Diabetes

Contact: Fremantle GP Network on (08) 9319 0555

The Diabetes Program aims to support general practices and primary health providers to be systematic and proactive in the management of patients with diabetes to help improve patient outcomes.

WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE TO GENERAL PRACTICES?

PRACTICE VISITS & INFORMATION

Fremantle GP Network staff are available to come out to your practice to assist you in any of the following areas:

• Development of a diabetes register
• Diabetes recall/reminder system
• Diabetes PIP and SIP  (See Practice Incentive Program)
• GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements (See Enhanced Primary Care)
• Nurse-led diabetes clinics
• Recording of diabetes data electronically

NEW UPDATES

• New Medicare Item numbers for Type Two patients will be coming on line in May 2007 - these will allow patients with Type two Diabetes, to receive Medicare rebates for group services provided by eligible diabetes educators, exercise physiologists and dietitians, on referral from a GP.

EDUCATION & RESOURCES AVAILABLE

Continuing Professional Development for both GPs and practice staff is provided on a regular basis.

Diabetes Management for Nurses working in General Practice

Certificate 111 in Diabetes Management in the General Care Setting. This is a flexible on-line program consisting of nine modules that enables Practice Nurses to complete the course at their own pace -each module will take approx an hour per week. There is also opportunity to do a formal assessment module, which includes workplace activities, to obtain National Accreditation.

The program has been developed by the National Assocation of Diabetes Centres. For members of APNA the cost is $70.00. For Non-members the cost is $77.00.   

Diabetes Update for GPs, Practice Staff and Allied Health

This event is hosted by Fremantle Hospital and is held every two years. An event was held in March 2007. The next Diabetes Update will not be held until 2009.

Resources

For Practice Nurses wanting to get information about Diabetes in General Practice - we  recommend reading " Diabetes Management in General Practice" . This resource is available on line through RACGP on www.racgp.org.au

DIABETES REFERRAL FORMS

Community based diabetes education services are available at Hilton Community Health Centre and The Jess Thomas Centre, Spearwood. Referring Doctors are encouraged to complete the relevant referral form:

Community Based Diabetes Education Services Information

Fremantle Community Diabetes Team Referral Form

Insulin Therapy Order Referral Form

The information requested helps the community diabetes education team plan and provide the best possible service for patients with diabetes.