CareFirst
Supporting people with chronic health conditions by providing support and access to information to better manage their health.
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What is CareFirst?
Amplar Preventative Health’s program, CareFirst provides additional support in conjunction with your GP and other health professionals, to help you understand, and manage your chronic health condition. Through personal health coaching support, we can support you to set lifestyle goals, gain better control of your health, and help you achieve your goals.
The program is based on chronic disease management interventions that may improve patient health.
Who is CareFirst for?
CareFirst is primarily aimed at people who have been diagnosed with a chronic health condition where the long-term impact of the condition is likely to be improved through health coaching and behaviour change. Suitable conditions may include:
- Asthma
- Chronic heart failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic pain
- COPD
- Hypertension
- Ischemic heart disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic heart disease
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Sleep Apnea
- Peripheral Vascular Disease.
How does CareFirst help?
CareFirst works alongside your healthcare team to empower you to take control of your health. Our CareFirst care coordinators work with you to develop a personalised program plan, where we aim to build your knowledge, skills and confidence to look after your health needs.
Support services include:
- a care plan specific to your needs
- a series of health coaching sessions to build your confidence to manage your own health
- access to health management information/resources.
How does CareFirst work?
Using a personal coaching model, your CareFirst team aims to help you achieve your health goals and provide you with the knowledge and skills to assist you with managing your chronic health condition.
A CareFirst program will typically run for six months and include regular phone or video calls from a care coordinator. The program concludes with a review of your health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the program delivered?
CareFirst is delivered virtually, and each participant has the option of either telephone or video calls.
How do I know if I’m eligible for the program?
You may be eligible for CareFirst if you have a chronic health condition where the long-term impact of the condition is likely to be improved through health coaching and behaviour/lifestyle changes. To find out more about CareFirst or your eligibility, please contact us.
Why is this program being offered?
Amplar Preventative Health wants to better support customers who are living with chronic and complex health conditions. We know it can be difficult to navigate the health system and access the care you need to stay well. We also know that if people stay well, it may reduce the pressure on the health system overall.
How can this program help me?
CareFirst is designed to help you manage your chronic health condition, empowering you with the knowledge and skills to look after your health long-term.
What’s involved if I participate?
The CareFirst team works closely with you, to support you to achieve your health goals. The first step is to have a conversation with the care coordinator at the initial assessment. They’ll provide the initial appointment is followed by a series of health coaching sessions in which your care coordinator provides support and guidance in areas such as medication and/or symptom management, guides you to keep focused, motivated and to take positive steps towards improving your overall health and wellbeing.
What’s a care coordinator?
A care coordinator is a Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional such as a Physiotherapist or Dietitian. All CareFirst care coordinators hold current registration to practice with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or their relevant professional organisation. A care coordinator focuses on coordinating your care and assists you in identifying and achieving your health goals.
I feel like I’m managing well on my own. Why would I need to participate?
A preventive health and wellbeing focused program is also about building awareness so you can continue doing the things you love now and into the future. That might mean:
- being active with children
- playing a sport / other outdoor activities
- travelling
- attending family events.
Your care coordinator will help you work out exactly what is important to you and how you can work towards achieving your goals.
Does this program cost me anything?
For eligible participants, the program itself is cost-free.
However, if there are costs involved in any of the services recommended to you during the program, (eg. Referral and an appointment with a dietitian) our care coordinator will discuss with you the options and potential costs beforehand. We will not refer you to any program for services if you do not agree to.
Depending on your level and types of cover, some of these services may be claimed through your private health insurance to cover some of the costs. We recommend you contact your health fund to ask if they will cover the costs of those services and how much, before you agree to a referral.
How is my privacy protected?
We are committed to protecting your privacy as part of your participation in the CareFirst program. We will handle your personal information in accordance with all applicable Commonwealth and State legislation, which governs the collection, disclosure, storage, access and disposal of personal information.
For detailed information about how we handle your personal information, you can read our privacy policy here.
Need other support at home?
Through our CareComplete programs, Amplar Preventative Health supports people through care coordination and one-on-one health coaching.