Last week the government finally announced its long-anticipated changes to chronic disease management plans. From 1 July, GP management plans and team care arrangements will be replaced with a single GP chronic condition management plan.

The MBS rebate will be equalised at $156.55 for both writing a plan and reviewing a plan. Currently, the MBS rebate for writing a plan is $164.35, while the rebate for reviewing a plan is $82.10.

The initial response from RACGP president Dr Michael Wright was exasperated, posting on LinkedIn that the tight timeframe to implement major changes was “really frustrating” and potentially disruptive to GP workflow.

The AMA was also critical with its president Dr Danielle McMullen telling The Medical Republic that the new pricing structure would be a cut for many GPs.

Only 30% of GPs think practice viability will improve

Interim results of a Healthed survey with over 1300 respondents so far suggest GPs are not enthused either. More than a third of GPs said the changes would have a negative impact on their personal and practice income, and a similar proportion predicted no impact at all.

When it comes to patient outcomes, two thirds of GPs said there would either be no impact or a negative impact.

The survey also showed that more than half (52%) of GPs did not think the equalisation of MBS fees would change the frequency of reviews and ongoing patient care; 12% said it would decrease the frequency to varying extents, while 30% said it would slightly or moderately increase frequency, and 5% said it would greatly increase frequency.

RACGP and AMA change their tone

However, by Wednesday the College and AMA had both changed their tone.

AMA President Dr McMullen said the changes mean “many more patients will be eligible for care plans and allied health care. It also means we can all wave goodbye to those signed forms acknowledging team care.”

With team care arrangements ending, GPs will no longer be required to consult with at least two collaborating providers before referring patients to allied health professionals.

“I do recognise that some members have concerns over the rebate changes, short lead time and associated impacts on your practice. I will ensure the department hears your concerns and that we push for robust monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of the changes,” Dr McMullen said.

RACGP President Dr Wright said the “short notice gives little time to adapt to a major change to general practice workflows, and practices will have many patients already booked under the current model,” but he reassured members that the RACGP would support practices and GPs with resources and information.

“We have spoken to key software providers and know they are also making the changes practices need,” Dr Wright added.

“It is important to note that patients who are already on a care plan do not need to transition to a new plan until 30 June 2027, so that gives doctors and patients time to discuss how their future care will be managed. From 1 July, current plan templates can be used however all plans and reviews should be billed using updated MBS numbers.”

Key points for GPs

• From 1 July 2025, GP management plans (GPMPs) and team care arrangements (TCAs) will be replaced with a single GP chronic condition management plan (GPCCMP).
• The MBS fee to prepare or review a GPCCMP is $156.55 for GPs.
• Items for preparing a GPCCMP can be claimed every 12 months if clinically relevant; GPCCMP reviews are available every 3 months if clinically relevant. Plans may be prepared or reviewed earlier if exceptional circumstances apply.
• Patients that had a GP management plan (GPMP) and/or team care arrangement (TCA) in place before 1 July 2025 access services through those plans under transition arrangements.
• Patients can continue to access services provided through MBS item 10997 (and its telehealth equivalents 93201 and 93203) under existing GPMPs and TCAs until 30 June 2027
• Individual and group allied health services can be accessed under existing GPMPs and TCAs until 30 June 2027. Medical practitioners can continue to write referrals under these plans
• Referrals for allied health services written before 1 July 2025 are valid until all services under the referral have been provided

Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing MBS online information sheets