I realise that this subject has probably been discussed many times but I also know there are still thousands of people out there who are not aware of the benefits of having a good GP who keeps up to date with Chronic Disease Management.
Only recently it was brought to my attention by a GP that I should have a GP Management Plan (GPMP) in place. Despite the fact that I am currently still in the Workers Compensation System and my GP appointments are paid for by the insurer, there are times I go to the GP for other problems and have to pay to see him or her. The particular GP pointed out to me that I needed a plan in place so whenever I visit I would be bulk billed. As I rarely go to the GP other than for my pain related issues I hadn't given it much thought.
However, as a nurse and one who worked with GP's for some years completing the plans on their behalf I realised that I myself had slipped through the cracks, despite my own knowledge of the system!!
Anyway, I wanted to let those people who didn't know that anyone who has a chronic condition should have a plan in place and a team care arrangement also in place.
Two of the main benefits of these are:
1. You get your GP appointments bulk billed at all times (despite the reason for the visit)
2. You are entitled to 5 free visits to other Allied Health Services. There is a criteria you need to meet but basically as long as you have a GP and two other allied health or care providers looking after you, then you qualify.
So imagine for instance that you can't afford to go to the physio or podiatrist as often as you would like or need, then with a plan in place you would be able to go 5 times a year (either 5 of the same or split amongst different providers) for treatment at no cost. Most providers will charge absolutely nothing to see them with the plan in place but some (so be aware and check first) may have a GAP between what they can claim and what they charge.
There is a list of providers who are covered and details can be found on the government website:
www.health.gov.au
There is also a link to a fact sheet on the site under Chronic Disease Management.
I hope this has been some benefit to some of you and advise you if you don't already have one in place and you think you meet the criteria then call your GP and ask him or her about getting one done.
"Just thinkin' about tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow 'til there's none
When I'm stuck with a day that's grey and lonely
I just stick out my chin and grin and say, oh
The sun will come out tomorrow
So you gotta hang on
'til tomorrow, come what may!"
Annie - The Movie
Hi Jo.m,
You are also entitled to a free flu shot every year once you have a GP management plan in place, there are lots of advantages in being placed on one, for those who have multiple illnesses you would be silly not to have one in place.
The one they did away with under this scheme, which I personally feel shouldn't have was dental, with all the medications we take, teeth take a hammering because of them, and nothing has replaced that service, and the other which is run inline with the schools keeps having its funding cut, leading to very long waiting times to get in, being on a pension, there is no money left to see a private dentist for work to get done.
Don
Hi Don,
Yes the flu shot too just another example of something that is covered.
I completely agree with you about the dental care. Years of taking medications have an awful affect on your teeth 🙁 and the cost of dental is extreme which leaves most people with major issues that they can't afford to fix.
Jo
"Just thinkin' about tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow 'til there's none
When I'm stuck with a day that's grey and lonely
I just stick out my chin and grin and say, oh
The sun will come out tomorrow
So you gotta hang on
'til tomorrow, come what may!"
Annie - The Movie
Apparently our teeth are not part of our body. For some reason the powers that be seem to think that teeth or oral health is of no consequence and doesn't need any regulation or budget to care for people out there. So they consider it a cosmetic thing that they'll fund if they have the money, but if the money gets tight, then they'll de-fund dental care. Just like they do to pain clinics etc.
And yet, there is good science behind THE FACT that poor oral health is the cause of so many diseases and many of these diseases are crippling this country. Funny that. Sounds a bit like chronic pain too, but neither one seems to be given any level of importance.
I think it's time they pulled their fingers out and actually started funding dental care and chronic pain. It would certainly help keep people plugged in and contributing to society and not a burden to society.
Juss sayin!
Peter
I wish the ring (this Chronic Pain) had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened. (Frodo Baggins)
So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide, is what to do with the time that is given to us. (Gandalf the Grey)
Jo thanks for putting this thread up. I'm going to pin this to the top of the category list so it remains there. If you come across any more information you would like to add to this, please just put it in the thread for all to see.
Don, thanks for putting the info in about the flu needle too. It is an important thing for many chronically ill people to have each year to remain flu free. Unfortunately I cannot tolerate that needle. All it does is give me the flu and I end up with at least 3 chest infections over the whole year after having the jab. That happened to me each year after having the needle for 3 years in a row back in the early 2000s. Haven't had the needle since and haven't been sick like that since either.
Most people aren't affected like me, so it is important that they go get the needle.
