Multiple Disease
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CARE Plus project is driven by Counties Manukau District Health Board. ETHC support and offer comprehensive checks for patients with more than one Chronic Condition with the help of decision support. All eligible patients are entitled to subsidized clinic visits FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
What is Care Plus?
Care Plus is a primary health care initiative targeting people with high health need due to chronic conditions, acute medical or mental health needs, or terminal illness. Care Plus aims to improve chronic care management, reduce inequalities, improve primary health care teamwork and reduce the cost of services for high-need primary health users.
Who is eligible for Care Plus?
A person is eligible for Care Plus if they are enrolled in a PHO and they are assessed by a doctor or nurse at their general practice as being able to benefit from intensive clinical management in primary health care? (At least two hours of care from one or more members of the primary health care team) over the following six months, and either:
- Has two or more chronic health conditions, so long as each condition is one that:
- Is a significant disability or has a significant burden of morbidity; and
- Creates a significant cost to the health system; and
- Has agreed and objective diagnostic criteria; and
- Continuity of care and a primary health care team approach has an important role in management; or
- Has a terminal illness (defined as someone who has advanced, progressive disease whose death is likely within 12 months); or
- Has had two acute medical or mental health-related admissions in the past 12 months (excluding surgical admissions); or
- Has had six first-level service or similar primary health care visits in the past 12 months (including emergency department visits); or
- Is on active review for elective services.
If you think you may be eligible for Care Plus, ask your doctor or nurse if they are offering the services. They will assess you to see if you are eligible for Care Plus. If you are not eligible it may be that they can help you in other ways or review your existing care.
How is Care Plus different?
In general, a Care Plus patient can expect an initial comprehensive assessment, where their health needs are explored in more depth. An individual care plan will be developed to set realistic, achievable health and quality of life-related goals, with regular follow-ups. People using Care Plus will get effective management of chronic health conditions, better understanding of their conditions and support to make lifestyle changes. Care Plus services are provided at a low or reduced cost.
If you present yourself with more than one chronic condition at ETHC clinic, you may ask for Care +Project and the benefits that you are eligible for.
