Can I get a GP care plan by phone? What changes from 1 November

What changes on 1 November?

Medicare is introducing four phone attendance items for doctors to prepare or review chronic condition management plans. The change takes effect on 1 November 2026; it has not started at the time of writing.

The new items extend the ways eligible patients can have these appointments. They do not require every practice to offer phone care or remove the conditions attached to Medicare funding. The government’s explanatory statement says the restrictions will align with equivalent video services.

What does a GP care plan help with?

A GP chronic condition management plan is a written plan you develop with your doctor. It brings together your health needs, goals, agreed actions, treatment and any useful referrals, with arrangements to review progress.

You might want to focus on an activity that has become difficult, understanding your treatment or coordinating support from different health professionals. The conversation should include what matters to you.

Preparing a plan establishes that approach. Reviewing it gives you and your GP a chance to discuss what is helping and what needs adjusting. You should be offered a copy. How care plans work.

You may also hear the older phrase “chronic disease management plan”. GP chronic condition management plans replaced GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements for new plans from July 2025. Department of Health guidance.

Who can get a care plan?

The general eligibility requirement is at least one medical condition that has lasted, or is likely to last, six months or longer, or a terminal condition. Your GP also considers whether a structured plan would benefit you. There is no fixed list of qualifying diagnoses.

The phone option has additional Medicare requirements, including where you receive your care. Your practice can check these before booking. Different arrangements apply to people in residential aged care or hospital. MBS eligibility guidance.

Which GP or practice should I contact?

Start with the practice that coordinates your ongoing care.

If you are registered with MyMedicare, care-plan preparation and review services must be accessed through your registered practice. If you are not registered, the services are accessed through your usual medical practitioner, which can include another doctor at the same practice.

These arrangements support continuity. A phone appointment does not mean you can obtain a Medicare-funded plan from any online provider. Services Australia explains the practice requirements.

Will the appointment and referrals be free?

Ask about the fee before you book. Medicare support and bulk billing are different questions: check whether the practice will bulk bill the appointment or whether you will have an out-of-pocket cost.

A care plan can also support referrals for eligible allied health services. Those appointments have their own Medicare requirements, and a referral should not be taken as confirmation that there will be no charge. Ask each provider about fees and rebates before attending. Services available under a care plan.

How can I prepare for the call?

Have your medicine list, any existing care plan and relevant recent results or specialist letters handy. Write down what has changed and the two or three things you most want help with.

Useful questions include:

• Can this appointment be done by phone, and do I meet the Medicare requirements?
• Are we preparing a new plan or reviewing my existing one?
• What goals and next steps will we agree on?
• Who will organise any referrals, and what might they cost?
• How will I receive my plan, and when should we review it?

Your GP may recommend an examination or local testing alongside the planning conversation. If your health changes before the appointment, contact your practice for advice rather than waiting for the care-plan review.

The useful next step is a conversation with your regular practice: ask whether the new phone option could work for your care from November.