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10 Additional Medicare Subsidised Psychological Therapy Sessions People Subjected to Further Restrictions in Areas Impacted C19

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10 Additional Medicare Subsidised Psychological Therapy Sessions People Subjected to Further Restrictions in Areas Impacted C19
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SupeNintendoChalmers on 04/08/2020 - 09:28 health.gov.au (2089 clicks)
Last edited 07/08/2020 - 14:52 by 3 other users

The Australian Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2 August 2020
Media type: Media release
Audience: General public

The Australian Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental health and suicide prevention remains one of our Government’s highest priorities, and this Government recognises the mental health impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on individuals and communities, particularly those in areas such as Victoria, where regrettable but necessary measures are needed to stop the spread of the virus.

The additional Medicare subsidised sessions will allow people in eligible areas who have used their 10 sessions to continue to receive mental health care from their psychologist, psychiatrist, GP or other eligible allied health worker.

The new items will apply to people subject to public health orders restricting their movement within the state or territory issued at any time from 1 July 2020 to 31 March 2021, and to people who are required to isolate or quarantine under public health orders.

Patients will be required to have a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a review with their GP to access the additional sessions. This measure will commence on Friday 7 August and be available until 31 March 2021.

Our Government has responded early and rapidly to address the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures needed to contain it, announcing more than $500 million additional funding for mental health and suicide prevention since January, including Medicare subsidies for telehealth consultations.

The $7.3 million in additional support recognises that many people in areas impacted by the second wave of the pandemic will be facing increased emotional and mental stress.

This will ensure that Australians can continue to access essential mental health treatment and support at this difficult time.

The Australian Government continues to demonstrate its firm commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians, with estimated expenditure for mental health services and suicide prevention to be more than $5.2 billion in 2019-20.

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closed Comments

          • greatlamp on 04/08/2020 - 12:11

            @[Deactivated]: A GP is higher up in any objective comparison, they are legally allowed to prescribe, they can prescribe almost anything, they can sell medicine, and they can perform surgery. They can legally do the psychologists job, but it isn't viable for them to do so.

            The public may not see it that way, in society the respect people give to a profession is really only based on how much money they can make.

      • Chandler on 04/08/2020 - 10:11
        +1

        Should be $260 (without rebate) for a 45-60min session at a private practice according to the Australian Psychological Society

        • dr_ rusko on 04/08/2020 - 11:22
          +1

          should be whatever the psychologist wants to charge
          - they are a business and are providing a service
          - their fees are up to them
          - if potential patients don't like their fees - they should use their feet to talk. (ie go elsewhere)

          (obviously there are exceptions to the rule - eg rural settings or places where there are no other alternatives etc)

          • Chandler on 04/08/2020 - 11:35
            +1

            @dr_ rusko: Of course. Much like GP fees are very variable.

            Being a health service however it is regulated, especially since the government is (at least in part) footing the bill.

            Please note that the recommended fee I noted above is not the Medical Benefit Scheme specified rate (which is how much Medicare will pay the for the service), but how much the Australian Psychological Society (a third party) recommends psychologists charge for their services.

            These recommendations aren't there for the sake of consumers - they're there for these business as justification for what their fees are (which the practice chooses themselves). They do help consumers to see those businesses that are charging over and above the "recommended" rate for them to then ask themselves (or the business) what they're receiving over and above the "standard" service.

            However, you probably won't see those posters in those practices which charge significantly more (if those practices are even members of the society).

  • NETBEAR on 04/08/2020 - 10:41
    +3

    How to find the Mental Health Service provider:
    Go to: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services

    • Go to Service Finder tab
    • Under Services: click on other services: Mental Health Services
    • Input their postcode and Search.
    • dr_ rusko on 04/08/2020 - 11:18

      another alternative - see your GP and discuss with them! (you'll need to see them for the mental health care plan anyway)

      • NETBEAR on 04/08/2020 - 12:33

        Yeh so GP will provide you with the MHCP, however they may not know a specialist in your area. This is the website to locate them. You can also find information on a number of services on this website and useful info as well.

        • dr_ rusko on 04/08/2020 - 15:23

          I would like to hope they know of psychologist in your area (unless you dont live in the area where they work) - that's part of their job - knowing who to refer to….

  • Carmen Sandiego on 04/08/2020 - 11:24
    +1

    If anyone is in the market for a psych, https://www.thetalkshop.com.au.

