Medicare Services
Medicare for Allied Health Services
Medicare may provide rebates for eligible allied health services when you have a referral from your GP, psychiatrist, paediatrician or specialist consultant physician.
Medicare for Allied Health Services
Medicare may provide rebates for eligible allied health services when you have a referral from your GP, psychiatrist, paediatrician or specialist consultant physician.
Depending on your needs, you may be able to access services through:
- Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTP) for psychology and some mental health allied health services
- GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMP, previously CDM/EPC)
- Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder Medicare items for assessment and treatment
Eligibility and rebate amounts are determined by Medicare and may change over time. Please speak with your GP or contact our clinic if you are unsure which pathway is right for you.
Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) – Psychology
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP, previously referred to as a Mental Health Care Plan) allows eligible people to access Medicare rebates for psychology services through the Better Access initiative. (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if your GP (or paediatrician) determines you have a diagnosed mental health condition requiring treatment and support. This may include conditions such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- OCD
- ADHD-related mental health concerns
- Adjustment difficulties
- Other clinically diagnosed mental health conditions
What services are covered?
Under Medicare Better Access, eligible patients can currently access:
- Up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year (6 sessions plus 4 sessions)
- Up to 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year
Medicare rebates are available for services provided by eligible psychologists. (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)
How to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Book a long appointment with your GP (or paediatrician)
- Your doctor will assess your mental health concerns
- If appropriate, your GP will prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Your GP will provide a referral to a psychologist
- Contact our clinic to book your psychology appointment
Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) – Psychology
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP, previously referred to as a Mental Health Care Plan) allows eligible people to access Medicare rebates for psychology services through the Better Access initiative. (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if your GP (or paediatrician) determines you have a diagnosed mental health condition requiring treatment and support. This may include conditions such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- OCD
- ADHD-related mental health concerns
- Adjustment difficulties
- Other clinically diagnosed mental health conditions
What services are covered?
Under Medicare Better Access, eligible patients can currently access:
- Up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year (6 sessions plus 4 sessions)
- Up to 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year
Medicare rebates are available for services provided by eligible psychologists. (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)
How to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Book a long appointment with your GP (or paediatrician)
- Your doctor will assess your mental health concerns
- If appropriate, your GP will prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Your GP will provide a referral to a psychologist
- Contact our clinic to book your psychology appointment
GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP)
A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (previously known as a Chronic Disease Management Plan or EPC plan) helps people with long-term health conditions access Medicare rebates for allied health services. (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if you have a chronic or long-term condition that:
- Has been present (or is expected to be present) for 6 months or longer, or
- Requires ongoing treatment and support
Examples may include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- ADHD
- Developmental delays
- Chronic pain
- Neurological conditions
- Feeding difficulties
- Sensory difficulties
- Long-term communication or functional challenges
Eligibility is determined by your GP.
Allied health services available under GPCCMP
Medicare rebates may be available for:
- Psychology
- Speech Pathology
- Occupational Therapy
- Dietetics
How many sessions are available?
Eligible patients can access:
- Up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year combined across all eligible allied health providers
For example:
- 5 psychology sessions, or
- 3 speech pathology and 2 occupational therapy sessions
- 2 dietitian, 2 speech pathology and 1 occupational therapy sessions
Your GP will support you in session allocation, however, the patient can be more in control of their treatment needs.
How to get a GPCCMP referral
- Book a long appointment with your GP
- Your GP will assess whether you are eligible for a GPCCMP
- Your GP prepares the management plan and referral
- Contact our clinic to arrange appointments
Medicare for Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Medicare also provides rebates for assessment and treatment of eligible complex neurodevelopmental conditions for people under 25 years of age. (Services Australia)
What conditions may be covered?
This pathway may apply to individuals with suspected or diagnosed:
-
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
-
ADHD
-
Global developmental delay
-
Intellectual disability
-
Complex neurodevelopmental conditions affecting communication, learning, behaviour, social interaction or daily functioning
Eligibility is determined by a paediatrician, psychiatrist or eligible specialist.
Medicare for Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Medicare also provides rebates for assessment and treatment of eligible complex neurodevelopmental conditions for people under 25 years of age. (Services Australia)
What conditions may be covered?
This pathway may apply to individuals with suspected or diagnosed:
-
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
-
ADHD
-
Global developmental delay
-
Intellectual disability
-
Complex neurodevelopmental conditions affecting communication, learning, behaviour, social interaction or daily functioning
Eligibility is determined by a paediatrician, psychiatrist or eligible specialist.
Treatment Services
Following diagnosis and development of a treatment and management plan, Medicare rebates may also be available for therapy services. (Services Australia)
Eligible therapy services may include:
- Psychology
- Speech Pathology
- Occupational Therapy
- Dietetics
Treatment session limits
Eligible patients may access:
- Up to 20 Medicare-rebated treatment services in their lifetime
How to access treatment services
- Receive a confirmed diagnosis from your paediatrician or psychiatrist
- Your specialist prepares a treatment and management plan
- A referral is provided for allied health treatment services
- Contact our clinic to book therapy appointments
Important Information
What to do before your first appointment
Please provide:
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Email through your referral or ask your GP to fax it to our clinic
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Complete our electronic intake forms
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Send through any other relevant reports or assessments
Claiming Medicare rebates at the clinic
After your appointment:
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We can process your Medicare rebate on the spot
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The rebate is usually deposited into your nominated bank account within 1–3 business days
Other information
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Medicare rebates do not always cover the full appointment fee, however, for some. This is dependent on yous circumstances and the appointment you require.
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A gap fee may apply depending on the service provided.
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Referrals and Medicare eligibility requirements are determined by Medicare and your referring doctor.
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Medicare rebates cannot be claimed without valid referral documentation.
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Session limits apply and are reset according to Medicare rules.
Contact us today
For more information, please contact our clinic on 9317 4848, fill in the form below or speak with your GP. Our friendly team is here to help you get started.