Utilisation of Medicare-funded schemes for people with cardiovascular disease

Authors

Julie Redfern, University of Sydney, University of New South WalesFollow
Karice Hyun, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales
Emily Atkins, University of New South Wales, University of Sydney
Clara Chow, University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital
Tom Briffa, University of Western Australia
Bindu Patel, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales
Nicholas Arnold Zwar, University of WollongongFollow
Tim Usherwood, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales
Qiang Li, University of New South Wales
Anushka Patel, University of New South Wales
David Peiris, University of Sydney, University of New South WalesFollow

RIS ID

117045

Publication Details

Redfern, J., Hyun, K., Atkins, E., Chow, C., Briffa, T., Patel, B., Zwar, N., Usherwood, T., Li, Q., Patel, A. & Peiris, D. (2017). Utilisation of Medicare-funded schemes for people with cardiovascular disease. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 23 (5), 482-488.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the utilisation of Medicare Benefit Scheme items for chronic disease in the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in general practice and to compare characteristics of CVD patients with and without a General Practice Management Plan (GPMP). Subgroup analysis of Treatment of Cardiovascular Risk using Electronic Decision Support (TORPEDO) baseline data was collected in a cohort comprising 6123 patients with CVD. The mean age (s.d.) was 71 (±13) years, 55% were male, 64% had a recorded diagnosis of coronary heart disease, 31% also had a diagnosis of diabetes and the mean number of general practice (GP) visits (s.d.) was 11 (±9) in 12 months. A total of 1955/6123 (32%) received a GPMP in the 12 months before data extraction; 1% received a Mental Health Plan. Factors associated with greater likelihood of receiving a GPMP were: younger age, had a diagnosis of diabetes, BMI > 30kgm-2, prescription of blood pressure-lowering therapy and more than ten general practice visits. Enhancing utilisation of existing schemes could augment systematic follow up and support of patients with CVD.