    Their costs - https://www.thetalkshop.com.au/fees-and-faqs/ (pre 5pm is all bulk billed)

    • freefall101 on 04/08/2020 - 12:49
      +3

      I was seeing an expensive psych a couple of years ago, but my GP (who is one hell of a GP, trains doctors at Melbourne hospital, was recognised by UNICEF) can't recommend the talk shop enough, especially from a bulk billing perspective. I found they were better than the expensive psych I was seeing.

  • addrv on 04/08/2020 - 11:37
    +7

    Some general information for those seeking for psychological therapies and I think everyone should be informed about. This is applicable to NSW and may varies between states.

    • Every calendar year you may see your GP to obtain a letter for 'Better Access' program. Your GP will do a quick questionaire with you to determine your eligibility. IMO, everyone should have access to this program even if you sounds positive through questionaire (so no need to fake it). I don't think it will happen, but shall your GP deny you to the program, don't have to get upset, just see another GP as this is eligible to everyone even if you are perfectly healthy.
    • Your GP will need to refer you to a psychologist of his/her choice as part of the 'Better Access' letter. You can tell your GP your preferred psychologist. Or shall you change your mind, you can use the same letter to seek out different psychologist. Some psychologists may ask you to go back to GP to change the referral on it, some say it's alright.
    • The first 'Better Access' letter you get will allow 6 subsidised sessions. You can obtain additional 4 sessions (per year), at this point check with both your GP and psychologist for the arrangement.
    • Check your psychologist/clinic regarding to gap fees. Some do offer no gap by simply asking, or amend arrangements (visit during off peak, shorten session by 10 minutes, telephone consulting etc). Just ask.
    • Alternative to visit clinic of your choice, you can also use APS directory to find professionals and get in touch with them personally: https://www.psychology.org.au/Find-a-Psychologist
      • This is my preferred method as you gets to speak with the psychologist himself/herself instead of reception. Ask your questions directly and see if his/her response fits your liking (do respect other people's time though).
      • Various of initial communication methods are available: telephone, email, text, skype
    • I recommend get in touch with several psychologists and find one that fits you. Some respond faster than others, some show more caring and some fits your need better than others.
    • dr_ rusko on 04/08/2020 - 15:29
      +2

      sorry to be argumentative - but what you are saying is not entirely correct. (a nice way of saying I think you are mistaken)

      The survey (often gp's do a k10) has nothing to do with eligibility.
      The questionnaire is an assessment done by the doctor to meet the requirements of the "mental health care plan."

      Eligibility is dependent on a diagnosis. (or "mental disorder - the words of medicare, not me)

      for more info - see MBS online

      • addrv on 04/08/2020 - 15:59

        Thanks for correction, much appreciated. I’m speaking from experience and do take with grain of salt.

        I saw 3 different GPs in the past for applying this program, they all have different attitude towards this. 1 didn’t even do the questionnaire, 1 fly through the process, and 1 was quite thorough about it. When I asked the last one about it’s purpose, he said it’s to see if I qualify for it, which gave me the impression that GP may be required to check with patients making sure it’s not a shady or unreasonable application.

        Above said, that particular GP could be wrong, worded incorrectly or my memory simply did not serve me well. Whichever the case may be, I do not believe one should be rejected from this benefit and if a GP decides to deny you from it, the chance next GP will approves it is still high.

        • dr_ rusko on 04/08/2020 - 17:46
          +4

          I can't comment on your situation - I can only speak in general terms.

          I am sorry you have had to run around to facilitate getting the help that you need

          • Having a regular GP you are comfortable with can be a crucial part of managing mental health issues (depending on GP competence)
          • GP's are generally not in the business of "denying access" to benefits - they are (in my experience at least) very much on your team and trying to achieve the best outcomes for their patients.
          • when a GP does a mental health care plan (or any care plan or bill any item number for that matter) - they need to be able to justify what they have done - this justification is not about what they think is right - but rather measured against a set criteria that is set out by the MBS (medicare schedule). If they have not met the criteria and then they get audited - then they get in trouble for breaking the law.

          At the end of the day - they don't make the rules… they are obliged under their code of conduct (AHPRA) to follow them.

          I feel sorry for a patient who has to "run around" to find a GP who will tick the boxes/open the doors for them - it's a very far cry from the ideal patient-doctor relationship built up over years - characterised by care, support and trust….

          I see both sides of the coin and lament (for patient's and doctor's sake) that we can't seem to do this better.

          good luck - hope this increased benefit helps you.

