From 1 May 2007, new allied health items (81100 to 81125) will allow people with type 2 diabetes to recieve Medicare rebates for group services provided by eligible (registered with Medicare Australia) diabetes educators, exercise physiologists and dietitians, on referral from a GP.

Which patients are eligible?

To be eligible for allied health group services, a patient must:

• have type 2 diabetes
• have a relevant care plan in place (GPMP)
• be referred by thier GP to an eligible allied health professional

Allied health group services.

Assessment:

To access allied health group services, patients must be referred by thier GP to an eligible allied health professional.  The allied health professional will initially conduct an individual assessment (under items 81100 or 81110 or 81120) to prepare the patient for an appropriate group service program.

NOTE: A medicare rebate is only payable for one allied health assessment each calendar year. 

Group education:

If the patient is assessed as suitable for group services, the patient may then recieve up to eight (8) group services each calendar year.

Further information:

The Department of Health and Ageing has developed item descriptors, explanitory notes, fact sheet for GPs, fact sheet for allied health professionals and a referral froms that are available at to the Chronic Disease Clearing House (select 'Allied Health Group Services') or see the Department of Health and Ageing web site.