Breast Cancer Network Australia top 5 advocacy priorities

Thanks @Fiona_BCNA will show that info to my GP

Hello @ShellSurfing

Thank you for letting us know this information. I too, was unaware there was a qualifying period of 6 months. I have had a look into this and the Department of Health website states that:

A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for six months or longer, for example, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions and stroke. There is no list of eligible conditions; however, the CDM items are designed for patients who require a structured approach, including those requiring ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team.

Whether a patient is eligible for CDM services is a clinical judgement for the GP, taking into account the patient’s medical condition and care needs, as well as the general guidance set out in the MBS.

Breast cancer clearly fits under this banner as it is a medical condition that is likely to be present for six months or longer and is actually stated as an example in this description. It does however go on to explain that a patients eligibility is the GPs decision. I would suggest possibly seeing another GP and discussing your options further. 

Please feel free to get in touch if you would like any further information. My email is ftansley@bcna.org.au

Hello @ShellSurfing, @Fiona_BCNA
Thank you for letting me know, I actually did not know that there was a qualifying period of 6 months re the exercise program.  I have copied Fiona from BCNA into this thread for her input regarding exercise programs.
In the interim you may like to look at some of the other programs available in NSW, I have attached the link below
https://www.bcna.org.au/health-wellbeing/physical-wellbeing/exercise-and-staying-fit/exercise-programs/#nsw

Good idea @ShellSurfing.

Such positive moves @Giovanna_BCNA,
Just an input on the Chronic Disease Management plan and recent headlines about exercise should be prescribed.
When I recently went to see my GP about access to an exercise program under the Chronic Disease Management plan you have had to have the illness for 6 months, hopefully this can be something that is changed/reduced with the new studies about chemo and exercise.
As I have never been sick prior to my diagnosis, technically it means I have to wait 6 months to access the benefit of reduced fees for getting assistance to have an exercise program developed for me.
From reading all the exercise articles and studies about the benefits of exercise - I would like to do this when I start my chemo - not 6 months into my treatment - hence for me, this is now another out of pocket expense for me and possibly others who have had no illness before this.

Good to see great work.  The financial burden is a good cause. I know with my journey I have had to try and keep working, as I am a sole parent with only the one income. Keeping a roof over our heads has been my focus through this. I have done 6 months chemo, just completed surgery. Now awaiting a radiation date. I took 2 weeks of for surgery and is been so good not to worry about getting up to work. Back to normal next week. I know there would be so many women out there who would be doing the same? 

Great thanks for that info -great to see this issue getting traction

Hi @MoiraC, the needs of rural and remote women and men are definitely a major focus for BCNA in all our advocacy work. Our State of the Nation report, which is being launched in June definitely highlights the unmet needs of those in rural and remote areas. A recent example of this is our advocacy regarding timely access to breast reconstruction focused on the particular issues for women in far north Queensland. We will keep you posted regarding the State of the nation project (which many of you would have contributed to  through participating in our member survey or face to face consultations).

@Giovanna_BCNA it is all well and good to advocate for greater access to breast care nurses for people with metastatic breast cancer. What about when they fob you off because you don't  live near them? That has been my experience. 

Great to see these crucially important priorities. Can we also ensure the needs of regional rural and remote women get a priority -there are so many women who experience significant medical social issues and lack of access to quality and timely care as many women on this network can attest.