Chronic Disease Management
Chronic Disease Management in Bendigo – Ongoing Care You Can Count On
Living with a chronic condition is something many Australians navigate every single day. Whether it’s diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or another long-term health concern, having a GP who understands your condition and supports your ongoing care can play an important role in managing your health over time. At Bendigo Doctors, our GPs work with you on managing your health over the long term, not just at the moment of crisis, but consistently, with a plan tailored to your needs. And with 100% bulk billing for GP consultations and chronic care management plans, accessible ongoing care is a priority for our team.
What Is Chronic Disease Management?
A chronic disease or condition is one that persists over a long period of time, typically three months or more, and often requires ongoing medical attention and management. Unlike acute conditions that resolve with treatment, chronic conditions need to be monitored,
managed, and adapted to over time.
Effective chronic disease management involves more than just treating symptoms. It means understanding your condition, making informed lifestyle choices, monitoring key health indicators, and having a consistent care team supporting you every step of the way.
Conditions Our GPs Can Help Manage
Our GPs can support patients with a wide range of chronic and long-term health conditions, including:
- Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
- Asthma and chronic respiratory conditions
- Heart disease and cardiovascular conditions
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Kidney disease
- Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions
- Cancer management and supportive care
- Obesity and metabolic conditions
- Chronic pain
This is not an exhaustive list. If you are managing a long-term condition not listed here, speak to our team — our GPs can assess your situation and discuss the most appropriate care pathway for you.
GP Chronic Disease Management Plans
If you have a chronic condition, your GP may develop a GP Chronic Disease Management Plan (also known as a GP Management Plan or GPMP) with you. This is a written plan that outlines your health goals, the actions you and your GP will take to manage your condition, and the services and support you may need.
A GP Management Plan can:
- Help you better understand your condition and play an active role in your own care
- Set clear, personalised health goals
- Coordinate your care across multiple health providers
- Support access to Medicare-rebated allied health services through a Team Care Arrangement
Your GP will review and update your plan regularly to reflect changes in your health and circumstances
Team Care Arrangements and Allied Health Support
For patients with a chronic condition who need support from more than one health provider, your GP can set up a Team Care Arrangement (TCA). This coordinates care between your GP and at least two other health professionals, such as a physiotherapist, dietitian, podiatrist, or psychologist, to provide a more holistic approach to managing your condition.
A Team Care Arrangement may allow eligible patients to access a set number of Medicarerebated allied health sessions per calendar year. Your GP will discuss whether a Team Care
Arrangement is appropriate for your situation at your consultation.
Bulk Billing for Chronic Disease Management in Bendigo
At Bendigo Doctors, chronic care is accessible care. Here’s how billing works:
- GP consultations: 100% bulk billed for all patients with a valid Medicare card
- GP Chronic Disease Management Plans: bulk billed for eligible patients
- Health assessments: bulk billed for eligible patients
- Telehealth consultations: bulk billed for eligible patients where applicable
Please note that some allied health services accessed through a Team Care Arrangement
may incur a private fee depending on the individual practitioner. Our GP and reception team
can provide more information about costs when setting up your care plan.
What to Expect at a Chronic Disease Management Appointment
Managing a chronic condition is an ongoing conversation between you and your GP. Your
GP will take the time to review your current health, discuss any changes to your condition or
circumstances, and work with you to keep your care plan on track. If it’s your first chronic
disease management appointment, your GP will take a thorough health history before
developing your plan.
Before Your Visit to Bendigo Doctors
- Bring your Medicare card, photo ID, and a list of your current medications
- Let your GP know of any recent changes to your symptoms, lifestyle, or other health concerns
- If you’ve recently had blood tests, imaging, or specialist appointments, bring any results or letters with you
- Standard consultations are up to 10 minutes, if you have a complex condition or multiple concerns to discuss, mention this when booking so extra time can be allocated
All services are subject to clinical assessment and suitability on the day
FAQ
It's a written plan developed with your GP that outlines your health goals and the support you need to manage your condition. Ask your GP whether one is right for your situation.
Yes, bulk billed for all patients with a valid Medicare card at Bendigo Doctors.
This is determined by Medicare guidelines and your individual care needs. Your GP will advise what applies to your situation.
It depends on your condition and care plan. Your GP will recommend a review schedule that keeps your health on track.
Yes. Our GPs can help coordinate care for patients managing multiple conditions. Mention this when booking so we can allocate the right amount of time.
We're located at Bendigo Marketplace on Mitchell Street, with easy access for patients across Bendigo and surrounding suburbs including Kangaroo Flat, Strathdale, Eaglehawk, Golden Square and Epsom.
Chronic Disease Management
Book a Chronic Disease Management Appointment in Bendigo Today
Managing a chronic condition is a long-term commitment, and having consistent GP support can make managing your condition a little easier day to day. Our team at Bendigo Doctors is here to provide coordinated and accessible care for Bendigo patients living with chronic and long-term health conditions. We’re located inside the Bendigo Marketplace on Mitchell Street, with appointments available Monday to Saturday.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. All services are subject to GP assessment and clinical suitability. Outcomes vary between individuals. Please consult your GP for advice relevant to your circumstances.
