GPs That Do Medicare CDM Plans for New Patients in Sydney?

My partner has had really bad back pain for a long time now and would really, really appreciate a referral to either a chiro or physio as my understanding is that through Medicare a GP can enable you to have 5 free visits for a chronic issue.

As much as we would love to just pay for sessions, we cannot afford it. I don't see a GP often because in my experience they are not particularly helpful beyond being a gateway to refer you to someone who is specialised in your issue.

We went to our local GP where we've been a handful of times who refused to help because her back pain is "not a chronic disease" despite her being in crippling pain from just a 20 minute walk for several years now and she is only in her early twenties. I spoke to a friend of mine who is a chiropractor who said GPs are hesitant to write these referrals because it's a lot of paperwork for them and they generally can't be bothered unless you've seen them for a very long time, which leaves us with no real option because we'd need to find a new GP and thus be a brand new patient which makes them unlikely to give us said referral (the most our GP was willing to give us was a hand written note saying "pls treat this patient for back pain" which is effectively worthless).

So, my ask is does anyone know a good GP who would be willing to write one of these Medicare program referrals for us? Note that we are currently in the St George area, but my partner works in the CBD so anywhere between there would be great but given how hard this is to get we would be willing to travel.

(Apologies if CDM is the wrong term, Chronic Disease Management, maybe it's under something else).

Comments

  • -2

    Also apologies if this is the wrong category…it is a 'freebie' of sorts so it didn't feel correct under off-topic

  • +2

    Might be worth finding clinics that have physio offerings in-house. Somewhere like Good Samaritan Medical Centre in Chipping Norton will happily write you a referral for physio 2 doors down.

    My Family Health in Willowdale/Gregory Hills specifically support CDMs too: https://www.myfamilyhealthmc.com.au/services/chronic-disease…

    Generally, the more West you go, the more easygoing to get whatever referral/meds you want (within reason).

  • +2

    For the record it isnt 'always 5-free' many place do charge a gap

    • Notice this!

      The care plan only gives you Medicare rebate. The service provider may charge more than this rebate in which case you will still need to pay the difference.

  • The technical wording/rules around eligibility recently changed, which should make it easier for you to get a CDM. The key feature is chronicity, realistically the condition should have been present for 6 months or more, yes Chronic Back Pain would qualify you.

    Its item number 965 which you can look up on the MBS.

    Any bulk billing GP should be happy to do one for you, as it pays more than a standard consult.

  • +2

    I don't see a GP often because in my experience they are not particularly helpful beyond being a gateway to refer you to someone who is specialised in your issue.

    This is literally the role of the GP….

    As Azreal mentioned, the CGM/EPC has been recently overhauled. It's technically a little easier.

    IMO, it's going to be hard to book a new GP and ask for a bulk billed careplan without any proper medical history. Might be easier if you request your history first and maybe visit said GP once before.

    Please do not look at these as 'my 5 free visits'.

  • +1

    A good GP is worth their weight in gold. Find one who takes your wife’s issues seriously. You may need to cop a copayment to find such a beast. Best of luck.

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