Medicare CDMP: Getting Allied Health Support
If you’re living with a chronic health condition, you may be eligible for Medicare-funded support through a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP). This structured plan can provide access to up to 5 subsidised allied health services each year—including physiotherapy, podiatry, and dietetics—to help manage your ongoing condition.
Understanding the Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP)
A Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) is a Medicare initiative designed to assist patients with long-term medical conditions. You may be eligible if you have a condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, six months or more. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Musculoskeletal conditions
Eligibility is determined by your GP based on clinical need—not a fixed list from Medicare. You don’t need a specialist diagnosis to start a plan.
Accessing Allied Health Services
The main benefit of a CDMP is access to Medicare-subsidised allied health services under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
Once your GP develops:
- A GP Management Plan (GPMP) – detailing your condition and care goals; and
- Team Care Arrangements (TCA) – if at least two other healthcare providers are involved in your care,
…you can be referred to allied health professionals.
You’ll then be eligible for up to 5 subsidised individual allied health visits per calendar year. This could include:
- Physiotherapists
- Podiatrists
- Dietitians
- Exercise physiologists
Occupational therapists - Psychologists (in some cases, separate mental health plans apply)
Each referral must come from your GP and specify the type and number of services
Referral and Reporting Process
After establishing a CDMP, your GP will provide referrals to appropriate allied health professionals. After your GP issues the referral:
- The allied health provider must deliver the service personally and for a minimum of 20 minutes.
- They must send a written report back to your GP after the first and last sessions, to ensure continuity of care.
- You can split the five visits across different types of providers or use them all with one, depending on your needs.
Keep in mind: you may need to pay a gap fee, depending on the provider’s billing policy.
Staying Updated
Your CDMP is a living document. It should be reviewed every 3–6 months, or sooner if there are changes to your health or care team. This ensures your allied health referrals remain relevant and effective.
Key Takeaways
- CDMPs provide structured, GP-led care for chronic or terminal conditions.
- Patients may access up to 5 Medicare-subsidised allied health visits annually.
- Your GP must coordinate and refer you to eligible allied providers.
- Referrals and reports ensure your care is well managed and aligned with your needs.
Need Assistance?
The Chronic Disease Management Plan under Medicare offers a structured pathway to access allied health services, promoting comprehensive care for individuals with chronic conditions. By collaborating with your GP and allied health professionals, you can effectively manage your health and enhance your quality of life.
At Buderim Medical Centre, our GPs offer Chronic Disease Management Plans in Buderim and across the Sunshine Coast to support patients living with long-term conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
For more detailed information, visit the Services Australia website.
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