Allied Health Group Services Under Medicare (for patients with type 2 diabetes)

From May 2007 new item numbers became available to allow people with type 2 diabetes to receive Medicare rebates for group services provided by Medicare registered diabetes educators, exercise physiologists and dietitians, on referral from a GP. These new item numbers are in addition to the five individual allied health services available per calendar year.

Before referring GPs must have put in place a GP Management Plan (item 721) or a review of a pre-existing GP Management Plan (item 725) or, in the case of a resident of a residential aged care facility, have contributed to or reviewed a care plan. Unlike the 5 individual allied health services, patients being referred for these new group services do not need a Team Care Arrangement (item 723) in place.

The Referral form for allied health group services under Medicare is obligatory for GPs referring patients. This form can be downloaded from the Department of Health and Ageing website or can be ordered by phoning (02) 6289 4297 or faxing (02) 6289 7120.

Referral form for group services - MD or BP

GPs should also attach any relvant information from the GP Management Plan.

What are the item numbers?

• One Individual Assessment of at least 45 minutes duration per calendar year - conducted by a diabetes educator, an exercise physiologist or a dietitian. Following the assessment the allied health professional must provide a written report to the referring GP, which will outline whether the patient is suitable for group services, as well as a recommendation regarding which mix of group services.
• Eight Group Service sessions per calendar year, each of at least 60 minutes duration. The patients must have undergone the individual assessment before being placed in groups of 2 - 12 participants. The 8 sessions can be dedicated to just one of the 3 eligible allied health professionals (diabetes educator, exercise physiologist or dietitian), of be a mix of all 3. This decision is determined by the information on the GP Management Plan and the information gathered at the individual assessment. At the conclusion of the 8 group services the allied health professionals involved must provide a written report to the referring GP

Fact sheet for Allied Health Professionals