to you. These include physiotherapists, registered lymphoedema practitioners, dietitians, podiatrists, occupational therapists and exercise physiologists.

Having a TCA in place means that you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for the care provided by these health workers for up to five visits per year. However, the care must be directly related to your breast cancer. You may need to make a special appointment to discuss a TCA – your GP’s receptionist will be able to advise.

GP mental health plans

If your GP believes that you would benefit from ongoing counselling, they can draw up a GP mental health plan and refer you to an appropriate specialist.

A GP mental health plan allows you to up to 10 individual Medicare-subsidised appointments and 10 group appointments with an allied health mental health service provider such as a clinical psychologist, specialist GP, social worker or clinical occupational therapist.

Things you can do now

Talk to your GP for more information about what plan may best suit your needs.
Visit My Journey, BCNA’s online tool for information tailored to your diagnosis. My Journey has a Symptom Tracking tool that you can use to help you record your pain, what works for you and what doesn’t.
Join our Online Network if you think that talking to others online and sharing experiences will help.
Contact BCNA’s Helpline on 1800 500 258 between 9.00 am to 5.00 pm AEST Monday to Friday, for information about the services and support that may be available for you and your family.