|
DIABETES EDUCATION & SUPPORT SERVICE (for patients with non-complex Type 2 Diabetes)
Located at the Northern Integrated Care Service, 41 Frankland Street, Launceston. Phone 6336 2145, Fax 6336 2433.
A joint primary health care initiative provided by Tasmania Medicare Local (formerly General Practice North) and the Department of Health and Human Services. Broad Allied Health Team Approach
A team of allied health professionals including Diabetes Educators, Dietitians, Exercise Physiologists, Podiatrist and Registered Nurse will provide assessment, education, support and early intervention for patients referred to the Service. This broad based, integrated approach to delivering GP support for patients is unique and allows for Team Care Arrangements to be delivered with less impact on GP time.
Urban and Rural Service Delivery
One of the features of the Service is that patients can be seen in both rural and urban locations. The service is centralised in Launceston at The Northern Integrated Care Service, 41 Frankland Street, Launceston. Management and administrative functions are located at this site. This modern clinic provides patients with a comfortable, relaxed venue where they have the opportunity to participate in one or multiple appointments organised to make the most of their valuable time and deliver the best possible health outcomes.
Teams of Allied Health staff provide clinics at a number of rural locations within the ‘63’ region of Northern and North Eastern Tasmania. To date clinics have been provided at Scottsdale, St. Marys, Georgetown and Deloraine. Dependent upon referral numbers other rural locations may be added. This initiative allows patients to receive a comprehensive assessment, education and treatment closer to where they work and live without the need to travel to Launceston.
What services are delivered?
A number of services have been developed to meet the needs of patients with non-complex Type 2 Diabetes in both terms of content and flexibility. The Service provides assessment, education, support and early intervention for patients referred to the Service by their GP. The service aims to improve:
- Patient’s understanding and knowledge of Diabetes
- Patient’s capacity for effective self-management
Clinical Outcomes
Depending upon the needs of the Patient, several clinical pathways have been structured. Each has been developed to address a particular scenario. Examples of pathways include those for patients that have been newly diagnosed, patients needing re-education and patients requiring education in relation to insulin initiation. All patients referred to the Service will undertake an initial assessment to determine their needs, suitability and selection for either group of individual sessions (or possibly a combination of the two). On completion, the patient will be discharged back to the GP with a full report in either electronic or hard copy format, depending on the GPs preference.
How much will it cost my patient?
The services provided to patients are funded from a number of sources, including Department of Health and Human Services program funds, CDM and MBS items, specific Department of Health and Ageing projects, DVA and Private Health Insurance. In addition patients will be charged a one-off non-refundable booking fee of $50.00 for each suite of services offered. In the case of a newly diagnosed patient this fee covers up to 15 allied health sessions. The fee compares very favourably with other similar services where fees of at least $50.00 per hour can be charged. It is critical for the success of the Demonstration Service that all funding sources are accessed. To support this comprehensive service, we request that GPs utilise all relevant MBS trigger items in the care of their patients.
How do I refer a patient?
Access to the Service is via GP referral only. GPs who have already been accessing CDM services from Allied Health providers have been completing a GP Management Plan (Item No 721) and a Team Care Arrangement (Item No 723) as well as the CDM referral form. A combined GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangement form has been developed along with a combined referral form to reduce the impact on GP time.
Completion of a Team Care Arrangement and Allied Health Referral is a requirement for service. In addition, relevant and recent pathology results (HbA1C, serum biochemistry, serum lipids, urinary albumin) are required to enable dietitic and diabetes education plans to be developed.
Following the initial assessment, written feedback will be provided to the GP outlining the specific services and mode of service that are to be offered to the patient. Written feedback will also be provided whenever appropriate during service delivery, and on completion of the suite of services initially requested. This feedback will be provided in either electronic or hard copy format, depending on preference.
Resources and Templates
The following referrals are still acceptable even though they have not been updated with new address details. We apologise for the inconvenience and will replace them as soon as possible.
The Diabetes Education and Support Service is located at:
The Northern Integrated Care Service, 41 Frankland Street, Launceston (adjacent to the Launceston General Hospital). Phone: 6336 2145 Fax: 6336 2433
Web Links
Further Information
Tasmania Medicare Local (TML) staff are available to visit your practice to provide additional information in relation to the service and answer any queries you may have. We would welcome you to visit the Tasmania Medicare Local Clinical Services North, Northern Integrated Care Service, 41 Frankland Street, Launceston. To arrange a visit from a TML staff member or an appointment to visit our site or if you simply require additional information please contact:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, Manager – Allied Health Services, ph: 6336 2145.
|
