The EPC web page has been developed by GPDV as a resource for practice support staff of Victorian Divisions. The Enhanced Primary Care Package (EPC) was announced in the 1999/2000 Budget as a way of improving the care and well being of older Australians, and those with complex care needs. Key components of the EPC package for divisions introduction of new medicare items as well as GP education, support and community linkages components. Whilst the EPC items have undergone some changes, they have remained available for use by GPs. The GP ESCL however was an 18 month program and ceased to be separately funded for divisions in 2002.

For further information please contact Rosemary Fenech, Population Health Coordinator: r.fenech@gpdv.com.au.

EPC Resources and Guidelines
GPDV has developed a set of MBS flow charts in Publisher 2000 format and in PDF format for use by divisions of general practice in providing information to GPs about the Enhanced Primary Care Item numbers. The flow charts are based on the EPC flow chart developed by PASS at Knox division in 2000 which were widely adopted and used by divisions in rolling out the GP Education program in 2000-2001. Stakeholders may also find these flow charts useful in order to understand the range of services GPs are able to provide which can be funded through medicare and support a multidisciplinary approach to care.  The following 3 flow charts have been developed:

1. Enhanced Primary Care Item Numbers - a comprehensive summary of the EPC items (A3 layout)
2. EPC Allied Health & Dental Care Items
3. Medical services available for residents of Aged Care Homes

*DUE TO CHANGES TO EPC CARE PLANNING ITEMS, THE RESOURCES LISTED BELOW ARE CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED TO REFLECT THE NEW CDM ITEM NUMBERS.

1.	EPC Flowchart - A3 size	1.	EPC Flowchart - A3size
2.	EPC Allied Health Flowchart	2.	EPC Allied Health Flowchart
3.	Medicare Services in Aged Care Homes flowchart  (306kb size)	3.	Services in Aged Care Homes Flowchart  (117kb size)

GPDV gives permission to divisions of General Practice to download the flow charts so that divisional logos can be added for use at a local level. To ensure version control and acknowledgement of the source we request that no further amendments are made. Your recommendations and feedback for improvements for future versions are welcome.

Note: The purpose of this flow chart is to provide an overview or introduction to the MBS items it should not be used instead of the MBS. It is recommended that GPs refer to the MBS explanatory notes A.20, A.22 for a definitive guide.

New Allied Health Items
Since 1 July 2004, patients with chronic medical conditions and complex care needs whose care is being managed through an EPC multidisciplinary care plan, may be eligible for up to five allied health services and three dental care visits per year on referral from the GP. EPC MBS items 720, 722 and 730 are the trigger items for patients to access these services. For more information about the new allied health items, please click here.