Living with a chronic disease is quite common but most can be manageable through close monitoring with your GP, nurse and allied health professionals.
A chronic condition is one that has been occurring for a minimum of six months. Some common chronic conditions include:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Mental health conditions
- Kidney disease
- Autoimmune conditions
- Parkinson’s disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease
Chronic Disease Management Plan
Chronic conditions can be debilitating and often require lifestyle and environmental changes or changes to prescribed medications based on regular check ups and test results. At The Good Samaritan Medical Centre your GP can help create a chronic disease management plan which will aim to:
- Identify your healthcare needs
- Specify the services that your doctor will provide
- Refer you to the required allied health professionals and specialists in the field
- Identify the actions agreed on between you and your doctor to improve your health status
Once a chronic disease management plan is set out, your doctor will schedule in reviews necessary to closely monitor your condition for any changes. This will ensure your doctor is taking the appropriate measures to stay on top of your disease management. Your doctor is also the best person to connect you to allied health professionals such as a physiotherapist, podiatrist, counsellor, dietitian or occupational therapist as well as specialist practitioners to manage every aspect of your condition.