Better Access:
Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) initiative – The Better Access Initiative
Medicare rebates are available under the Better Access Initiative for mental health services provided by general practitioners, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, registered psychologists and appropriately trained social workers and occupational therapists.
Patients are eligible for Better Access services if they are assessed as having a diagnosable mental health condition and are being managed by a general practitioner under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Patients referred to allied mental health professionals are eligible for up to 12 individual services and up to 12 group services in a calendar year. Provisions also exist for up to 6 additional services in exceptional circumstances. The patient may be required to contribute a gap payment.
For further information refer to: Better Access Initiative
Better Outcomes:
Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Program
- Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS)
This program is available to patients who have a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. It is aimed at low income earners and there is no cost.
The Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice subcontracts local allied mental health professionals (clinical psychologists and psychologists) to provide up to 12 individual sessions of Focused Psychological Strategies(FPS). FPS are specific mental health care treatment strategies derived from evidence based psychological therapies. They include:
- Psycho-education (including motivational interviewing)
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Relaxation strategies
- Skills training
- Interpersonal therapeutic strategies
- Narrative therapeutic strategy
The program is coordinated by the Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice via a voucher system. Vouchers are limited and are subject to funding provisions. For a voucher please contact reception on 5126 2899.
For further information refer to: Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Program
Access to Psychiatrist Support (GP Psych Support)
Free patient management advice from a psychiatrist within 24 hours.
General practitioners can request advice in:
- General adult psychiatry
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
- Old age psychiatry
- Dual diagnosis/drug and alcohol
Telephone: 1800 200 588. General practitioners will be asked some brief questions concerning the enquiry and a psychiatrist will return the call within 24 hours.
Fax: 1800 012 422. Using the Fax back template provide details regarding the issue for discussion. A psychiatrist will then fax or phone to discuss case details.
Web Support: www.psychsupport.com.au is a secure and password protected website. Log in and submit your questions online. For your username and password, call 1800 200 588.
Mental Health Service System Pathway
Central West Gippsland Mental Health Service System (PDF) is focused on assessment, referral and treatment options including appropriate support services available for a patient identified as having a mental health disorder or condition.
Support for people affected by the bushfires
Through the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Initiative - Access to Allied Psychological Services Program(ATAPS), the Department of Health and Ageing has provided additional funding to the Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice to provide psychological services for people affected by the bushfires. ATAPS services are free for individuals affected by the bushfires and there is no limit to the number of sessions that can be provided.
Referral can only occur via the general practitioner for patients with an active GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. For a bushfire voucher please contact the Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice on 5126 2899.
National Perinatal Depression Initiative
The National Perinatal Depression Initiative aims to improve prevention and early detection of antenatal and postnatal depression and provide better support and treatment for expectant and new mothers experiencing depression. The Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice aims to strengthen linkages and relationships between general practice, child and maternal health services and primary mental health.
Treatment for women experiencing perinatal depression will also be available through the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Initiative - Access to Allied Psychological Services Program(ATAPS). For further information refer to: National Perinatal Depression Initiative
Changes to Medicare Benefits Schedule – Better Access Initiative
As part of the 2009 Budget the Department of Health and Ageing announced changes to the Better Access Initiative. These changes aim to improve targeting of primary mental health services to those most in need and to provide quality mental health services.
Changes that apply from 1 July 2009
- The “GP Mental Health Care Plan” will be changed to a “GP Mental Health Treatment Plan” to more adequately reflect the intent
- General practitioners must document a diagnosis of mental health disorder in the GP Mental Health Treatment Plan
Changes that apply from 1 January 2010
- Introduction of a new Medicare item for general practitioners who have not completed Level 1 Mental Health Skills Training.
* It is important to note that those general practitioners who have not completed the training will still be able to refer patient to allied mental health professionals as per current arrangements, thereby ensuring that patients requiring these services will not be disadvantaged.
For further information:
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