Medicare and Psychology

Medicare covers up to 10 sessions of psychotherapy on referral from a general practitioner. The referral is initially for six sessions with a further four available on review. When you pay our fee -which is set at approximately $60 above the Medicare rebate the difference ( $145.25 or $98.95 is immediately paid into your account by Medicare.

The services are available to patients who are assessed by doctors to be eligible. The patient must be managed under a GP Mental Health Care Plan (Item 2700(2701) or 2715(2717), or have a psychiatric assessment and management plan (Item 291 or 293) and a Mental Health Care Plan must be in place.

Referrals can also be made by a Paediatrician. or Psychiatrist

It is however, imperative that the Mental Health plan or Psychiatric Management Plan is in place at the time of the referral or you will not be eligible for a rebate.

There is current confusion as Dr's confuse the terms Mental Health Care Plan and Referral BOTH are needed, a new referral (not MHCP or review) is required every time a course of treatment starts or at session 6. The Dr must specify how many sessions are wanted.