Pathways to Pain Management is a structured, community-based chronic pain self-management and education program delivered by Pain Education and Management. The program supports patients to better understand their pain, develop practical self-management skills, and, where required, access coordinated multidisciplinary support.

The program is underpinned by a biopsychosocial model of care and is designed to complement general practice and existing GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMPs).

For more information, download the brochure

• Step 1:

Free for all referred patients with no out-of-pocket costs

• Step 2:

Currently subsidised* by 50%, reducing the out-of-pocket cost to the patient accordingly. (normally priced at $108.75)

• Steps 3 & 4:

Standard pricing applies, as published on our website (see services tab). Costs may vary depending on funding eligibility and individual circumstances.

* Subsidised consultations limited to 700 in total, with preference given to small or solo practices in MMM 3+ regions

Delivery is matched to each step of the program to maximise access, flexibility, and clinical appropriateness:

• Step 1 – Online Education Delivered entirely online, allowing patients to commence immediately after referral and complete the education modules at their own pace.

• Step 2 – Telehealth Delivered via telehealth, enabling access to multidisciplinary support regardless of location and reducing the need for travel.

• Steps 3 & 4 – Telehealth and Face-to-Face (as Clinically Appropriate) Delivered using a combination of telehealth and face-to-face services, depending on:

  • Clinical need

  • Discipline involved

  • Patient location and access

  • Individual circumstances

This hybrid model ensures flexibility while maintaining high clinical standards and accessibility for rural and regional patients.

We recommend involving a family member or support person where possible. Evidence shows that completing the program with a support person can improve engagement and outcomes.

No. There is no cost to the practice to refer patients into the program.

The 50% subsidy for Step 2 is funded by Healthy North Coast PHN under the Primary Care Impact – Multidisciplinary Teams in Chronic Disease Management Grant.

No. Practices are not required to manage billing or claiming for program components.

The only exception is Step 3 case conferences, which are claimed directly to Medicare (MBS) by each participating clinician in line with standard Medicare requirements.

Patients must:

• Have persistent or chronic pain

• Be referred by a GP

• Be suitable for a structured education and self-management program

• Provide informed consent to participate

There are three referral pathways available to support different practice workflows:

1. Best Practice Template

Practices can refer using the Pathways to Pain Management referral template within Best Practice.

2. PDF Referral Form

Practices may complete the standard PDF referral form and hand it to the patient for upload after signing.

3. Online Referral Form

Practices can submit referrals directly using the secure online referral form.

Yes. Patients may self-initiate the referral process by:

• Downloading the referral form

• Taking it to their GP for completion and signature

• Self-registering online and uploading the signed referral form

All referrals must be signed by a GP prior to program entry.

No - The referral form allows the GP to indicate whether the referral:

• Is part of a GPCCMP, or

• Is not linked to a GPCCMP

Both options are accepted for program entry.

Once the referral form is completed and signed by the GP, it is handed back to the patient. The patient then:

1. Self-registers online using the secure registration link (provided on the referral form)

2. Uploads the signed referral form as part of registration

3. Is automatically granted direct access to the Pathways to Pain Management online learning program

This enables immediate program entry with no administrative delay once the GP has signed the referral.

All referrals are submitted by the patient after the GP's signature via the secure online registration portal.

The referring practice is only required to complete and sign the referral form.

If the required information is missing:

• The patient is contacted to obtain the missing details

• If GP clarification is required, the practice is contacted directly

• Program access may be paused until mandatory fields are complete

Yes. A patient flyer is available for use in waiting rooms, consultation rooms, and during GP or nurse consultations. This flyer explains the program in plain language and includes referral and self-registration instructions for patients.

The referring GP remains the primary treating practitioner at all times. Pain Education and Management provides multidisciplinary input and recommendations under formal clinical governance.

Yes

Steps 1 & 2

Progression reports are provided where the referral is part of a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP). These reports outline:

· Patient engagement

· Module progression

Step 3

Full multidisciplinary clinical reports are provided, including:

· Comprehensive assessment findings

· MDT recommendations

· Agreed pain management plan

· Case conference outcomes (where held)

Step 4

Standard allied health reports are completed and returned to the referring GP in line with normal professional and Medicare reporting requirements for each discipline involved.

Reports are delivered via secure email or Medical Objects, based on the practice’s preference.

No. This is not an acute, flare-up or emergency service. Patients are directed to continue engaging with their GP or local emergency services for urgent medical needs.