Chronic Disease Management, commonly known as CDM, is a structured programme delivered through general practice in Ireland. It provides regular, planned reviews for patients living with certain long-term health conditions. The programme is funded by the HSE through the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) and is available at no extra cost to patients who hold a medical card or Doctor Visit Card (DVC). If you have a chronic condition managed by your GP, understanding how CDM works can help you get the most from your care.
What Is the CDM Programme?
The CDM programme was introduced as part of the 2019 GP Agreement between the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the HSE. Its purpose is to shift the management of common chronic conditions from hospital outpatient departments into general practice, where patients can receive more convenient, consistent, and personalised care. Under the programme, your GP and practice nurse carry out structured reviews at regular intervals, typically every six to twelve months, depending on your condition and clinical needs.
During a CDM review, your GP or practice nurse will assess how well your condition is controlled, review your medications, check relevant blood tests or measurements such as blood pressure and weight, and discuss lifestyle factors that may affect your health. The goal is to catch any changes early, adjust treatment where needed, and keep you as well as possible over the long term.
Which Conditions Are Covered?
The CDM programme currently covers a defined list of chronic conditions. These include type 2 diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease including heart failure and atrial fibrillation, and stroke. The programme may expand over time to include additional conditions, so it is worth checking with your GP if you have a long-term illness and are unsure whether it qualifies.
To be eligible, you must be registered with a participating GP practice and hold a valid medical card or Doctor Visit Card. Your GP will identify whether your condition falls within the programme and invite you for a structured review. In many practices, the practice nurse plays a central role in delivering CDM reviews, carrying out initial assessments, blood pressure checks, bloods, and lifestyle counselling before the GP reviews the overall plan.
What Happens During a CDM Review?
A CDM review is more thorough than a standard GP consultation. Your practice nurse may begin by taking routine measurements such as blood pressure, weight, and oxygen saturation. Blood tests are often arranged in advance so that results are available on the day. Your GP will then review your current medications, assess whether your condition is stable or requires a change in treatment, and discuss any new symptoms or concerns you may have.
You will also be asked about lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, diet, and physical activity. These conversations are an important part of the programme because small changes in daily habits can have a meaningful effect on long-term outcomes for chronic conditions. Your GP may also arrange follow-up appointments, additional investigations, or onward referrals to hospital specialists if needed.
How to Access CDM Through Your GP
If you hold a medical card or DVC and have one of the qualifying conditions listed above, speak to your GP practice about enrolling in the CDM programme. In most cases, your GP will already have identified eligible patients and will contact you to arrange a review. If you have not been contacted but believe you qualify, it is well worth asking at your next appointment or calling your practice to enquire.
For patients who are not covered by a medical card or DVC, your GP can still provide structured chronic disease reviews on a private basis. The clinical approach is the same, and regular monitoring remains just as important regardless of how your visits are funded. If you are unsure about your eligibility for a medical card, your GP practice can help you with the application process. You can also read our guide on how to register with a GP in Dublin if you are looking for a new practice.
Book an Appointment at Clarius Health
Clarius Health offers structured chronic disease management reviews across all three of our Dublin clinics. Whether you need a CDM review, want to discuss a long-term condition, or are looking to register as a new patient, our team of GPs and practice nurses is here to help.
You can visit us at Clarius Health Camden at 35 Camden Street Upper, Dublin 2, Clarius Health Crumlin at Kildare Road, Dublin 12, or Clarius Health — Cabra Medical Centre at 109 Cabra Road, Dublin 7. To arrange an appointment or find out more, please contact us or call (01) 568 8380.
