Our Services
Chronic Disease Management in Armstrong Creek
Living with a Chronic Condition? We’re Here for the Long Haul.
Managing a chronic health condition isn’t just about treating symptoms. It’s about understanding your body, building a plan that works for your life, and having a trusted GP by your side every step of the way.
At Armstrong Creek Doctors, we provide structured, compassionate care for patients living with ongoing health conditions. Whether you’ve recently received a diagnosis or have been managing a condition for years, our GPs work with you to create a personalised approach that fits your everyday life.
What Is Chronic Disease Management?
A chronic condition is any health condition that lasts 6 months or longer and requires ongoing medical attention or limits daily activities. Common examples include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease and high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression
- Chronic pain conditions
Living with a chronic condition can feel overwhelming. But with the right support, managing a chronic condition can become a more workable part of everyday life.
How We Support You at Armstrong Creek Doctors
Our GPs take a whole-person approach to chronic disease management. We don’t just look at numbers and test results; we take the time to understand how your condition is affecting your daily life, your work, your family, and your wellbeing.
Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plans
If you have a chronic condition, you may be eligible for a Medicare-subsidised Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan, also known as a GP Management Plan (GPMP) and a Team Care Arrangement (TCA).
These plans are designed to:
- Coordinate your care across multiple health professionals
- Set health goals in collaboration with your GP that are suited to your individual circumstances
- Provide access to Medicare rebates for allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, dietetics, and psychology under a Team Care Arrangement
- Give you and your GP a shared roadmap for managing your condition
Your GP will review your plan regularly to make sure it continues to meet your needs as your health changes over time.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
When you come in for a chronic disease management consultation at Armstrong Creek Doctors, your GP will:
- Review your current health status and any recent test results or specialist reports
- Discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and any concerns you have
- Develop or review your GP Management Plan, including goals and actions
- Coordinate referrals to specialists or allied health providers where appropriate
- Arrange any necessary investigations such as blood tests, ECGs, or imaging
- Discuss medications and any adjustments that may be appropriate
- Book your next review to keep your care on track
We encourage you to bring a list of your current medications and any questions you would like to discuss. You are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment.
Allied Health Support Under Your Care Plan
For patients with an active Team Care Arrangement (TCA), you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on up to 5 allied health visits per calendar year. Allied health services that may be part of your care plan include:- Psychology
- Physiotherapy
- Chiropractic
- Podiatry
- Dietetics
Why Ongoing Reviews Matter
Chronic conditions can change over time. A medication that worked well two years ago may need adjusting. A lifestyle change might open up new management options. Regular reviews with your GP help to:
- Catch changes in your condition early
- Keep your medications up to date and appropriate
- Adjust your care plan as your health goals evolve
- Reduce the risk of complications
- Keep you informed and in control of your own health
We recommend scheduling a dedicated review appointment at least once or twice a year, depending on your condition.
Conditions We Commonly Manage
Our GPs support patients across a wide range of chronic and complex conditions, including but not limited to:
| Condition | Examples |
| Cardiovascular | Hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure |
| Metabolic | Type 2 diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol |
| Respiratory | Asthma, COPD, sleep apnoea |
| Musculoskeletal | Arthritis, chronic back pain, osteoporosis |
| Mental Health | Anxiety, depression, chronic stress |
| Kidney & Thyroid | Chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism |
| Neurological | Migraines, chronic headaches |
If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies for a management plan, simply speak with one of our GPs and they will help you understand your options.
A Community-Based Approach to Health
Armstrong Creek and the surrounding suburbs of the Geelong south growth corridor are home to a vibrant, rapidly growing community. We understand the unique challenges that come with living in a newer suburb, from building a new support network to finding healthcare services you can trust close to home.
At Armstrong Creek Doctors, we are proud to be part of the Armstrong Creek community, and we are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of residents across Armstrong Creek, Warralily, Mount Duneed, Charlemont, and the broader Geelong south region.
Fees & Bulk Billing
Armstrong Creek Doctors is a fully bulk billing clinic. All chronic disease management consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card, at no out-of-pocket cost.
