Integrated Team Care (ITC)
Health support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Integrated Team Care (ITC) supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the North Coast who are living with chronic conditions.
Am I eligible for ITC?
If you have a long-term health problem, ITC may be able to help you access the health care and support you need.
- If you identify as Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait islander
- If you have one or more diagnosed chronic conditions
- If your doctor has completed a GP Management Plan
How Integrated Team Care can help
ITC can help you:
- look after your health
- understand your health condition
- access the right health care
- see a doctor, specialist or other health worker
- make and get to appointments
- connect with local health services
- get support from an Aboriginal health worker
- understand your health care plan.
Extra help may be available
Sometimes you may need additional support to access health care.
Depending on your needs and the support available in your area, ITC may be able to help with:
- seeing a specialist or other health worker
- getting a medical aid or health equipment
- transport to an important health appointment
- other health-related needs.
Where to start
If you visit an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO)
Talk to your doctor or health worker and ask about Integrated Team Care.
If you visit a local GP
Ask your doctor whether ITC may be right for you and whether they can refer you to the local ACCHO who delivers the service.
You do not have to organise everything on your own. Talk to your doctor, health worker or local ACCHO about the support available.
Not sure where to go? Find your local ACCHO.
Complete the ITC client experience survey
We are interested in hearing from community about their experiences with ITC service providers, and other specialist and allied health services.
By sharing your experiences about accessing the ITC program, you’re helping us improve health programs and services for your community.
This survey is conducted by Healthy North Coast and Aboriginal Medical Services. Your valuable feedback will contribute to program improvements.
Participation prize
You can opt in to participate in a prize draw for completing the survey. There will be four $50 grocery vouchers randomly drawn each 6 months. Name and phone number is required.
Information for health professionals
Integrated Team Care (ITC) supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients with chronic conditions to better manage their health and access the care they need. The program provides care coordination and may provide limited supplementary services where clinically appropriate.
Patient eligibility
To be eligible for ITC, a patient must:
- identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- have a diagnosed chronic condition
- have a current GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
- be referred by a GP.
Supplementary services are limited and allocated according to clinical need. Priority is given to patients with complex chronic conditions who require coordinated care and cannot access the services they need through existing funding pathways.
What ITC may provide
Depending on the patient’s needs and the outcome of the ITC provider’s assessment, support may include:
- one-on-one care coordination aligned with the patient’s GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
- coordination of specialist, allied health and primary care services
- limited financial assistance for specialist appointments
- limited financial assistance for allied health services
- medical aids
- transport and accommodation where required.
How to refer a patient
Before referring a patient:
- Confirm that the patient meets the eligibility requirements.
- Complete a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.
- Submit a referral letter to the patient’s local ITC provider.
- Include the following supporting documents:
- the patient’s GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
- a Health Assessment, also known as a 715 Health Check, if available
- relevant clinical information.
Important information
ITC is not an emergency or acute care service. Support is provided in line with the patient’s care plan, and access to care coordination and supplementary services is subject to assessment by the ITC provider.
Supplementary services funding is limited and may vary depending on demand. ITC does not fund:
- services that are not identified in the patient’s care plan
- services available through another funding program
- medications
- dental care
- surgical or hospital procedures
- other routine or ongoing health care costs.
