Medicare Rebates

Your GP or psychiatrist can ascertain whether you are eligible for a ‘Mental Health Treatment Plan’ (MHTP) referral under the Medicare ‘Better Access Initiative’.

To claim your rebates (up to 10 per calendar year- more if Covid-affected), you simply provide reception the paperwork on or before the day of your appointment (many GP practices will fax MHTPs and referrals: 3831 4457). For on-the-spot claiming we use ‘Medicare Easyclaim’, whereby your rebate is deposited immediately via your savings/cheque account card.

Private Health Rebates

If you have private health insurance then you might be entitled to a rebate. Each fund is different so it is worth checking with your fund to see what your entitlements are – the applicable Item numbers are ‘100’ (initial consultation) and ‘200’ (subsequent consultation).

Regarding confidentially, your treatment details are sent directly to your health fund through the Tyro HealthPoint system and can only be viewed by your provider and your health fund, utilising secure encryption protocol which fully protects your privacy.

Medicare and Private HealthFAQ's

  • How quickly can I receive the rebate?

    For your convenience we can process your Medicare claims (via Medicare Easyclaim) and your private health insurance claims (via HICAPS) on the day of your consultation.

    Please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly receptionists on 07 3831 4452 if you need any further information or have booking enquiries.

  • Does the Medicare rebate cover the cost of the consulation?

    In Short, no.

    There is a ‘gap’ payment if you choose to use private health cover, however this varies between health funds so you’ll need to check with your particular fund as to your level of cover. You can do this by quoting item codes 100 for Initial Consult OR Item 200 for Subsequent consultations.

    Medicare Claims are processed after full payment of the consultation fee. Payment can be made by cash or by card from any account. We then process the refund when you have a card with either a savings or cheque account linked only. Rebates can not be credited to your ‘credit card’ or ‘credit account’.

  • Do I need a referral to claim the MEDICARE REBATE ?

    In Short, Yes.

    Your GP or psychiatrist can ascertain whether you are eligible for what is known as a ‘Mental Health Treatment Plan’ referral under the Medicare ‘Better Access Initiative’ (i.e. your doctor must first assess that you require the services of a psychologist).  If you qualify under this plan then you will be entitled to a rebate from Medicare for 10 sessions per calendar year.

    The Better Access initiative covers disorders that significantly impact on a person’s emotions, thoughts, social skills and decision-making. Types include:

    • Alcohol use disorder
    • Anxiety disorders
    • Adjustment disorder
    • Attention deficit disorder
    • Bereavement disorder
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Conduct disorder
    • Co-occurring anxiety and depression
    • Depression
    • Drug use disorder
    • Eating disorders
    • Obsessive compulsive disorder
    • Panic disorder
    • Phobic disorder
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder
    • Sexual disorders

    You will need to pay for any charges in excess of the Medicare rebate (i.e. ‘the gap’) for services under this scheme. However, these out-of-pocket expenses will count towards the Medicare Safety Net. The Medicare Safety Net is designed to protect high users of health services from large out-of-pocket expenses. You can find more information on the Medicare Safety Net here.

Talk to usWe love to listen!

Please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly receptionists if you need any further information or have booking enquiries.