Life Modification Program

Program Officer

Michelle Cash or Sue Riches, 5222 0800

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Providers of the Lifestyle Modification Program

Program Summary

The purpose of the Lifestyle Modification Program (LMP) is to prevent high risk people from developing type 2 diabetes.

Eligibility

Under the national program, a GP can refer an eligible patient to an LMP under the following item numbers:

Item 710 Adult Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Check
Item 713 Diabetes Risk Assessment
Item 717 - 45 - 49 year health check

If a patient has already had a 717 claimed in the last three years, the GP cannot claim item 713, but the patient can still be referred to the Lifestyle Modification Program. There is no claim clash for a 717 following a 713, because the 717 may be used to assess risk of chronic conditions other than diabetes.

Eligibility is defined as 'patients between 40-49 years' (per item 713 or 717) and indigenous patients between the ages of 15 -54 (per item 710)at 'high risk' (as determined by application of the AUSDRISK) of developing type 2 diabetes. Patients must not have diabetes and must not have attended an LMP previously.

Program contents

The content of the Lifestyle Modification Program must be delivered over 6-7 sessions and include:

The risks of diabetes and their relationship to lifestyle factors
The importance of regular diabetes screening
Nutrition advice and education
Physical activity advice
Behavioural strategies to support the adoption and maintenance of lifestyle change
Smoking cessation and alcohol reduction advice or referral if required
Information about community resources relevant to sustaining lifestyle change

Group size in any particular program will not exceed 15 clients

Cost

The program is free for pensioners ands health care card holders. A total cost of $50 will apply to all other participants.

Program accreditation

Nationally consistent service delivery across all LMPs will be facilitated by an accreditation process based on agreed, evidence based LMP service standards.