From 1 July 2025, changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Chronic Disease Management framework came into effect, introducing a new approach to planning and referral arrangements for chronic condition care.
While the changes primarily apply to medical practitioners, allied health providers delivering MBS-subsidised services should be aware of the updated framework, particularly in relation to referrals and transition arrangements.
Under the revised framework, the referring GP or prescribed medical practitioner will refer the patient directly to allied health services under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP).
Patients under a GPCCMP can access individual allied health services. For group allied health services, access will generally be limited to patients with type 2 diabetes.
The types of allied health services that can be delivered under CDM have not changed.
The previous requirement for GPs to consult or collaborate with multidisciplinary team members when preparing or reviewing a plan has been removed. Allied health providers no longer need to confirm their agreement to be part of a formal care team.
The obligation to send written reports back to the referring GP remains. Allied health professionals must provide a written report after the first and last service and may provide reports more often if clinically required.
Since 1 July 2025, referrals to allied health services under the Chronic Disease Management framework are provided via referral letters (similar to medical specialist referrals), rather than the previous prescribed referral form. Referral letters must meet the minimum requirements outlined in the Referral Arrangement factsheet.
Referrals written before 1 July 2025 remain valid until all services under them have been delivered or until 30 June 2027.
Unless otherwise specified by the referring medical practitioner, referrals issued under the revised framework are valid for 18 months.
Allied health providers are still required to check the referral date and confirm it remains within the valid period.
New MBS item numbers apply for preparation and review of GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMP), including face-to-face and telehealth consultations by GPs and prescribed medical practitioners.
Plans may generally be prepared no more often than every 12 months, unless clinically required, and reviews may occur every three months where appropriate.
Patients continue to be eligible for up to five subsidised allied health services.
New MBS item numbers apply for Prepare GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) and Review GPCCMP, available for face-to-face and telehealth consultations by GPs and prescribed medical practitioners.
A plan can generally be prepared no more than once every 12 months, unless clinically required, and reviews may occur every three months, where appropriate.
Patients continue to have access to five subsidised allied health services.
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For further information, contact AlliedHealth@gphn.org.au
Allied health professionals make up one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors of the Australian healthcare workforce, playing a critical role in prevention, early intervention, and management of a wide range of health conditions across the lifespan.
At Gippsland PHN, we are committed to strengthening the impact of allied health in our region by fostering collaboration with general practice, offering tailored support, and creating opportunities through commissioning and grants. By building strong partnerships with allied health providers, Gippsland PHN strives to deliver more coordinated, person-centred care and improve health outcomes for the Gippsland community.
The Allied Health Practice Engagement Toolkit is a comprehensive resource designed to support allied health professionals in delivering high-quality care and strengthening practice operations.
This toolkit helps practitioners navigate the complexities of the local healthcare system while offering practical tools, insights, and learning opportunities to enhance both clinical outcomes and business efficiency.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen governance, improve digital integration, or access new training opportunities, the Allied Health Practice Engagement Toolkit combines practical tools, expert insights, and useful resources all in one place.
This free, easy-to-use toolkit is designed to support allied health professionals:
Each section of the toolkit is structured around key topics, featuring a carefully selected collection of online resources, practical tools, and learning materials that can be directly applied to clinical practice or business management.
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Given the diversity of the allied health sector, the toolkit provides generalised material that is applicable to all allied health professions, and not specific to any profession.
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The toolkit does not provide a directory of local health services/providers. You can search for providers on Healthdirect’s Service Finder.
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The toolkit is one element of the reform agenda to strengthen engagement between PHNs and the allied health sector. It is part of a broader ongoing process, and builds on the National PHN Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework launched in 2022. It is aligned with Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan 2022, which highlights the need for a greater focus on allied health professions as part of primary healthcare, in order to improve access, outcomes, integration, safety, quality and cost-efficiency across the health system
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Consultations were held with all PHNs, allied health peak bodies, and large and small providers across the country, to identify topics and resources for inclusion in the toolkit.
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We welcome your feedback on the toolkit. If you have suggestions, comments, or questions, please get in touch with us via alliedhealth@gphn.org.au
The National Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework provides a shared approach to how Primary Health Networks (PHNs) can work more effectively with the allied health sector.
Developed in collaboration with PHNs, allied health professionals, and national peak bodies, the framework outlines key priorities for improving engagement, supporting integration, and strengthening the role of allied health in primary care.
Its focus areas include improving communication, supporting workforce development, enhancing digital capability, and developing sustainable, patient-centred models of care.
At Gippsland PHN, we are using this framework as a guide to inform our approach to allied health engagement as we continue to develop our local strategy.
Please click the links below to learn more about our work to provide a variety of programs, services and resources for allied health professionals.
A clinical decision-support tool for GPs and allied health professionals to support referral pathways and integrated care.
An Australian Digital Health Agency initiative to help healthcare providers update their business information in a single place.
Healthcare providers authorised by their healthcare organisation can access My Health Record to view and add to their patients’ health information.
Explore partnership opportunities and current research opportunities
Help us make better decisions by sharing your experiences and ideas about how we improve health and wellbeing in your community