What are the benefits of EPC for consumers?
- If eligible, entitlement to a comprehensive health assessment
which extends beyond a physical examination. The approach to this
care is preventive in nature with a focus on health promotion.
- If suffering from a chronic condition, a terminal illness or
where multidisciplinary care is required, the patient is entitled
to a care plan or case conference
- Care plans and case conferencing allow the carer to take part
although the carer cannot be counted as a 'health provider' according
to the government's rules
The patient receives a copy of the report for a health assessment,
care plan or case conference
Health Assessments
Eligibility for Health Assessment
If you are 75 years or more, you are eligible. If you are Aboriginal
or Torres Strait Islander you need to be over 55 years
Benefits
If you are patient, why would you like a health assessment?
- It offers the opportunity for you and your GP to discuss conditions
or concerns not previously identified - this includes your ability
to cope in social situations, in your home environment and in
day to day living
- This is an opportunity to enhance the relationship you have
with your GP
- You receive a report with recommendations so you have a written
document to which you can refer
- With a yearly assessment you know you are being cared for in
a comprehensive way
- Refer to Medicare Benefits Schedule Book 1 Nov 1999 and supplement
1 May 2000. Additional information is available in the RACGP guidelines
- You are able to claim a Medicare rebate
- If you are unhappy about the service you receive during your
health assessment contact your local Health Insurance Commission
to discuss your concerns
Care Plans
Eligibility for care plan
If you suffer from a chronic condition, a terminal illness or require
multidisciplinary care you are eligible for a care plan. Eligibility
is NOT based on age.
Benefits
If you are a patient, why would you like a care plan?
- You are being provided with multi-disciplinary care for your
chronic condition with long term planning
- Your GP is linked to the other providers so all providers are
clear about their responsibilities and care for you
- Your carer is able to be informed of the care plan
- You have a copy of the care plan so you understand what is being
provided for you
- Regular reviews provide ongoing care
- You must consent to the care plan and you are able to specify
if some information relating to your medical history is to be
withheld from other people involved in your care plan
- You are able to request this service from your GP
- You are able to claim a Medicare rebate for your GP's contribution
- If you are unhappy about the service you receive during the
care plan you may contact the office of the Health Insurance Commission
in your area to discuss your concerns
Case Conference
Eligibility for case conference
If you suffer from a chronic condition, a terminal illness or require
multidisciplinary care you are eligible for a care plan. Eligibility
is NOT based on age.
Benefits
If you are a patient, why would you like a case conference?
- If there is a change to your circumstances, or condition, your
GP and other care providers are able to discuss your case at the
same time
- You need to consent to the case conference and you are able
to specify if some information relating to your medical history
is to be withheld from the other people involved in your case
discussion
- If you have an existing care plan a case conference is able
to contribute to this long term care
- You must consent to the case conference
- You must receive a summary of the case conference which details
the nature of the care that is being provided for you
- A Medicare rebate is payable for the service provided by your
GP
- If you are unhappy about this service you may contact the local
office of the Health Insurance Commission to discuss your concerns
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