Disability / Limited Function

Patients with physical or mental disability are at higher risk of health issues — either because their condition itself increases susceptibility to morbidity/mortality, or because reduced health literacy limits appropriate healthcare access, or leads to activities that put their health at risk.

They tend to need more frequent health assessments — consider a GP Management Plan (GPMP), tailored to the severity and prognosis of the disability. Medicare separately funds an annual health assessment item for people with an intellectual disability — see Preventive Activities & Health Assessments by Age.

Carer-raised issues and funding applications

Carers often raise care issues on the patient’s behalf and seek help applying for funding (e.g. NDIS funding, carer allowance claims). Some situations clearly warrant supportive services; others are less clear-cut.

• Forms should be completed by the patient’s regular GP, or a GP willing to take the time to review the patient’s health issues and records personally — the GP filling the form needs genuine, first-hand knowledge of the patient’s situation.
• From a medico-legal standpoint, only complete forms with what you believe to be true based on your own assessment — it’s up to the funding body to make the eligibility decision from the information collected. Completing a form does not guarantee eligibility for the support/ service applied for.
• If there are grey areas, seek advice from a specialist involved in the patient’s care, or contact the service provider directly for clarification.

From the NDIS.