SERVICES DETAIL

Better Access Initiative

Ask your health professional to refer you for Focused Psychological services which can be provided by a registered psychologist, occupational therapist or social worker.


Under this initiative you can access 10 sessions per calendar year. After the first 6 sessions, Medicare requires a review with your referrer who can then request 2 further sessions, followed by another review and request for 2 final sessions (totalling 10 sessions).


Referrals can be made by:

• a health professional who is managing the patient under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, referred psychiatrist assessment and management plan or shared care plan
• a psychiatrist
• a paediatrician
Under this initiative, patients can access Medicare benefits for selected mental health services provided by:
• general practitioners (GPs)
• psychiatrists
• psychologists
• social workers
• occupational therapists

 

Referrals for eating disorder treatment

An eating disorder management plan can be compiled by a:

  • General practitioner (GP) or medical practitioner working in general practice;
  • Consultant physician in psychiatry
  • Consultant physician in paediatrics

 

Under an eating disorder management plan you are entitled to up to 40 Medicare rebated psychological sessions which can be provided by a psychologist, mental health occupational therapist or a mental health accredited social worker.

 

You will need a review with your referring doctor after 10 sessions to access a further 10 sessions.

 

You are also entitled to 20 dietitian sessions under this plan.

Jo is an experienced eating disorder clinician and is accredited by the Australian and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders to provide treatment for eating disorders and other similar states.

 

This accreditation provides formal recognition of a clinician’s qualifications, knowledge, training, and professional development activities needed to meet minimum standards for the delivery of safe and effective eating disorders treatment