Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS

Allied Mental Health Professional Medicare Items

Information on Allied Mental Health Professional Medicare items

On 1 November 2006, Medicare rebates were introduced that allow patients with a mental disorder to receive up to 12 individual and up to 12 group allied mental health services per calendar year. These items are generally provided in courses of treatment, with each course of treatment involving up to six services provided by an allied mental health professional. At the conclusion of each course of treatment, the allied mental health professional reports back to the referring medical practitioner on the patient's progress and the referring practitioner assesses the patient's need for further services.

These items are part of the Better access to psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners through the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and GPs through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative, which forms part of the Australian Government's component of the Council of Australian Governments' National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006-2011.

Better Outcomes - Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) consultations and GP focussed psychological strategies services are included in the 12-service limit for these items.

Allied mental health services that can be provided under this initiative include Psychological Therapy services provided by eligible clinical psychologists, and Focussed Psychological Strategies services provided by eligible psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists.

Rebates for these services are available to patients with a mental disorder who have been referred by a medical practitioner managing the patient under a GP Mental Health Care Plan, a psychiatrist assessment and management plan; or on referral by a psychiatrist or paediatrician.

For information on the Allied Mental Health Professional Medicare items, please click on the links below:

1. Medicare Benefits Schedule item descriptors - Allied Mental Health Professional Medicare items (including fee and rebate information). Allied Mental Health Professionals should refer to this information before providing services under this initiative.
2. Medicare Benefits Schedule Explanatory Notes - Allied Mental Health Professional Medicare items. Allied Mental Health Professionals should refer to this information before providing services under this initiative.
3. Medicare items for psychologists and other allied mental health professionals - fact sheet - Overview of the Allied Mental Health Professional Medicare Items.
4. Questions and Answers - Allied Mental Health Professional Medicare Items
5. MBS Item Number by Profession - a table outlining all the items on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (including those for mental health care) that can be provided by eligible allied health professionals.

Further information on the Allied Mental Health Professional Medicare Items is available from Medicare Australia on 132 150 (for providers) or 132 011 (for patients), or by emailing epc.items@health.gov.au