Patient Leaflet 8 Working with your Health Care Team

Summary of Patient Leaflet 8

Under Australian Medicare a person with a chronic disease such as Fibromyalgia is entitled to a Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan. This plan will allow five visits per year to a range of Allied Health Services. General Practitioners may have a practice nurse who can provide information, referrals and coordinate care with all members of the Healthcare Teams.

Brief description of types of Allied Health Providers and their services:

• Dieticians
• Exercise physiologists
• Occupational therapists (OT)
• Pharmacists
• Physiotherapists
• Podiatrists
• Psychologists & counsellors
• Health Coach, peer mentors

Other Health Practitioners

Community organisations hold a range of activities, classes and networking groups that provide education and low-cost group activities for on-going chronic disease management.

Activities include massage, acupuncture, relaxation, gentle forms of yoga and meditation that can be helpful to manage symptoms such as pain, stiffness, stress or anxiety.

Access to allied health professionals and costs involved?

When referrals to health professionals are made as part of a care plan, people can access 5 sessions per year funded by Medicare.  Ask the GP or case manager for more information.

The public system: Most health professionals are available in the public health system e.g. community health centre or public hospital. There is often a waiting list for services.  Referrals and access can be limited. Services are usually free or low cost.

The private system: Consultations with health professionals at private clinics do not always need a referral from your GP. The cost varies but may be covered in part by private health insurance