What is a GP chronic condition management plan?
A GP chronic condition management plan helps you manage a long-term condition and can give you Medicare rebates for some allied health visits.
If you have a chronic condition, your GP can prepare a chronic condition management plan with you. Since 1 July 2025 this is called a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan. It replaced the older GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements, which were separate.
Who might be eligible
A chronic condition is one that has lasted, or is expected to last, six months or more. Common examples include diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, asthma, chronic pain and long-term musculoskeletal problems. Your GP decides whether a plan is right for you.
What the plan includes
Your GP works with you to write down:
- Your health needs and goals
- The treatment and services you need
- What you can do yourself, such as exercise or monitoring
- Which health professionals will be involved
- When the plan will be reviewed
Plans are usually reviewed every few months so your GP can check how you're going and update your goals. If you're registered with a practice through MyMedicare, the plan is generally done at that practice.
Allied health visits
With a plan, your GP can refer you to allied health providers and you can claim a Medicare rebate for a limited number of visits each calendar year. Services can include:
- Physiotherapy and Exercise physiology
- Dietetics and Diabetes education
- Podiatry
- Occupational therapy and Speech pathology
- Psychology, for some people with a chronic condition
Under the new arrangements, your GP's referral letter doesn't have to name a particular provider, so you can choose who to see. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may be able to claim more visits. Your GP can tell you how many you can claim.
Costs
The Medicare rebate often doesn't cover the whole fee, so you may pay a gap. Some providers bulk bill. Ask about fees before you book. The rebate is separate from private health extras, and you usually can't claim both for the same visit. See Do I need a referral for a physio, psychologist or dietitian?.
If you already had an older care plan before July 2025, it can still be used for a while during the changeover. Ask your GP whether you need a new plan.
Spec Book shows allied health providers' fees and next appointments, and your GP can send the referral with the booking.
Common questions
Is a chronic condition plan the same as a mental health plan?
No. Mental health care uses a separate Mental Health Treatment Plan. See How does a Mental Health Treatment Plan work?.
Can I see any physio or dietitian I like?
Generally yes. Referrals under the new plans don't need to name a provider, but the provider must be registered to claim Medicare.
Do unused visits roll over to next year?
No. The allowance resets each calendar year.
Does my plan expire?
Plans are reviewed regularly rather than expiring on a set date. Referrals to allied health have their own time limit, so check with your GP.
General information only, not medical advice. Everyone's situation is different, so check with your GP or the provider. In an emergency call 000.