New service: Ballarat Primary Care
We’ve been funded to trial a project to extend access to allied health services. Our model aims to improve timely access to allied health services by means of the MBS for EPC plans. To distinguish this service from our other services, we’ve given it a separate name – Ballarat Primary Care.
The trial fits the overall aim of supporting evidence-based models of care for people with chronic disease and complex care needs.
The project will be implemented in 2 phases.
Phase 1 – from October 2009
Includes podiatry and exercise physiology appointments being offered to clients with an EPC plan, DVA clients and individuals with private health insurance. This allied health clinic will operate at our Sebas site from 5pm to 8pm Wednesdays and Thursday.
Phase 2 – from February 2010
Phase 2 will operate from our Wendouree site, and will see an extension of allied health services including dietetics, diabetes educators and speech pathology.
Referral
GPs will be able to refer to these services utilising the EPC plans for eligible clients. This documentation can be sent to BCH where the extended access clinic coordinator will process the information.
We would prefer to receive referrals via fax but will happily accept referrals via mail.
Ballarat Primary Care phone: 5338 4570
Ballarat Primary Care fax: 5336 1613
More
As part of the project, an evaluation will be conducted to gauge the impact of introducing extended access to services on existing waiting lists, as well as consumer and staff satisfaction.
For further information please contact Kristen Kelly (project manager) or myself (clinical team leader) on 5338 4500.
