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Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Program

Many people with chronic health conditions face financial barriers that prevent them from accessing the care they need. The Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT) Program removes those barriers by providing free allied health services to eligible clients.

By bringing together a team of allied health professionals, the program supports a multidisciplinary approach to managing pulmonary, cardiac and diabetes conditions in primary care. The aim is to improve health outcomes through coordinated, client-centred care.

The MDT Program aims to:

  • enhance access to multidisciplinary team care
  • reduce the cost barrier for individuals in need of coordinated care
  • strengthen connected, team-based care within primary care settings
  • empower clients to better manage their chronic health conditions
  • reduce hospitalisation rates in the Northern Territory
  • improve client health and quality of life outcomes in Darwin and Alice Springs.

    • System Navigator
      The System Navigator acts as the central point for referral management. They coordinate and allocate services, working with general practices, allied health providers and MDT support services. The System Navigator is also responsible for keeping the referring GP informed of each client’s progress throughout the program.
    • MDT allied health providers
      Allied health providers deliver clinical services to clients, and report progress and outcomes back to the referring GP. They also work with the System Navigator to support care coordination and access. Eligible providers will be registered with and funded by NT PHN to deliver services within program scope.
    • MDT support services
      The support services are group activities that complement MDT allied health services (e.g. group low intensity exercise sessions). Support services are designed to improve how participants manage their health and function day to day. Participants who meet program eligibility criteria can access the support service programs through the System Navigator.

  • GPs will be able to refer eligible clients to the program by completing and sending the following documents to the System Navigator:

    Once the GP refers a client to the program, the System Navigator provides care coordination. They work directly with the client to arrange access to the right services. The client will be supported towards the goal of slowing or preventing the progression of their condition and supporting their overall wellbeing.

    View the GP information sheet

  • To be eligible for the program, the client must:

    • live in Darwin or Alice Springs regions and hold a valid Medicare card
    • have diabetes, pulmonary disease, and/or cardiac disease
    • be at high risk of escalation or progression of one or more of their chronic conditions in the next 24 months
    • hold a current Health Care card, Low Income Health Care card, Pension card, or meet other specified financial hardship criteria*
    • have support from their GP to participate in the program.

    * Financial hardship criteria:

    • someone who has recently lost employment but does not yet have the required documentation
    • someone who is experiencing family violence
    • someone who is experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity or living in crisis accommodation.

  • Eligible clients can access:

    • up to 10 allied health sessions at no cost
    • coordinated care and appointment support from the System Navigator
    • choice of allied health providers registered with the program
    • access to a Support Service, such as a group physical activity program.

  • MDT Program allied health service providers are responsible for delivering clinical services to clients living with diabetes, cardiac disease and/or pulmonary disease in the Darwin and Alice Springs regions. Providers will communicate care progress and outcomes to referrers and collaborate with System Navigators as needed.

    Allied health services include:

    • podiatry
    • physiotherapy
    • dietetics
    • diabetes education
    • occupational therapy
    • exercise physiology
    • psychology

    View Darwin allied health providers

    View Alice Springs allied health providers

  • Only registered MDT allied health providers are authorised to deliver services under the MDT Program. Providers must have completed the formal NT PHN onboarding and assessment process and be approved by NT PHN to participate in the program.

    How to register:
    Email your expression of interest to [email protected] and our procurement team will send you the application documents. Please review the documents and attachments, then complete and submit the application response form as instructed.

    In some cases, eligible clients may nominate a preferred provider who is not currently part of the MDT provider pool. In such instances:

    • the System Navigator must refer the nominated provider to NT PHN
    • NT PHN will manage and coordinate the onboarding process directly.

  • GP’s and GP practice resources

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