Myhealth and Medibank partner to improve access to care for patients with type 2 diabetes

Announced today, Myhealth and Medibank will introduce a new initiative allowing Myhealth GPs to refer patients directly into the Medibank Type 2 Diabetes Program as part of routine diabetes clinical care.

Previously the program was generally only accessed by Medibank customers who self referred, so the GP-led initiative is hoped to help boost awareness and access to care for those recently diagnosed with the chronic condition.

Myhealth GP Dr Andrew Wong welcomes the launch, “According to Diabetes Australia, almost 1.9 million Australians have diabetes and 300 Australians develop diabetes every day. GPs across the nation work tirelessly to assist patients in managing this debilitating and chronic condition. We welcome innovative models of care such as this program, which is a non-pharmacological method in managing type 2 diabetes. This evidence-based initiative will help to improve access to care and support the sustainability of the health system.”

The 12-month program aims to support patients to lose weight and improve their diabetes management. The program is provided at no additional cost for Medibank customers and includes:

• Up to 10 telehealth consultations (30-60 minutes in duration) with an accredited dietitian
• A suite of resources, including a program “how to” book, cookbook and activities guide, that were developed in partnership with the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and Austin Health
• Digital weight scales
• Up to 4 months of meal replacements delivered at no extra cost.

Amplar Health, which is part of the Medibank Group, will deliver the program.

Amplar Health CEO Dr Andrew Wilson said, “The program is based on strong international evidence that shows a supported weight management program can help people with type 2 diabetes improve their blood glucose levels, sometimes to the point of remission.”

“The development of a streamlined GP referral pathway into the Medibank Type 2 Diabetes Program leverages the trusted relationship between GPs and their patients to support greater access to the program as a part of their routine clinical care. Importantly, in turn, this may also relieve some of the pressure on the primary care system, supporting patients with chronic conditions,” says Dr Wilson.

The pilot initiative will commence in the Parramatta Myhealth clinic and expand to additional clinics during 2023.