Peter
I wish the ring (this Chronic Pain) had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened. (Frodo Baggins)
So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide, is what to do with the time that is given to us. (Gandalf the Grey)
Peter & Don
There are a few people who can't tolerate a flu vaccine but I guess like everything its weighing up the pro's and con's to decide if the benefits out weigh the side effects 🙁
It will always be a cause for discussion!!
Jo
"Just thinkin' about tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow 'til there's none
When I'm stuck with a day that's grey and lonely
I just stick out my chin and grin and say, oh
The sun will come out tomorrow
So you gotta hang on
'til tomorrow, come what may!"
Annie - The Movie
Hi Jo.m,
Well I found out the hard way with the flu shot, I can not have the normal flu vax, had such a severe reaction to it, it was worse than having the flu, mine now is a special order, but even with this one my arm swells and goes stiff as a board, which last for just over a week, I can't risk getting a flu blown flu though, I would end up in hospital for an extended stay if I did.
Don
Hi
Thanx for the info on the flu shot. I already have a Management Plan for my CP but didnt know about the flu shot. Our clinic also has a nurse on staff that I visit 4 times a year to basically check the oil and water (blood pressure, etc and any changes) which is a great way to monitor the condition and ask any of those little questions without having to see the doc all the time
Wendles
There is always a SMILE
in your day,
you just need to find it!
Hi Don
I don't tollerate the flu vax well eithe, but it is good to know there is a "special order" available as an alternative..
It might be too late for this year, but if you need any other jabs you are likely to react to, I have found getting home and immediately icing my arm helps. 10mins on, 10mins off and keep going. It doesn't stop a reaction, just seems that it isn't so bad.
A Dr once suggested taking an antihistamine before coming to the appointment, but you would need to check with doc for interatctions and side affects. Avoiding the nasties from antihistimines, I prefer to ice, and, hot soup as a 'feel good.'
Marley
Once I could laugh with everyone
Once I could see the good to me
Holding the world inside
Now the world is grey to me
Nobody can see you gotta believe it
Oh oh the night comes down
And I get afraid of losing my way
Oh oh the night comes down
And it’s dark again
“The Night Comes Down” Queen
Hi Wendles
I have an Asthma Management Plan, but I didn't know that a chronic pain management plan existed.
Is this through your GP as I am not a client of a pain management unit and wondered in the CP Plan came from the unit.
Is it too personal to ask what a CP Plan is and what it involves? Is it a State thing?
Marley
Once I could laugh with everyone
Once I could see the good to me
Holding the world inside
Now the world is grey to me
Nobody can see you gotta believe it
Oh oh the night comes down
And I get afraid of losing my way
Oh oh the night comes down
And it’s dark again
“The Night Comes Down” Queen
Hi Marley,
I use to complete the GP management plans for the GP's and as long as it is classified as a Chronic Condition then a plan should be in place for it.
It can be included within the same plan just each condition under a different heading and the plan that represents the particular condition should be followed. Its basically similar to a Care Plan which we use to use many years ago but with more benefits.
So as you have Asthma for example you would be entitled to the Free Flu Vaccine as it would increase your risk of getting 'really' sick if you got the flu however if the Asthma was managed by just a GP then you wouldn't necessarily be entitled to the 5 free visits a year for physio, podiatrist etc, however as you have chronic pain (or any chronic condition) which would be managed by your GP, a physio, podiatrist or any other health care provider (2 plus your GP required) you should have a Team Care Arrangement in place so that you would then be entitled to the 5 free visits a year for nominated health providers on the list.
I hope this helps a little.
ALL chronic conditions should be included in your management plan.
Jo
"Just thinkin' about tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow 'til there's none
When I'm stuck with a day that's grey and lonely
I just stick out my chin and grin and say, oh
The sun will come out tomorrow
So you gotta hang on
'til tomorrow, come what may!"
Annie - The Movie
Hi Marley
Mine is with my GP, our medical practice has all its patients with and long term illnesses on a management plan. 4 times a year i visit the clinics nurse to check weight, blood pressure etc. We also discuss any things that were a past issue to check how they are going and talk about and new problems which she will flag for the doctor. Then when i am finished with her i go into the doctor and he checks the flagged issues and any areas he thinks need bringing up. This way any changes with my health is easily noticed during the year but i can also see the doctor or nurse at any time and this is all bulk billed. I think it works well. I am happy to answer and questions
Wendles
There is always a SMILE
in your day,
you just need to find it!
