Consultations with a psychologist can attract a Medicare rebate.
However you will need an Initial Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and referral letter from your GP. This requires a consult with the GP.
Please state you need an Initial Mental Health Treatment Plan when booking if this is your intention.
| MHTP Initial consult | Fee Guide | Medicare Rebate | Your net cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 - 29 min consult | $129 | $69 - $87.60 | $41.40 - $60 |
| 30 - 39 min consult | $156 | $69 - $87.60 | $68.40 - $87 |
| 40 - 45 min consult | $193 | $101.55 - $129 | $64 - $91.45 |
| 46 - 55 min consult | $234 | $101.55 - $129 | $105 - $132.45 |
| 56 - 65 min consult | $312 | $101.55 - $129 | $183 - $210.45 |
At the end of your initial visit here you and your GP will have a written plan.
Your GP may recommend between 1 to 6 sessions with a psychologist.
These sessions will attract a Medicare rebate – check with your psychologist for their individual rates.
When you have used your recommended sessions, if you need more Medicare rebated sessions you must return to your GP here for review.
This review appointment can be booked as a regular 15 minute consult (See below).
At that consult you need agreement from your GP that another group of sessions are recommended.
Your referral will state the number of sessions recommended i.e. between 1-6 sessions.
| MHTP Review consult | Fee Guide | Medicare Rebate | Your net cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minute consult | $78 | $35.55 | $42.45 |
See the consult fee guide under 'Fees' if a longer appointment is required
Each time, after you have completed the referred number of sessions, your psychologist must write a letter to your referring GP.
Please note that the maximum sessions per calendar year is 10 sessions for attracting a medicare rebate with your psychologist.
This is a new ruling by Medicare as of 1 November 2011.
At the end of the calendar year if you have unused sessions from your GP referral they can carry over into the next calendar year.
You and your psychologist will need to keep track of the number of sessions you have used in the calendar year and the number used since your last GP referral.
Previously there were more sessions per calendar year but these no longer apply as of 1 November 2011.
Previously we could bulk bill your plans with your GP but due to changes by Medicare we can no longer do this. The above private fees will apply to all patients.
Due to the complexity of the above arrangement you may wish to discuss the Medicare rulings and arrangements with our Practice Manager, Leona.
It is strongly suggested that you also communicate with your psychologist / psychiatrist regarding costs and Medicare rebates.