Additional funding for mental health services
In an effort to address the mental health needs of Australians, the Federal Government has doubled the number of Medicare-funded psychological services patients can access under the Better Access initiative until 30 June 2022. This means the subsidised sessions for eligible patients under a mental health care plan have increased to 20 sessions per calendar year.
Eligible patients need to see their GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician (reviewing practitioner) for a review and referral to access the additional 10 sessions. You’re not required to claim Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item 2712 (used for a review), but instead can claim a consultation item, such as 2713 if the patient has had a review in the last three months.
Visit the Department of Health website for more information on the additional 10 MBS mental health sessions.