REFER

The Australian Commonwealth Government, since the mid 2000’s, has offered a subsidy towards clinical psychotherapy to assist financially in the treatment of psychological health issues. This benefit does not cover the total cost of treatment or the required sessions needed for the majority of clients and the issues they present with. The benefit called “Better Access” offers subsidy for up to ten (10) psychotherapy consultations each calendar year, through referral by a treating medical doctor.

BETTER ACCESS TO PSYCHOLOGISTS MEDICARE BENEFITS INITIATIVE
If you wish to use this scheme, please familiarise yourself with the requirements of this benefit. It is your responsibility to ensure that your referring doctor supplies the documentation as detailed, as this practice is not authorised to request referrals on your behalf.

The following is a summary of the process:

Referral may be made by a General Practitioner or a Psychiatrist. In both cases a letter of referral is required by this practice. In the case of GP referral, the doctor will have prepared a document referred to as a GP Mental Health Plan. A referral letter to this practice is required in order for a consultation to be invoiced as a Medicare item. This step entitles you to rebates for six (6) claimable consultations.

Following your sixth consultation, and should you wish to continue to attend, you are required to see your referring doctor (GP) for an appointment, and to obtain a further referral letter from the doctor requesting continuation. It is a Medicare requirement that this practice obtain this letter before your next consultation to enable a further four (4) claimable sessions.

Private Health Insurance
Private health insurers provide partial rebates for Psychology services,
which may be used instead of, or following, use of Medicare rebates.
A referral is not required to claim private health insurance rebates.

Further information
MEDICARE REBATES
BETTER ACCESS

Medicare App. for rebates
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