  • Maz78 on 04/08/2020 - 12:00

    Again -> More of a PSA rather than a "deal". Instead of 10 sessions per year you're getting 20. You're still out of pocket $100+ per session….

    • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2020 - 14:44
      +2

      Well, if it raises awareness of the initiative, it might be a "deal" for someone who needs it right now. $100 "saving" per session.

      Different private clinicians charge different rates. The ones that are too greedy are the ones to avoid… Just because they're the most expensive, it doesn't mean that they're the right match. The motive of a good clinician is to help the client, not to see the client as a cash grab.

  • mreddie on 04/08/2020 - 12:05
    +2

    Great initiative

  • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2020 - 12:06
    +5

    Best thing is to stop watching so much news, its fun watching the officials fight over who gets the most screen time tho

    • SupeNintendoChalmers on 04/08/2020 - 12:12
      +2

      that is true. Read a light-hearted book, do a puzzle, play with your kids, try and avoid the media, especially FB and Twitter.

      • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2020 - 12:19

        Can also recommend the
        https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/426222/ito…
        to anyone

        Locally produced, all natural, very chillax

        • Maz78 on 04/08/2020 - 14:24
          +2

          Make weed legal and then you can really chillax..

          • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2020 - 14:47

            @Maz78:

            Make weed legal

            And then the government can add another tax revenue stream.

          • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2020 - 15:16

            @Maz78: Prefer to drink my green friend

  • pyro love bird on 04/08/2020 - 15:24

    I believe my psych was saying that until September 10th? The gov said that she wasn't allowed to charge a gap so as to make mental health care more accessible to people during this time. I'm not sure if that's changed at all, or if it's been extended, but something to consider.

  • floppybot on 04/08/2020 - 19:04

    Dammmn. I was about to hit my 10th this month with a Psych with $80 out of pocket.

    Does anyone know much about Mosh, apparently it's free with a medicare rebate.

  • toobzy on 05/08/2020 - 02:10
    +5

    I've read seeing a psychologist can affect your health/life insurance premiums and can even prevent you from claiming income protection if something else happens to you later in life and you need to make a claim

  • dustyisdusty on 05/08/2020 - 19:57

    Glad to see additional funding for better access Psych services, it will positively impact a lot of clients who have exhausted their 10 sessions.

  • jelko on 07/08/2020 - 18:06

    Not needed in Western Australia.

  • cwangv on 07/08/2020 - 18:16
    -1

    how nice of them. They drive you mad, then try to fix you.
    (profanity) bull shit.

    • Talsek on 07/08/2020 - 19:53

      Just sounds like the writer doesn't know what operationalising is and has thrown around a few statements justified with "Just ask anyone else and they'll agree".

      I personally understand the frustration they're expressing,which is why I think scientific rigour is even more important to take seriously in the softer sciences. There's no valid reason,given by the author or otherwise,that social science research cannot be scientifically valid in it's own right.

  • sid101 on 07/08/2020 - 19:19

    How I know if I need session?

  • mdavant on 07/08/2020 - 19:34
    -2

    Psychologists are effective and necessary

    Perhaps the govt should mandate "bulk billing"

    Because they are also ridiculously expensive.

    • dangerdanger on 09/08/2020 - 22:42
      +1

      Lol. Why not mandate 'cost pricing' for car makers, restaurants, supermarkets, and every other business while you're at it

      • mdavant on 10/08/2020 - 06:03

        Are they heavily government subsidised?

        • dangerdanger on 10/08/2020 - 07:59
          +3

          Actually a lot are. Previously car manufacturers were heavily subsidised to bring their services to Australia.

          Nursing homes are heavily subsidised to provide care for the elderly.

          Schools and teachers are heavily subsidised by governments.

          The mining industry is heavily subsidised by the govt in the billions.

          Apprentice tradies are heavily subsidised by govt incentives.

          Police are 100% government subsidised. Perhaps they can go to cost price / minimum wage too.

          The Jobkeeper payments mean a lot of businesses are heavily subsidised by the govt. Perhaps all the above should be mandated to be 'cost price'.

          Those psychologists have families and employees - god forbid they turn a profit to pay for their expenses. They didn't work for their degree to be paid minimum wage.

          I'm never amazed by people would prefer the latest and greatest tv etc. Then cry foul when they have to pay to see someone for their own health

          • mdavant on 10/08/2020 - 09:41

            @dangerdanger: Oh I don't disagree that a lot of things are subsidised.

