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MEDICARE REBATES
As of November 2006, psychology treatment has attracted rebates under the Better Access To Mental Health Care scheme. This scheme requires a client to obtain a referral in the form of a Mental Health Care Plan from either a GP, a psychiatrist or a paediatrician. This plan allows the client to attend the psychologist of their choice and obtain a rebate on the professional fee.
Under the Medicare scheme, all registered psychologists who are endorsed by Medicare Australia can provide treatment for mental health issues. This includes specialist clinical psychologists.
At Northwest Psychological Services ALL CLIENTS who have a Mental Health Care Plan are BULK BILLED.
ELIGIBILTY | ELIGIBLE CLIENTS | No. OF SERVICES PER CLIENT | People assessed with
a mental disorder | Up to 10 individual services and an additional 6 services in exceptional circumstances (maximum total of 16 services per calendar year)
AND
up to 10 group therapy services per calendar year |
What is meant by "mental disorder" under the new Medicare scheme ?
Mental disorder is a term used to describe a range of clinically diagnosable disorders that significantly impact on a person's thoughts, emotion, social skills and decision making. This includes clients with mental disorders arising from:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Attention Deficit Disorder
| - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
| - Co-occurring Anxiety & Depression
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Can I go directly to a psychologist to receive treatment under the Medicare scheme ?
You must be referred by your GP, a psychiatrist or a paediatrician. Your doctor will need to complete a detailed mental health assessment and prepare a Mental Health Care plan before you can access the Medicare scheme. You should book a longer session with your doctor to enable time for this.
As of November 1st, 2011 the government implemented budget cuts and there have been changes to the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Care scheme. For further information regarding eligibility please contact Medicare on 132 011.
To view the Medicare Fact Sheet click on the link belowhttp://www.psychology.org.au/assets/files/medicare_fact_sheet1.pdf
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