Diabetes Prevention

Referral pathways to a diabetes prevention (LIFE) program

More details are available in this diabetes prevention flowchart.

Patient Age 40-44 Age 45-49 Age 50+ ATSI 15-54
All assessed with the same tool to identify their risk

Australian Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK).

People are considered at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes if their AusDrisk score is 12 or over.

Use Medicare Item Number

Complete within 3 months of an AUSDRISK

 Diabetes Risk Assessment for patients aged 40-49 45-49 year old health check General consult item Item 715
Note Diabetes must be excluded, as per RACGP Diabetes Management in General Practice: Guidelines for Type 2 Diabetes 2009/10 p 9
Referrals

Combined LIFE referral template for Medical Director

GPs are encouraged to send referrals via the BDDGP Referral Gateway. Use Argus or fax 5331 5754.

Notes

  • Health assessments Diabetes Risk Assessment for patients aged 40-49 and 45-49 year old health checks can not be charged within 3 years of each other
  • Patients need to sign the consent section within the referral form
  • GPs are encouraged to refer patients via BDDGP Referral Gateway
  • BDDGP aims to contact each patient personally, providing them with further information about the LIFE program and the various providers

Diabetes Prevention Programs

Case finding initiative for practices

  • DA-Vic offers funding to practices to support them to identify and refer eligible patients aged 50 and over to a diabetes prevention (LIFE) program.
  • Practices will be paid $280 + GST for the first 8 hours work, with evidence of at least 5 referrals to a LIFE Program and the second invoice of $280 + GST will be paid when there is evidence of at least an additional 10 referrals to a LIFE program
  • Practices need to sign a funding agreement to be eligible and the referrals will not generally be backdated
  • Practice visits from BDDGP can be arranged

More information

Resources

  • LIFE FAQ for GPs
  • LIFE Resource Order Form
  • Resources are available from BDDGP these include practice posters, consumer brochures and Lifescripts Kits - order form here
  • Diabetes poster for waiting room
  • For people aged 40-49, the Commonwealth brochure for patients on subsidised LMPs provides further information. Hard copies are available from BDDGP.

More information

Would you like a practice visit or further information? Please call us on 5331 6303 and ask for Heather Campbell, Tanya Gradolf or Michelle MacGillivray.

Background

Type 2 diabetes prevention is now a major health initiative by both Commonwealth and State governments. All ATSI patients aged 15+ and all patients aged 40+ assessed to be at high risk of developing diabetes, but in whom the presence of diabetes has been excluded are eligible to attend a lifestyle modification program.

A Diabetes Prevention (Lifestyle Modification) Program is a group program where participants learn about Type 2 diabetes and its complications and the lifestyle changes that can delay and prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

International evidence has shown that intensive lifestyle interventions in high risk patients can reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes by up to 58%.

Programs provide at least 8 hours contact time with an accredited facilitator and there are usually around 6 group sessions of 90 minutes duration.

Because there are two different funding sources from the State and Commonwealth Governments for diabetes prevention programs, there are different processes to follow to refer patients, see same idea, different processes.