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Better Access

Better Access

As part of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) mental health package, the Better access to psychiatrists, psychologists and GPs through the Medicare Benefits Schedule initiative introduced new Medicare items to provide better and more affordable mental health care. These new Medicare services were introduced to promote a team approach to mental health care, with general practitioners (GPs) better supported to continue working with psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and other allied mental health professionals. Under the changes, Medicare rebates are available for GPs to provide early intervention, assessment, treatment and management of patients with mental disorders as part of a GP Mental Health Care Plan.

 

Key Points

New GP items for:

Patients with a GP Mental Health Care Plan can be referred to a clinical psychologist or other allied mental health professionals, and are eligible to receive a rebate from Medicare for up to 12 sessions in a calendar year. Training is not mandatory to bill the new GP items or to refer for psychological services. However, voluntary training in mental health is recommended. New items do not require practice accreditation.


Better Access Resources

 

Care Plan Template

 

Access to Allied Psychological Services:  ATAPS
GPs can also refer patients with diagnosed mental disorders to Allied Health Providers via Division’s ATAPS programs.

 

ATAPS programs are run by most  NSW Divisions of General Practice.  These programs have been designed to meet local needs and vary in their referral processes and eligibility criteria.  For further information  on a program in your area refer to your local Division.  See AGPN Division Directory: http://www.agpn.com.au/divisions-directory

 

ATAPS Telephone CBT:
Currently four rural NSW Divisions are participating in a trial of telephone based CBT as part of their ATAPS program. This trial will run for 12 months and be evaluated for its effectiveness. Australian Psychological Society is currently delivering training to Allied Health Providers who are delivering services as part of this trial.

 

ATAPS Suicide Prevention Demonstration Projects:
Demonstration sites will be implemented to better support GPs to manage existing patients who have presented following self harm or suicide attempt.  Four NSW sites are participating in this project. This is a 12 month pilot and includes an evaluation. The   Australian Psychological Society has been funded to provide training to Allied Health Providers who are delivering services as part of this trial.