LMPs - Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
Heather Campbell August 08
The new Medicare item 713 is for 40-49 year olds who are at high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Assessing the patient
The level of risk must be assessed using the AUSDRISK tool, administered by either the patient or a practice nurse before seeing their GP.
Consultation with the GP will then confirm whether the patient has diabetes.
If they DO NOT have diabetes, the patient is eligible for referral to a Lifestyle Modification Program (LMP). (If they do have diabetes, a TCA should be established.)
A GP can refer eligible patients to an LMP under one of the following MBS item numbers:
- Item 713: Diabetes Risk Assessment for patients aged 40 - 49 years
- Item 717: 45 - 49 year health check
- Item 710: ATSI health checks for patients aged 15 - 54 years
A GP referral form (see below to download) must be used to refer the patient to an accredited provider, and include signed consent by the patient for their participation in the program.
How LMPs work
Lifestyle Modification Programs (LMPs) are subsidised by the Commonwealth Government. They are intended to modify the patient's risk factors for developing diabetes by the patient attending a number of group education and motivational sessions facilitated by an accredited provider.
The LMP will include sessions on the importance of physical activity, smoking cessation advice and lifestyle changes supported by behavioural strategies, nutrition, risk management of lifestyle factors and information about community resources.
Patients must attend these programs for at least 8 hours over 6 months.
LMP providers are required to provide feedback to the GP at the end of the program.
Who runs LMPs?
At present, the only accredited LMP provider in Ballarat is BHS, where the program will be facilitated by Kerry Walsh (). This service will be available in late September.
Other providers in Ballarat may seek accreditation when the national guidelines are completed. All details will be published on our website when available.
More information
Start with Medicare's page on item 713, which includes:
- AUSDRISK tool
- LMP patient brochure
- GP referral form to LMP program
- Questions & answers
GP Referral Forms
NEVDGP have developed an LMP referral for Medical Director. DoHA provide a PDF GP referral form suitable for printing.
This article is available online at http://bddgp.org.au/article/2008/08/lifestyle-modification
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