Complete guide to Australian hospital chronic disease management — diabetes, cardiovascular disease, COPD, MBS chronic disease management items, prevention programmes, and chronic disease software.
Chronic diseases cause 80% of deaths in Australia. Half of Australians have at least one chronic disease. MBS supports chronic disease management with GPMP and TCA items. This guide covers Australian chronic disease management.
Australian Chronic Disease Prevalence
| Disease | Prevalence | Deaths | Key Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer | New cases 150,000/year | 30% of deaths | Smoking, UV, alcohol, diet |
| CVD | 1.2M Australians | 27% of deaths | Smoking, BP, cholesterol, obesity |
| Diabetes | 1.5M (5-7%) | 10% of deaths | Obesity, diet, inactivity, genetics |
| COPD | 1M (5%) | 5% of deaths | Smoking, occupational exposure |
| Mental health | 20% lifetime | Suicide 3,000/year | Genetics, stress, trauma |
| Arthritis | 3.5M (15%) | Low mortality | Age, obesity, injury |
| Asthma | 2.7M (11%) | Low mortality | Allergies, environment, genetics |
MBS Chronic Disease Management
- GP Management Plan (GPMP): Item 721 — comprehensive care plan for chronic disease
- Team Care Arrangements (TCA): Item 723 — multidisciplinary care with at least 2 providers
- Allied health referrals: 5 allied health sessions per year under GPMP+TCA
- Diabetes cycle of care: Annual cycle with HbA1c, eye, foot, kidney checks
- Mental health treatment plan: Item 2700/2710 — psychology sessions
- Asthma cycle of care: Annual review with action plan
- 75+ health assessment: Annual comprehensive assessment for 75+
- ATSI health check: Item 715 — annual health check for ATSI peoples
Chronic Disease Prevention
- Screening: Bowel cancer (50-74), breast cancer (50-74), cervical cancer (25-74)
- Risk assessment: Australian Absolute Cardiovascular Risk Calculator
- Lifestyle programmes: Healthy eating, physical activity, smoking cessation
- Workplace wellness: Workplace health programmes
- Public health campaigns: Anti-smoking, healthy weight, sun safety
- ATSI programmes: Close the Gap, Tackling Indigenous Smoking
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the chronic disease burden in Australia?
- Chronic diseases account for 80% of deaths in Australia. Key chronic diseases: 1) Cardiovascular disease (27% of deaths), 2. Cancer (30% of deaths), 3. Diabetes (prevalence 5-7%, higher in ATSI), 4. COPD (5% prevalence), 5. Mental health (20% lifetime prevalence), 6. Arthritis (15%). Half of Australians have at least one chronic disease.
- What MBS items support chronic disease management?
- MBS chronic disease items: 1) GP Management Plan (GPMP — Item 721) for chronic disease patients, 2. Team Care Arrangements (TCA — Item 723) for multidisciplinary care, 3. Chronic Disease Management — allied health (5 sessions per year), 4. Diabetes cycle of care, 5. Mental health treatment plan, 6. Asthma cycle of care, 7. 75+ health assessment.
- How does Australia address chronic disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
- ATSI chronic disease burden is 2-3x higher than non-Indigenous Australians. Strategies: 1) Close the Gap framework, 2. Indigenous-specific MBS items (715 health check), 3. Better access to medications (PBS Closing the Gap), 4. Aboriginal Health Services, 5. Cultural safety training, 6. Indigenous health workforce, 7. Target: close life expectancy gap by 2031.