From 1 July 2025, Medicare will implement significant reforms to the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) framework. These changes will impact how allied health service such as podiatry, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy – are referred and accessed across Australia. As a leading allied health provider, Golden Age is committed to supporting residential aged care facilities through this transition.
For years, CDM items (721, 723, 732) have formed the backbone of allied health referrals under Medicare, especially within aged care settings. With the introduction of a new GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, this model is being simplified—but with simplification comes the need to rethink referral processes, compliance, and communication.
The 2025 Medicare CDM Changes from 1 July 2025:
- Replacement of GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements with a single, streamlined Chronic Condition Management Plan.
- Referral forms will no longer be valid; referrals must now be in the form of referral letters.
- Patients must have a plan prepared or reviewed within the past 18 months to access subsidised allied health services.
- GPs or prescribed medical practitioners are solely responsible for writing referral letters.
Operational Impact for Residential Aged Care Facilities:
- Pre-filled referral forms previously coordinated by admin teams will no longer be accepted.
- Facilities must now track and request referral letters from GPs, ensuring they include clinical details, plan date, and practitioner signature.
- There will be increased need for timely coordination between facilities, GPs, and allied health providers.
- Facilities must ensure residents have an up-to-date Chronic Condition Management Plan to remain eligible.
How Golden Age Is Supporting Facilities:
Golden Age recognises the added complexity the 2025 medicare CDM changes may bring and is committed to being a collaborative partner during the transition.
Our support includes:
- Referral Letter Templates to streamline GP engagement
- Education sessions for facility staff and visiting GPs on new compliance requirements
- Integrated care planning meetings with facility staff to proactively align service delivery
At Golden Age, we view these reforms as an opportunity to build stronger, more efficient systems of care with our partners. By simplifying referral pathways and reinforcing a culture of proactive health planning, we aim to ensure no resident is left behind in the transition.
We invite residential aged care partners to reach out for a collaborative review of current referral processes and to co-design solutions that meet both compliance requirements and practical realities.
Contact:
For support or to book a transition meeting, reach out to us at (02) 8355 1616 or alternatively at support@goldenage.com.au