            But you mentioned restaurants and supermarkets.

            You are creating a straw man argument.

            I know how much psychologists make, they are not on minimum wage!

            Nor are general practitioners who are mostly expected to bulk bill.

            • dangerdanger on 10/08/2020 - 09:52
              +3

              @mdavant: Supermarkets are essential, shall we mandate they stay at cost price? It's ridiculous that supermarkets should be allowed to make any profit! /S

              Straw man. Lol. Says the guy who wants cheap mental healthcare with no added expense. Perhaps you're one of those who believe psychologists profiteers.

              I'm sure if you were a psychologist, or your spouse, or your kids, you'd want them to be paid what they're worth and not bulk bill.

              Everyone wants everything at no added expense from other professions… except they also want to be paid for their own profession.

              Well the world will continue as-is, you pay or you don't. Perhaps it's the Aussie way - to want a decent / good / great wage, but lamenting when others want the same.

              • mdavant on 10/08/2020 - 10:07
                -2

                @dangerdanger: Supermarkets are not govt subsidised!

                Also you should Google what a straw man argument is.

                FYI I am a high income earner and get no govt subsidies / handouts, no private health rebate nothing, ie I pay full price for everything always.

                I also bulk bill 90% of my patients not because I need to, because I want to as I earn enough and I am not greedy.

                • dangerdanger on 10/08/2020 - 10:09

                  @mdavant: Many argue that the Jobkeeper is the biggest subsidy in history. Apply your argument to all business that receive jobkeeper and see everyone's response.

                  That's your choice to MBO. Why suggest all psychologists be mandated to do the same?

                  If you're a Dr, why don't you go around asking the same of your peers? Perhaps be more vocal in that arena

                  • mdavant on 10/08/2020 - 10:13
                    -3

                    @dangerdanger: Have you seen what psychologists charge?

                    It is a massive barrier to mental healthcare.

                    I am not trying to make psychologists live below the poverty line, I am advocating for effective mental healthcare for the community.

                    There is no point in a gp referring to a psychologist if the patient cannot afford it.

                    This is not a doctor Medicare thread, it is a psychologist Medicare thread.

                    Stop straw manning. Stick to the topic.

                    • dangerdanger on 10/08/2020 - 10:15

                      @mdavant: So no response to my suggestion? Perhaps I'll see you on the Dr threads telling all Drs to bulk bill? Lol

                  • mdavant on 10/08/2020 - 10:14

                    @dangerdanger: It is off topic, but once again I agree with you, jobkeeper is trash

                    • dangerdanger on 10/08/2020 - 10:15

                      @mdavant: Go back to your bulk billing clinic dude. We need more guys like you.

                      • mdavant on 10/08/2020 - 10:17

                        @dangerdanger: Lol. Make assumptions.

                        I am not at a "bulk billing clinic"
                        Am I even a gp?

                        But thanks for the commendation on my altruistic attitude.

                        Perhaps other health practitioners could lower their remuneration expectations.

                        Aren't we all in this together?

                        • dangerdanger on 10/08/2020 - 10:20

                          @mdavant: "I also bulk bill 90% of my patients" Never said you were a GP, just Dr. Assumptions? Pot? Kettle? But now we know. Not a GP? Perhaps Physio? Psychologist yourself?

                          • mdavant on 10/08/2020 - 10:27
                            +1

                            @dangerdanger: Wouldnt it be funny if I am a psychologist!

                            Bulk bill is a general term to say that you accept the Medicare rebate.

                            No nerve hit, just frustrating discussing remuneration and Medicare with people who don't know how the system works or how well paid doctors and allied health professionals are at the moment.

                            I know a lot of psychologists who would bulk bill me because I bulk bill them, so thanks for the concern.

                        • dangerdanger on 10/08/2020 - 10:22

                          @mdavant: I think I've hit a nerve. Lol

                          It's alright dude. Like you've said - we're in this together. :) Won't stoke your fire any more, you might need a psychologist. And we know how you feel about others who dare to not bulk bill

                          • mdavant on 10/08/2020 - 10:28
                            +1

                            @dangerdanger: I remember Medicare in the earlier days.

                            How good was it!

  • mr_asstight on 07/08/2020 - 19:53
    +1

    i'm so glad i'm an introvert that lockdowns are not different to my pre-wuhan virus lifestyle

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