FAQs

The client must be referred by a GP from the practice that is responsible for providing the majority of care for the client and developing the client’s care plan. This can be in a mainstream general practice or Aboriginal Medical Service. 

No. High risk clients are not eligible. The care coordination component of the ITC Program is not aimed at tackling risk factors for chronic disease. The aim of the Program is to contribute to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people already diagnosed with chronic conditions through better access to coordinated and multi-disciplinary care. 

Yes. Children must be referred by their usual practice GP and have a care plan for their chronic disease. 

Yes. Where clients enrolled on ITC seek treatment across PHN regions, the relevant PHNs and commissioned organisations should work together to develop processes that best meet local circumstances. 

Wherever possible, Care Coordinator positions should be filled by an individual with relevant clinical skills. In specific circumstances and in consultation with the Department of Health, consideration may be given to people who have other appropriate qualifications, training, skills and personal attributes.

Supplementary Services funds can be used to allow a health care provider to visit the client’s home. For example, if a client is unable to leave their home, or if it is clinically necessary to deliver the service in the client’s normal home setting (e.g. for Activities of Daily Living, mobility, and falls prevention assessments). 

If this is required to enable a care coordination client access to a health care appointment and all other options have been explored and excluded, Supplementary Services funds can be used for this purpose. Only the number of client transports should be recorded. Do not record the parent or carer’s transport in the number of transport services used. 

Yes.

No, this is not necessary. Travel beyond the closest available regional service is acceptable when there is no regional solution. Decisions regarding an individual client’s care needs should be made at the Primary Health Network level

Yes. See the ITC Program Implementation Guidelines Section 10.2.2 for information on medical aids. 

No. Supplementary Services funds cannot be used to pay for costs incurred by clients prior to being referred to and accepted into the ITC Program. 

Yes, provided a relevant health professional has advised that the client should use these resources and they have been included on the client’s care plan under consultation with the client’s primary care provider. 

Yes, provided a relevant health professional has recommended that the client should use dietary supplements and they have been included on the client’s care plan under consultation with the client’s primary care provider. This is not intended to cover vitamins or other similar products. 

No. Supplementary Services funds cannot be used for surgery in acute or sub-acute settings. Use of Supplementary Services funding is restricted to funding primary care follow-up services. 

Yes. Supplementary Services funds can be used for specialist or allied health services, including those in private rooms, as long as the services are detailed in the client’s care plan. Rooms that are located within hospital grounds but are privately leased by the specialist or allied health professional are considered to be private rooms. This advice does not supersede Section 8.1 

No. Supplementary Services funding cannot be used to pay the PBS Co-payment gap.

No. Supplementary Services funding cannot be used for the purchase of non-PBS medications. 

Yes. However, if the organisation providing care coordination services decides to pay the full cost of the service up front, the Medicare rebate for the service cannot be claimed.