Information for GPs
Who qualifies for Medicare rebates and what does their referral need to include?
When will the MHCP need to be reviewed?
Where can I go for further information?
Frequently asked questions about the GP Mental Health Treatment items can be found here:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/pacd-gp-mental-health-care-pdf-qa
Who qualifies for Medicare rebates and what does their referral need to include?
- Clinical Psychologists registered with Medicare Australia are able to provide psychological therapy items that are eligible for a medicare rebate.
- Clients are generally eligible to receive rebates for psychological therapy items for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Every calendar year means between 1st of January and 31st of December.
- Eligible patients are those who you have assessed as having a Mental Disorder and whom you are managing under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan or who are being managed under a referred psychiatrist assessment and management plan.
- The GP Mental Health Treatment items are for patients with a mental disorder who would benefit from a structured approach to the management of their care needs. Mental disorder is a term used to describe a range of clinically diagnosable disorders that significantly interfere with an individual’s cognitive, emotional or social abilities. This list of mental disorders is informed by the World Health Organisation, 1996, Diagnostic and Management Guidelines for Mental Disorders in Primary Care: ICD-10 Chapter V Primary Care Version. Dementia, delirium, tobacco use disorder and mental retardation are not regarded as mental disorders for the purposes of the GP Mental Health Treatment items.
- There is no specific referral form. A letter to an eligible clinical psychologist that is signed and dated by the GP along with the completed Mental Health Treatment Plan paperwork is all that is required.
When will the MHCP need to be reviewed?
- Following the initial assessment session, John will forward you a letter for the purpose of thanking you for your referral, to let you know it was received, what the findings of the initial psychological assessment were, and when the client will be returning to commence therapy.
- Following the 6th session, John will send you another letter that outlines what progress has been made and any reasons for continuing with therapy or if the client has made sufficient gains to cease therapy at this point. Your patient will need to make an appointment with you at this stage to be reviewed if they wish to continue with therapy and remain eligible for further rebates.
- Further reports will be provided following the 10th and at present the 20th sessions in accordance with Medicare requirements.
- If at any time you should wish to discuss management of our mutual client please do not hesitate to contact us.
Where can I go for further information?
Frequently asked questions about the GP Mental Health Treatment items can be found here:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/pacd-gp-mental-health-care-pdf-qa