Medicare Referrals
There are two programs under which clients can be
referred to a psychologist by a GP and be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
The first is the Better Access to Mental Health initiative where GP’s
can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan for their patients and then
refer the client to a psychologist who has a Medicare Provider Number.
Mental health issues covered by this initiative include psychotic disorders,
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, phobic disorders, anxiety disorder,
panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, adjustment disorder,
depression, sexual disorders, conduct disorders, attention deficit disorder,
bereavement disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders,
alcohol use disorders, drug use disorders and sleep problems. Patients
are referred for an initial 6 sessions and an additional 6 sessions
may be approved by the GP after reviewing a report prepared by the psychologist
after the first 6 sessions. Generally, patients can claim a Medicare
Rebate for a maximum of 12 sessions per calendar year. Patients with
private health insurance may be eligible for further rebates.
The second is the Enhanced Primary Care initiative where GPs can prepare
a GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangement for their patients with
chronic diseases and complex care needs who also have co-morbid psychological
and behavioural features and then refer the client to a Medicare approved
Psychologist. The capacity of this program is limited to only 5 sessions
per year and those sessions may need to be shared with other allied
health professionals.
With a GP Mental Health Care plan and referral to a psychologist, clients
are eligible for a Medicare rebate on their sessions with our psychologists.
In most instances a gap payment is still payable, though this gap payment
does contribute to the Medicare Safety Net.
Please click HERE for more information
