Living with a long-term health condition can mean keeping track of appointments, medications, test results and advice from different health professionals. A structured care plan can make that process easier to manage by bringing your health goals and ongoing care into one place.
We care for patients with many different chronic conditions at our medical centre in Stirling, in the Adelaide Hills. Many still call them ‘GP Management Plans’; however, Medicare introduced a new framework called the ‘GP Chronic Condition Management Plan’ in July 2025. The goal is the same — help patients and their healthcare team plan, coordinate, and review their long-term care.
Quick Answer
A GP management plan is a term commonly used to describe a structured care plan prepared by a GP for someone living with a chronic condition. Under the current Medicare framework, new plans are generally called GP Chronic Condition Management Plans.
The plan is developed around your individual health needs and may outline your goals, treatment priorities, monitoring requirements and the health professionals involved in your care. Your GP can explain whether a plan is appropriate for you and how it may support your ongoing treatment.
What Is a GP Management Plan and Who May Benefit?
A GP Management Plan was a formal plan supported by Medicare for people with chronic or complex health conditions. From 1 July 2025, the New GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements were replaced with a single GP Chronic Condition Management Plan framework. In some cases, older plans may be retained under transitional arrangements.
A chronic condition is generally a health condition that is ongoing or expected to require long-term care. It may involve regular monitoring, medication, lifestyle changes or support from more than one health professional.
A care plan may be useful for people managing conditions such as:
- Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
- Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis or other long-term musculoskeletal conditions
- Mental health conditions requiring ongoing support
- Multiple health conditions that affect one another
Not every ongoing health concern requires a formal management plan. Some conditions can be managed effectively through regular consultations, while others benefit from more structured care and coordination.
Your GP will consider your medical history, current health needs and treatment goals before recommending the most suitable approach.
How Does a Chronic Condition Management Plan Work?
The process usually begins with a consultation that gives your GP enough time to understand your health needs and discuss what matters most to you.
Together, you may talk about:
- Your current health conditions and treatment
- Your health goals and priorities
- Medications, tests or monitoring you may need
- Lifestyle changes that may support your care
- Other health professionals who may be involved
- When your care should be reviewed
Your GP notes down the agreed plan and explains what will happen next. Your GP will be able to discuss the referral options available and any Medicare requirements if you need assistance from allied health professionals and other providers.
A care plan is not intended to be a document that is completed once and forgotten. It should support ongoing discussions about your health and change when your circumstances change.
At Stirling Central Health Clinic, our multidisciplinary chronic disease team can help patients access coordinated care. Depending on your needs, this process may involve support from professionals such as a credentialed diabetes educator, dietitian or sleep and respiratory physician.
Having relevant services available within the practice or nearby may make it easier to coordinate appointments and share information between members of your healthcare team. The level of coordination will depend on your individual needs and the professionals involved.
GP Management Plans and the Current Medicare Framework
The language around chronic condition care has changed, which can be confusing for patients.
Previously, Medicare used separate arrangements known as:
- GP Management Plans (GPMPs)
- Team Care Arrangements (TCAs)
- Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) arrangements, a term that is still sometimes used informally
Since 1 July 2025, a single GP Chronic Condition Management Plan framework has replaced the previous GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements. The updated approach is designed to support ongoing, coordinated care without requiring separate planning documents for different parts of a patient’s care.
| Previous terminology | Current approach |
| GP Management Plan | GP Chronic Condition Management Plan |
| Team Care Arrangement | Care coordination may be included within the current framework. |
| Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) | Older terminology that may still be used informally |
| Separate planning arrangements | A more streamlined chronic condition management framework |
If you already have an older GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement, your GP can explain whether transitional arrangements apply and whether you need to move to a current plan.
What Happens During a Care Plan Review?
Review appointments allow you and your GP to assess how your care is progressing.
Your GP may discuss:
- Changes in your symptoms
- Recent test results
- Whether your treatment is working as expected
- Medication concerns or side effects
- Progress towards your health goals
- New health issues that may affect your care
- Whether referrals or other support are needed
The timing of reviews depends on your health needs and the type of care you are receiving. Your GP may recommend more frequent appointments if your condition is changing or your treatment needs closer monitoring.
A review is also a useful time to raise concerns that may not seem urgent but are affecting your daily life. This could include changes in sleep, energy, mobility, mood or your ability to follow the treatment plan.
