Changes to Asthma Planning
Michelle MacGillivray June 08
Attention GPs & nurses! Did you know that the Asthma Cycle of Care has replaced the Asthma 3+ Visit Plan?
The Asthma Cycle can be completed for patients with moderate to severe asthma where:
- There are at least 2 asthma-related consultations by a GP within 12 months and where one consultation was planned at the previous visit (a review).
- The diagnosis and assessment of level of asthma control and severity of asthma is documented. Use the appropriate section of your clinical software to record the details.
- Review of patient use of and access to asthma related medication and devices has been completed.
- An asthma action plan is documented.
- The patient receives asthma self-management education.
- The asthma action plan is reviewed (i.e. the 2nd visit)
Claiming your Asthma SIP
Your practice must be participating in the Practice Incentives Program (PIP) to be eligible to receive SIP payments. Check with your Practice Manager.
The GP must meet the Asthma Cycle of Care requirements in a minimum of 2 visits in a 12 month period as outlined above.
All visits are billed under normal attendance items, with the exception of the visit that completes the Asthma Cycle of Care. To trigger the SIP payment use one of the following Medicare Items:
| item # | description | rebate |
| 2546 | Level B Surgery Consultation | $32.80 (100%) + $100 SIP payment |
| 2552 | Level C Surgery Consultation | $62.30 (100%) + $100 SIP payment |
| 2558 | Level D Surgery Consultation | $91.70 (100%) + $100 SIP payment |
Sourced from the Medicare Benefits Schedule 1 November 2007
For out-of-surgery consultations, Medicare items 2547, 2553 or 2559 apply.
The Asthma Cycle of Care is another item where an appropriately trained Practice Nurse can implement systems to ensure delivery of the Asthma Cycle of Care to maximise patient care and effective use of appropriate MBS items.
This article is available online at http://bddgp.org.au/article/2008/06/asthma-planning
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