Referral Information
In November 2006, the federal government delivered part of its COAG mental health package and, as such, new GP Mental Health Care items were introduced to the MBS.
To access Medicare rebates for consultations with a psychologist, a patient must obtain a referral and Mental Health Care Plan from a General Practitioner.
MBS Item # 2710 refers to the initial patient assessment and creation of a Mental Health Care Plan. After a patient has claimed a rebate for Item #2710 they may obtain Medicare rebates on six consultations with a registered psychologist.
Patients who require a further six sessions must see their GP for a Mental Health Care Plan Review, MBS Item # 2712. After a patient has claimed a rebate for Item #2712 they may obtain Medicare rebates on a second set of six consultations with a registered psychologist.
In exceptional cases a further six sessions may be authorised by the referring GP.
Please note, patients referred by a psychiatrist require a Patient Assessment and Management Plan (Item # 291) to claim Medicare rebates on the first six sessions with a psychologist, and a Review of the Management Plan (Item # 293) to claim the second set of six sessions.
Assessment forms for Items # 2710 and # 2712 are available for download below.
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Mental Health Care Plan (MBS Item # 2710)
Mental Health Care Plan Review (MBS Item # 2712)
G.P. Introduction Form
This form briefly summarises Primary Care Psychology services
Most GPs use the K10 as a brief measure of depression and anxiety symptoms. Please use the link below to view a 'printer friendly' version of the K10 Symptom Scale (popup in new window).
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Did you know?
- While anyone in Australia can call themselves a "counsellor" (even those without any training!), only practitioners registered with the Psychologists Registration Board can call themselves a "psychologist"
- On average, it takes about 8 years of university study and training to become a "clinical psychologist"
Primary Care Psychology Pty Ltd