GP Care Plans

The GP chronic condition management plan (GPCCMP) is Medicare’s current framework for structured chronic disease management. It replaced the old GP Management Plan (GPMP) and Team Care Arrangements (TCA) - often just called a “care plan” - on 1 July 2025. If you’ve had a chronic disease management plan before, this is the same idea with simpler paperwork: one plan instead of two.

You may be eligible if you have a medical condition that has been present (or is likely to be present) for at least six months - for example diabetes, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, or osteoporosis. Your GP works with you to set treatment goals, map out who does what, and schedule regular reviews so the plan keeps pace with your health.

If you already have a GPMP or TCA prepared before 1 July 2025, you can continue using it for allied health referrals until 30 June 2027 - and your GP can move you onto the new plan at a regular review.

With a GPCCMP in place, Medicare rebates are available for up to 5 individual allied health services per calendar year - physiotherapy, podiatry, dietetics, exercise physiology, diabetes education, and more. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients can access up to 10 individual services per calendar year.

Your GP writes the referrals as part of the plan, and the allied health professional reports back so your care stays coordinated. Patients with type 2 diabetes may also be eligible for assessed group services.

A mental health treatment plan (also called a mental health care plan) is prepared by your GP under Medicare’s Better Access initiative. It gives you Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year with a psychologist or other eligible mental health professional - usually 6 sessions to start, with more available after a review with your GP.

The plan starts with a longer GP appointment to talk through what’s going on and agree on the right support. We have an in-house psychologist and psychiatrist, so referrals can often stay under one roof - see our mental health services for the full picture.

Book a longer appointment and mention it’s for a care plan. Your GP will review your history, examine what’s needed, and build the plan with you - goals, referrals, and a review schedule. Plans are living documents: reviews are shorter appointments where you and your GP check what’s working and adjust.

Care plans and their reviews can be done in person or by video consult for eligible patients, whichever suits you.

Care plan and mental health treatment plan appointments are bulk billed at Helios - there is no out-of-pocket cost for preparing or reviewing your plan. Allied health and psychology sessions under your plan attract Medicare rebates; any gap depends on the provider you see - see our fees page or ask our reception team when you book.