Chronic Condition Care and Preventive Health
Managing a long-term condition often means looking beyond the condition itself. Your GP may recommend monitoring other aspects of your health, particularly when they could affect your treatment or future health risks.
For example, a review may include discussions about blood pressure, cholesterol, vaccinations, lifestyle factors or recommended screening.
Our preventive health checks can help patients manage their health. Your GP can advise which checks are relevant to your age, medical history and current circumstances.
There may also be opportunities to combine appropriate related health discussions, reducing the need for separate appointments. But some concerns may need a separate consultation, especially if there’s more time or investigation needed.
Mental Health and Long-Term Physical Conditions
Living with a chronic health condition can affect more than your physical well-being. Ongoing symptoms, treatment demands and changes to daily life may also influence your mood, stress levels or mental health.
Your GP can consider both physical and emotional well-being when discussing your care. If appropriate, they may recommend additional support or refer you to relevant services.
You can also learn more about our mental health support services and discuss with your GP whether they may be relevant to your circumstances.
A whole-person approach does not mean every patient needs the same services. It means recognising that different aspects of your health can be interconnected and considering those connections when planning care.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most from Your Care Plan
You can play an active role in making your plan useful and realistic.
- Keep an up-to-date list of your medications.
- Bring relevant test results, specialist letters or hospital information to appointments.
- Make a note of new symptoms or changes between visits.
- Ask which health professional you should contact for different concerns.
- Discuss any treatment goals that feel difficult or unrealistic.
- Let your GP know if you are having trouble following part of the plan.
- Book recommended reviews before leaving the clinic.
A care plan works best when it reflects your actual circumstances. Your goals may need to change due to work, family responsibilities, finances, mobility, or changes in your health.
Being open about these factors can help your GP develop a practical, medically appropriate plan.
Choosing the Right Appointment
Developing or reviewing a chronic condition plan may take longer than a standard consultation. If you have several concerns to discuss, it is helpful to mention this when booking.
Before your appointment, you can review our consultation types and appointment lengths. This helps you understand which appointment best suits your needs.
If you are unsure, our reception team can provide general booking guidance. Your GP will determine the clinical care required during the consultation.
Why Ongoing Care With a Regular GP Matters
Chronic conditions often involve months or years of care Where possible, seeing the same GP can help build a shared understanding of your health history, treatment preferences and long-term goals.
Continuity also helps reduce the need to repeat important information at every appointment. Your regular GP can monitor changes over time and coordinate care when other health professionals become involved.
Stirling Central Health Clinic has cared for the Stirling and wider Adelaide Hills community since 1989. If you would like to know more about the doctors involved in ongoing care, you can meet our GPs and specialists.
You can also learn more about our Stirling practice and the broader range of services available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a chronic condition management plan?
Eligibility depends on your health needs and the relevant Medicare requirements. Your GP will assess whether you have a chronic condition that may benefit from a structured management plan and discuss the available options with you.
How much does a chronic condition management plan cost?
Medicare rebates may apply to eligible services, but your out-of-pocket cost depends on the consultation and the practice’s current fees. Contact the clinic before booking if you would like an estimate.
How often is a care plan reviewed?
Review timing varies according to your health needs and the type of plan involved. Your GP will recommend an appropriate review schedule and may suggest earlier appointments if your condition or treatment changes.
Can one plan cover more than one condition?
Yes. A chronic condition management plan can take your overall health needs into account. Your GP may consider how different conditions, medications and treatment goals interact rather than addressing each issue in isolation.
What is the difference between a GPMP and a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan?
GP Management Plan is the older term. New Medicare-supported plans are generally created under the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan framework introduced on 1 July 2025.
Do I need a referral to discuss a care plan?
No. You can book an appointment with your GP to discuss your health needs and whether a plan may be appropriate. Your GP may arrange referrals to other health professionals if they are relevant to your care.
Are allied health appointments bulk billed?
Medicare rebates may be available for eligible allied health services, but the individual provider determines whether they bulk bill. Ask about fees and expected out-of-pocket costs when booking.
Conclusion
Managing a chronic condition is usually an ongoing process rather than a single appointment. A structured care plan can help you and your GP clarify priorities, coordinate relevant care and review your health over time.
Although many people still refer to GP Management Plans, new Medicare-supported arrangements now operate under the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan framework. Your GP can explain what this framework means for your care and whether a plan may be useful.
If you are managing a long-term health condition and would like more support with planning your care, book an appointment with your regular GP at our Adelaide Hills medical centre in Stirling.