New Medicare assistance for type 2 diabetes
Around 17,000 patients with type 2 diabetes will benefit from new Medicare items that enable them to claim for group allied health services provided by dietitians, diabetes educators and exercise physiologists.
Patients who are being managed under a GP Management Plan can receive a Medicare rebate of $60 for one individual assessment and $15 per session for up to eight group service sessions each calendar year. They will need a referral from their GP.
People who attend group services under this new group approach can still receive the five individual allied health services presently available each calendar year for those with chronic conditions and complex care needs.
This group services initiative is expected to cost around $13 million over four years and was developed in consultation with the Dietitians Association of Australia, Australian Diabetes Educators Association, Australian Association for Exercise and Sport Science and GP groups.