Articles / Chronic condition care plan changes won’t help patients or the bottom line, GPs say
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.
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.
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.”
Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing MBS online information sheets
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