Individuals can opt to make an appointment without a Doctor’s referral or Mental Health Care Plan. However it should be noted that without a referral, Medicare rebates will not be available, incurring a greater out of pocket expense. Please call the clinic on 0478 770 098 to book an appointment.
Referrals
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Self Referral
Doctor Referrals
Medicare rebates are available for clients that have been referred by their Doctor, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician. For clients who have a Mental Health Care Plan and a referral letter from their Doctor under the “Better Access” Medicare Program, a rebate of $136.35 per session will be available for up to 10 sessions each calendar year.
The initial referral usually provides for six sessions, after which time, a brief report regarding your progress and ongoing recommendations will be provided to your Doctor (This is a requirement of the Medicare “Better Access” Program). You will be reminded to schedule a Doctor’s appointment for a Mental Health Care Plan review, at which point your Doctor may provide a referral for a further four session per calendar year (bringing the yearly total to 10). After an individual’s Medicare allocation is exhausted, client’s may choose to cease therapy, wait until the next calendar year or continue therapy paying in a private capacity. Your preferences will be discussed with you as you near completion of Medicare rebatable sessions.
Should you require fewer sessions or choose to end therapy, please let us know, as Medicare requires your referring Doctor be notified when therapy ceases. For more information regarding the “Better Access” initiative click here.
Other Providers
Private Health Insurance
For those with Private Health Insurance cover, a portion of the consultation fee may be claimed depending on your insurance provider and level of cover. Different health funds cover differnet services, thus it is best to check directly with your provider to see whether Clinical Psychology services are covered and to what extent. It’s important to note, a single session cannot be claimed on both Medicare and Private Health, it must be one or the other.
WorkCover, TAC and Victims of Crime
For clients with current claim numbers under WorkCover, TAC or Victims of Crime, please check with your case manager that Clinical Psychology services are included in treatments covered by your claim and to what value. Please bring your claim details to your first appointment.
Assessments and Reports
These are billed separately to the mental health care plans and often have an out of pocket expense attached.