Managing a long-term health condition on your own can be a lot to carry. Between appointments, referrals, and remembering what your doctor said three months ago, it’s easy to lose track of the bigger picture.
That’s exactly what a GP care plan is designed to fix. It’s a simple way for your doctor to bring everything together, your goals, your treatment, and the people helping you get there, so nothing falls through the cracks.
If you’ve been searching for what a GP care plan actually involves, you’re in the right place. We’ll walk through what it is, who it’s for, what’s included, and how to get one started.
At Sydney Doctors, our GPs work alongside allied health and specialist teams under one roof at 70 Pitt Street. So once your plan is in place, it’s not just a document sitting in a drawer, it’s a coordinated team actually working from it.
What Is a GP Care Plan?
Put simply, a GP care plan is a written plan your doctor puts together to help manage a long-term health condition. It sets out your health goals, the treatment you need, and which health professionals will help you get there.
It also maps out your follow-up appointments, so nothing gets left to chance.
Why Do GPs Use Care Plans?
A care plan gives your GP a clear picture of your health, all in one place. Instead of starting from scratch at each visit, your goals, treatment, and progress are already mapped out.
It also means everyone involved in your care, your GP, any specialists, and allied health professionals is working from the same information. That’s the real value: less repeating yourself, more time spent actually improving your health.
Who Is Eligible for a GP Care Plan?
Not everyone needs one, and that’s okay. As a general rule, you’ll need a health condition that has lasted, or is likely to last, six months or longer.
Common conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Chronic pain
- Kidney disease
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Mental health conditions
There’s no fixed list. Your GP will assess your situation and decide if a care plan suits your needs.
Do You Need to See the Same GP?
Yes. Your regular GP usually needs to have treated you at the same practice for at least 12 months, or expects to be your main GP going forward. This helps make sure your care plan reflects your full health history.
What Does a GP Care Plan Include?
A typical GP care plan includes:
- A summary of your health condition and current needs
- Health goals, agreed between you and your GP
- Treatments and services you may need, such as medication or lifestyle changes
- Referrals to allied health professionals, if relevant
- A review schedule, usually every three to six months
If your condition involves multiple health professionals, your GP may also set up a Team Care Arrangement (TCA). This brings together your GP and at least two other health providers to coordinate your treatment.
How a GP Care Plan Works: Step by Step
1. Book an Appointment With Your GP
The process starts with a conversation. Your GP will review your health history and discuss whether a care plan is suitable for your condition.
2. Your GP Prepares the Plan
If eligible, your GP will outline your health goals, the support you need, and any referrals to allied health professionals.
3. You Review and Agree to the Plan
Your GP will talk you through the plan before it’s finalised. Once you agree, you’ll receive a copy for your own records.
4. Ongoing Reviews
Your GP will check in with you regularly, usually every three to six months, to see how you’re progressing and update the plan if your needs change.
At Sydney Doctors, our GPs work closely with our on-site allied health and specialist teams. This means referrals and follow-up care can happen without you having to coordinate everything yourself.
What Services Are Covered Under Medicare?
A GP care plan can give you access to subsidised allied health visits through Medicare. This typically includes up to five allied health visits per year, covering services such as:
- Physiotherapy
- Dietetics
- Podiatry
- Exercise physiology
- Diabetes education
Mental health care plans work a little differently and may allow for additional subsidised sessions. Speak with your GP about what applies to your situation, or check our full range of GP services for more detail.
How Much Does a GP Care Plan Cost in Sydney CBD?
Sydney Doctors is a private billing practice. Medicare-eligible patients can claim a rebate for the GP consultation on the day, which reduces your out-of-pocket cost.
Our reception team can talk you through the fees involved before your appointment, so there are no surprises.
How Often Should Your GP Care Plan Be Reviewed?
It’s recommended that your GP care plan be reviewed at least every six months, though some GPs recommend more frequent check-ins depending on your condition. Regular reviews help make sure your treatment stays relevant as your health changes.
The Bottom Line
Managing a chronic condition shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. A GP care plan brings your goals, treatment, and support team into one place — reviewed regularly, so it grows with you.
If you’re in the Sydney CBD and think a care plan might help, come have a chat with one of our GPs. We’ll talk through whether it’s right for you, no pressure either way.
Book an appointment with your GP at Sydney Doctors today.
