IF YOU are living with a long-term health condition, you may be eligible for a Chronic Condition Management (CCM) Plan, sometimes called an EPC Plan (Enhanced Primary Care Plan).
This program, funded by Medicare, helps people manage chronic or complex conditions through access to allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and dieticians.
To access the plan, you’ll first need to visit your GP, who will assess your condition to ascertain whether or not it has become chronic (lasting longer than six months).
Examples include arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, chronic back pain , chronic neck pain, frozen shoulder or heart disease.
Your GP then creates a team care plan, referring you to up to five Medicare-subsidised allied health sessions per calendar year.
During physiotherapy sessions under this plan, the focus is on healing your condition where possible but then it’s more about managing your symptoms and your improving mobility and strength.
Each session attracts a Medicare Rebate but a gap fee is usually charged.
It’s important to note that the five sessions can be shared between different allied health providers, so planning with your GP ensures you get the most benefit for your needs.
If you have a chronic condition and want to explore physiotherapy as part of your care, speak with your GP about setting up a Chronic Condition Management Plan.
You might be eligible for five sessions to be used this calendar year.
