The Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program is an initiative by the Australian Federal Government to help people access allied health services (e.g. Chiropractic) under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS, Item 10964). The program allows people with chronic complaints to have up to five (5) Medicare-subsidised visits to an allied health practitioner to help manage their condition. (Other allied health providers include: Dietitians, physiotherapists, Podiatrists, etc). The program has also been referred to as ‘Care Plans’.
Through the CDM program, we can begin a dialogue with your General Practitioner in helping you manage your condition, including backpain, neck pain, headaches and shoulder pain.
How Can I Access The Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program?
Just ask your local General Practitioner. All general practitioners are aware of this program and all Medicare card holders are entitled. If you have visited your doctor more than once for a particular complaint, it could qualify as ‘chronic’ and he/she can put you on the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program. The GP, or the Nurse at the clinic, can create a CDM Care Plan and provide you with the paperwork. Make sure to provide them the details for Dr. Alfie and Point Cook Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre so that they can refer appropriately. Then all you need to do is to bring it to your appointment with us and we will do the rest.
Remember, you are entitled to have up to 5 visits. Some GPs might say that you cannot have all 5 visits to one allied health practitioner (and you have to visit another) but you can. If you wish to use all of your CDM program visits to see Dr. Alfie, you have to request exactly that from your GP. However, if you have been to see another practitioner (for example, a podiatrist for diabetes management) using the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program, you’re only able to be referred for the balance of the 5 visits.
How Much Does The Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program Cover?
Each CDM program visit covers $56. So it covers a good portion of our standard chiropractic fees and all you need is pay for the gap.
How Many Times Can I Be On The Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program?
Medicare card holders can access the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program once every calendar year. That is, you’re able to be on one CDM program between January and December of a particular year. Once you’ve used 5 visits, you can be on another CDM program from the 1st of January in the following year.
If you need any assistance or have any questions about the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program, please speak to one of our Chiropractic Assistants at the desk or call 9394 8888. If you already have a CDM program care plan and wish to book an appointment, click here.
**Updated: 2nd October 2022**