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Miscellaneous News

Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative

NEW TRANSITION ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ALLIED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AVAILABLE UNDER THE BETTER ACCESS INITIATIVE - download flyer

 March to December 2012  

The standard number of allied mental health services for which an individual can receive a Medicare rebate will continue to be 10 services per calendar year. Following the initial course of treatment (a maximum of six sessions), individuals can access more sessions upon review of up to 10 per calendar year.

However, for the 2012 calendar year eligible individuals will be able to receive up to an additional six allied mental health services under ‘exceptional circumstances’. This means that eligible individuals can receive up to 16 services where ‘exceptional circumstances’ apply.

It is up to the referring medical practitioner (i.e. the GP) to determine that the individual meets the criteria for ‘exceptional circumstances’. This is defined as a significant change in the individual’s clinical condition or care circumstances which make it appropriate and necessary for the individual to access further services.

Individuals will be eligible for an additional six allied mental health services under ‘exceptional circumstances’ from 1 March 2012 until 31 December 2012. This means that to receive a Medicare rebate for additional services provided under ‘exceptional circumstances’ an individual must receive these services during this period.

Further Information is available on the Department’s website www.health.gov.au/mentalhealth-betteraccess

Assistance available for Carers Newsletter

The Medical Board of Australia released Guidelines for “Technology-based patient consultations” yesterday.

http://www.medicalboard.gov.au/News/160112-New-Guidelines-Released.aspx

Also, the AMA released a survey (on 10 Jan) for its members to assist the preparation of an “Essential Guide for shared electronic health records”.

From their website …”The Essential Guide will be a resource for medical practitioners that will help them make decisions about whether, when and how to use the PCEHR in their practice, and what new processes, administrative procedures and practice protocols they will need to implement if they choose to use the PCEHR. It will also provide guidance about how to communicate with patients about the PCEHR”

http://ama.com.au/essential-guide-survey

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Fee Schedules for Medical Services.

These fees are effective form 1st November 2011.

http://www.dva.gov.au/service_providers/Fee_schedules/GPs_LMOs_and_Specialists/Documents/RMFS2011.pdf