With the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes within the community, the Commonwealth Government has committed funding to assist in the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes. In the May 2010 MBS update, several item numbers related to the detection of risk associated with developing a chronic disease and type 2 Diabetes have been removed and replaced with time based health assessment item numbers (701-707, 715). Patients who are deemed at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes are able to be referred to a Lifestyle Modification Program. The aim of this initiative is to support general practitioners to address the health needs of people aged 40 - 49 years who are at ‘high risk’ of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Determining Risk

The risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes in the next 5 years is determined using the Australian Diabetes Risk Assessment (AUSDRISK) Tool. A score of 12 or higher indicates 'high risk'. AUSDRISK Q and A provides you with more information.

The 'rtf' version of the AUSDRISK Assessment Tool is suitable to download into medical software programs, such as MD, Best Practice, Zedmed and GP Complete.

Download Instructions available include general instructions and MD instructions.  

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Evaluation as a time based health assessment (Item 701-707, 715)  (previously Item 713)

Although Item 713 has now been removed from the MBS, GPs are still able to undertake a type 2 diabetes risk assessment with their patients. Utilising a time based health assessment enables the GP and Practice Nurse to review a client’s risk factors and initiate early interventions such as referral to the subsidised Lifestyle Modification Programs to reduce the risk or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in eligible clients.

The Diabetes risk evaluation health assessment can be saved and imported into MD, Best Practice, Zedmed and GP complete. GP referral also available here.

Lifestyle Modification Program (LMP)

There are 3 accredited providers of the Lifestyle Modification Program - RESET YOUR LIFE- on the Gold Coast. The program provides access to education and advice about lifestyle risk factors including physical inactivity, nutrition, weight management, smoking, alcohol consumption, moitivation and goal setting. 

RESET YOUR LIFE is an evidence-based healthy lifestyle program to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. It has been developed by the Australian General Practice Network and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. Click here to view program details.

Eligible Patients- The program is for people aged 40 to 49 years who are at 'high risk' ( a score of 12 or >) of developing Type 2 Diabetes (following completion of the AUSDRISK tool). 

The Program-Seven group sessions are held over a period of 6 months with an 'intensive phase' of 4 months. The program is run as small group sessions with a maximum of 15 participants in each group, by a range of allied health professionals.

Accredited Providers include:

Marie-Claire O'Shea                     MC Dietitians                           

Robyn Hart                                   Diabetes Educator