In Practice: Key Updates on Referrals for Patients with Chronic Conditions
11 Sep 2025
Recent changes to chronic condition care mean GPs should follow the new referral procedures for allied health services.
This week’s In Practice highlights changes to referrals for allied health services under chronic condition management, as well as upcoming continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for GPs.
Referral letter requirements for allied health services
With the updated GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMP), GPs no longer need to use the old Medicare referral forms when referring patients to allied health services. A referral letter is now sufficient.
According to Medicare Benefits Schedule Note AN.15.6, this applies to allied health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, either under chronic condition management arrangements or following health assessments.
GPs and other authorised medical practitioners can now refer patients directly without the previous requirement to consult with two collaborating providers under the old Team Care Arrangements (TCA). The current referral forms are no longer needed, and referrals should be made via referral letters, consistent with referrals to other medical specialists.
The minimum requirements for these referral letters are listed on MBS Online. Health practitioners should note that referrals for service codes 10950, 81300, 93000, 93013, 93048, and 93061 written on or after 1 July 2025 must follow the new requirements. More information is available on MBS Online and the RACGP advocacy page.
Upcoming CPD opportunities
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Alzheimer’s Disease Research Webinar
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Date: Tuesday, 16 September, 7.30–8.30 pm (AEST)
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CPD: 1 EA hour
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Register online
This session, hosted by RACGP Specific Interests with Dementia Training Australia, will focus on the latest research in Alzheimer’s disease. Professor Bruce Brew, neurologist from St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, will discuss current treatment trials, research priorities, and ways to involve patients in studies.
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Evidence-Based Complementary Therapies for Longevity
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Date: Monday, 15 September, 7.30–8.30 pm (AEST)
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CPD: 1 EA hour
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Register online
RACGP Specific Interests Integrative Medicine Chair, Dr Tamara Nation, along with Professor Ian Brighthope, will explore practical ways to implement integrative medicine and quality improvement initiatives in general practice. This session will cover lifestyle strategies for maximizing healthspan and tools for measuring outcomes in practice.
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Primary Care, Digitally Connected Conference
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Date: Tuesday, 21 October
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Venue: Amora Hotel Jamison, Sydney, Gadigal Country
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Register online
The RACGP is partnering with the Australasian Institute of Digital Health for this one-day event. Attendees will explore digitally enabled models of care, ethical use of health data, and innovative approaches to improve integration, access, and patient outcomes. Early-bird registration is available until 11.59 pm (AEST) Sunday, 21 September.
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These updates provide GPs with practical guidance for referrals under chronic condition management and opportunities to stay up to date with the latest research, integrative practices, and digital healthcare innovations.
Source: RACGP
