Chronic Disease Management
- Chronic illness screening and detection
- Patient education and chronic illness management
- Preparation of ongoing care plans and team care arrangements
If you are living with a chronic disease, we will work with you to manage and treat your individual case to help maintain or improve your functionality and quality of life. Some of the chronic diseases that your doctor may help you with include Diabetes, Osteoarthritis, Asthma, Cardiac disease, Osteoporosis, Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease, Cancer, Kidney Disease and many more.
If you have a chronic medical condition your doctor may suggest a GP Management Plan, a plan of action agreed upon between you and your GP to identify your healthcare needs, the services to be provided by your GP and the actions that you need to take to maintain your optimal health.
If you need treatment from two or more health professionals, your doctor may also put a Team Care Arrangement plan in place for you. This lets your doctor refer you to at least two other health professionals who will provide treatment or services to you in conjunction with your GP.
You may be eligible for Medicare benefits for specific allied health services if your doctor prepares both types of plans for you.
Asthma Management:
This respiratory condition impacts all people differently. Some people may need to miss school or work because they have asthma. Nearly 60 per cent of asthmatics limit their physical activity because of asthma symptoms. But the disease not only affects specific individuals but also society.
To increase our patient’s quality of life, our doctors at central health are keen to deliver instructions, education and treatment for those who suffer or know someone who suffers from asthma.
How is asthma caused?
Asthma is caused by the narrowing of the airways in the lungs, and symptoms can include wheezing, coughing (particularly at night), chest tightness, difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. Asthma is a treatable health condition. Although at present there is no cure, with good management, people with asthma may lead normal, active lives.
Please discuss with your doctor the best way to manage your asthma and ensure that you discuss any concerns. For further information, please refer to the National Asthma Council Australia website.
Diabetes Education:
An important aspect of life for any person with diabetes is diabetes education. Our Sunshine-based clinic provides expert information and advice for our patients with diabetes.
Issues Linked to Diabetes
There are many issues linked to diabetes that may affect your quality of life, including the never-ending demands of diabetes care, eating carefully, exercising, monitoring blood glucose, scheduling and planning medication intake, monitoring symptoms of low or very high blood glucose, worrying about complications or your health in general. We continuously strive to inform and educate our Sunshine Clinic diabetes patients, thanks to which they are better positioned to control and manage their condition.
Types of Diabetes
The most common types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2. Diabetes can be either controlled through diet and exercise or will require medication such as Insulin. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms which may relate to diabetes, please discuss with your doctor as soon as possible.
- Weakness and fatigue
- Tingling or numbness in your hands, legs or feet
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
- Unquenchable thirst
- Losing weight without trying
CHC
