Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and kidney disease are long-lasting in their symptoms and development, and those suffering these conditions need all the support they can get to help manage their condition. As the provider of Primary Health Care for Cape York communities, Apunipima provides services to treat and manage chronic conditions for our community members.
Health Checks and GP Management Plans
Visiting the GP (doctor) regularly and having a yearly GP Chronic Conditions Management Plan (GPCCMP) is essential for those with chronic conditions. We offer culturally sensitive care and management of chronic conditions including diabetes and heart disease through a GP Management Chronic Conditions Plan (GPCCMP) – a plan to help with your health and management of your condition made in consultation with your GP, Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) and Registered Nurse (RN).
Referrals
The GP may give you a referral to see a hospital specialist or clinic to help manage your chronic condition. This is a normal part of treatment and management of chronic disease, and the hospital specialist will work closely with Apunipima to help you with what you need to manage your health. The GP may also refer you into Apunipima’s Integrated Team Care (ITC) Program, where a Care Coordinator can help you with things you may need regarding your condition.
Integrated Team Care (ITC)
ITC is a free service offered by Apunipima to help our community members with a chronic condition to better manage their health by providing a Care Coordinator. The Care Coordinator will work closely with you, your GP (doctor), hospital specialists and other community services to help you access the care you need. They can also help you to access medical aids or other services.
The Care Coordinator can:
- Help arrange medical appointments
- Help you get to and from appointments
- Help arrange the services you need
- Help you to understand your care plan (GPCCMP)
- Help with understanding your chronic condition.
Cairns Outreach Health Service
When visiting Cairns for medical appointments or treatment, Apunipima offers clients a broad range of outreach health services and support including:
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Appointment assistance
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Client transport - airport, accommodation, specialist appointments (Cairns Only)
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Client advocacy
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Discharge support prior to leaving hospital
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Support with emergency food provisions (stays in Cairns of more than 3 days)
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Home visits
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Hospital visits
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Telehealth
Find out more about our clinical services
Contact Us
To enquire about access to our ITC program, Cairns Outreach Health Service or for help managing chronic disease, contact your Apunipima Clinic.
