Have you heard of a GP Management Plan?

A GP Management Plan or “GPMP” is a document detailing a course of action recommended by your GP if you are experiencing a specific, chronic (long term) medical condition. It’s there to help, and further explain, your medical needs, recommending the best course of action to be followed. It may be in response to such ailments as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, asthma, osteoporosis, kidney disease, thyroid problems, fibromyalgia, diabetes, and other conditions.  There’s no “list” as such for a GPMP. Eligibility hinges on having a chronic or terminal medical condition. 

What is involved? 

A detailed review of your lifestyle and what could potentially affect your quality of life is done. You are then made aware of the goals and targets to be achieved. 

The process of a GPMP: 

• Assess the patient: identify care needs, problems and relevant conditions.
  
• Agree on management goals for change with the patent for changes to be achieved by the treatment and services in the plan.
• Identify actions to be taken by the patient.
  
• Identify treatments and services, and what arrangements are needed for ongoing management.
  
• Identify the Review date (3-6months).
• Obtain patient signature.

Does Medicare cover the cost of a GPMP?

A GPMP is rebated by Medicare once a year, and reviews can be done every three to six months to assess your progress and discuss any changes needed. You’ll be provided with a copy of your plan from the onset as well as updates along the way.  

GPMP and Mental Health

Depression, anxiety and other forms of mental health problems can go hand in hand with other chronic conditions, and it’s really important to be up front with your GP in regards to what’s going on for you.

Our own mental state can affect our physical condition and for our GPMP to be working at its best, we need all aspects of our health to be open and discussed.

Remember, you can always talk to your GP if the plan or your condition is affecting your mental state, so be open about how you’re feeling. Your GP can recommend other health professionals that may be able to help; you’re not alone in this, there’s always someone you can talk to. Your GP can recommend a Mental Health Treatment Plan that can be used in addition to a GPMP if you have psychological problems like anxiety, stress, panic disorder, or depression.

The first step always, is to make an appointment.

Be completely open with your GP about your health; these plans are there to make everything easier for everyone involved. The GP knows your medical history and will talk to you about how together, you can create and manage a plan that will suit your specific needs, with your health and standard of life as the priority.

If you want to talk to a GP about a GPMP, make an appointment with a supportive and experienced caroline springs doctor and take those steps to a happier, healthier you. Book online or phone 03 9363 0954.