Chronic Disease
Chronic disease management covers a wide range of conditions with varying degrees of severity. The conditions are usually long-term in nature and often develop gradually.
The National Public Health Partnership (NPHP) identifies the following chronic conditions as having the most impact in Australia:
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Depression
- Type 2 diabetes
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Oral disease
The goals of chronic disease management are early detection, early intervention and effective disease modifying and monitoring.
Our GPs can create a management plan for chronic conditions in a team care arrangement or an ‘Enhanced Primary Care’ (EPC) program in association with allied health services. A multi-disciplinary approach is important in treating most chronic conditions and an emphasis is placed on continuity of care.
We can assist and facilitate the processes required to achieve the best possible treatment outcomes. Care for patients with severe chronic conditions is often complex and needs to be effectively coordinated. A lower level of chronic disease may require only self-management support. In every case we aim to provide a more holistic approach for treating patients.
Patients are entitled to Medicare-rebated allied health treatment such as physiotherapy or podiatry if they fulfill the criteria for assessing chronic conditions.
