Settlement Guide: 3 steps to access mental health services under Medicare

Through the Better Access initiative, Medicare rebates are available to patients for selected mental health services, provided by general practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists, eligible social workers and occupational therapists.

Stock photo of a Medicare card, Monday, May 12, 2008. Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan is expected to announce changes to the medicare surcharge threshold at the federal Labor budget tomorrow. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING

Source: AAP

1. Visit your GP to access your condition. Your GP can prepare a "Mental Health Treatment Plan". Medicare rebates are available for up to ten visits to mental health services per calender year.

Male doctor writing in patient chart mid section
Male doctor writing in patient chart, mid section Source: AAP

2. You can be referred to certain Medicare mental health services, such as psychiatrists, once you have a GP "Mental Health Treatment Plan" in place.

Male doctor writing in patient chart mid section
Male doctor writing in patient chart, mid section Source: AAP

3. Depending on your health care needs, following the initial course of six treatment sessions you can return to your GP or psychiatrist for a new referral for an additional four sessions.

Psychiatrist
Source: Public Domain


Who is eligible?

All Medicare card holders with an assessed mental disorder. The better Access initiative does not cover dementia, delirium, tobacco use disorder and mental retardation.

Further information on the Better Access initiative is available at:

Information regarding eligibility, claiming and payment processes can be obtained from Medicare Australia on 132 011 or at: www.medicareaustalia.gov.au

Better access to mental health care fact sheet:https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/0F792912834609B4CA257BF0001B74FA/$File/patients2.pdf


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By Preeti K McCarthy



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