Psychologists registered with Medicare Australia are able to provide Medicare rebateable psychological services to eligible patients. Under the Better Access Initiative, patients who have a Mental Health Care (MHCP) and a referral to a psychologist from their GP are eligible for rebates for up to 10 focused psychology sessions a calendar year through Medicare. Eligible patients are those with an assessed Mental Disorder who a GP is managing under a GP Mental Health Care Plan or under a referred psychiatrist assessment and management plan.
A calendar year starts on 1st January and ends on 31st December.
It is a mandatory requirement that the GP completes the MHCP with the patient and provides a valid referral to the psychologist. Psychologists do not need the MHCP unless the patient consents to its release. A MHCP on its own is not a valid referral.
Information about the Better Access Initiative can be found on this website.
MEDICARE REBATES
VALID REFERRALS
A Mental Health Care / Treatment Plan (MHC/TP) is not a referral and alone is not sufficient for the psychologist to provide a service under the Better Access Initiative.
A valid referral contains:
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According to the Medicare Benefits Schedule, “The referral may be in the form of a letter, or note to an eligible allied health professional signed and dated by the referring practitioner. The allied health professional must be in receipt of the referral at the first consultation.”
Note: a referral is valid for the number of sessions identified on the referral and does not expire.
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The date
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Patient’s full name
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Patient's date of birth
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Patient's address
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Diagnosis/Symptoms
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List of current medications
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Number of sessions
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Referring GP’s name
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Practice details
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Medicare Provider Number
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GP’s signature
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A statement regarding whether the patient has a GPMHC/TP, shared care plan or a psychiatrist assessment and management plan.
NUMBER OF SESSIONS
​​Each referral is valid for up to six sessions. The patient must see the GP for a re-referral to access the additional four sessions in that calendar year. A GP may choose to refer for six sessions (so the patient can use four in one calendar year and then the other two in the new calendar year).
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After the first six sessions are used, the Psychologist must write a letter to the GP requesting a new referral (if required). The patient must attend an appointment with their GP to facilitate this.
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After all ten sessions are completed, the Psychologist must then write back to the GP.
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Patients can continue psychology sessions paying the full-fee with no Medicare rebate. They may be able to obtain a rebate from their private health insurance.