Medicare and Me – Claiming a Medicare Rebate

What is the new Medicare Rebate?

From 1 November 2006, the Australian Government has introduced a new Medicare Rebate for psychological treatment by registered psychologists. This service will provide considerable assistance to individuals, and to their families, allowing them greater access to psychologists and providing more affordable healthcare.

Life Resolutions Psychologists:

Our psychologists are fully registered, experienced and caring. Through a range of strategies and therapies they aim to reduce distress and enhance emotional wellbeing. Our psychologists can assist you with problems such as: anxiety and depression, serious and enduring mental illness, neurological disorders, addictive behaviors as well as childhood behaviour disorders. To name a few psychologists are experts in human behavior and human development.

What is meant by mental disorder under the new Medicare Rebate?

Mental disorder is a term used to describe a range of clinically diagnosable disorders that significantly impact on a person’s emotions, thoughts, social skills and decision-making. This includes individuals with mental disorders arising from:

Anxiety                                                                          Sexual disorders

Depression                                                           Child & Adolescent disorders

Co-occurring anxiety & depression                       Panic disorder

Eating disorders                                                    Post-traumatic stress disorder

Drug use disorders                                                  Bereavement

Alcohol use disorders                                           Attention deficit disorder

Sleep problems                                                     Psychotic disorders

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder                           Bipolar disorder

Phobic disorders                                                   Schizophrenia

                                                                       

Can I go directly to a psychologist and access these benefits?

You must be referred to a psychologist by your GP, your psychiatrist or pediatrician.

Can I access any/all psychologists?

Under the Medicare rebate you can only see a registered psychologist who is registered with a Medicare Provider Number upon referral from your GP, psychiatrist or pediatrician.  All Life Resolutions psychologists have a Medicare provider number.

What is a Registered Psychologist?

All Life Resolutions psychologists are legally required to register with the Psychologist Registration Board in their State or Territory, in the same way medical practitioners must be registered. This means that they must be competent and follow a strict Code of Conduct. Not all counsellors or therapists are Registered Psychologists. Seeing a Life Resolutions psychologist who is registered ensures you receive high quality treatment.

Can I request a referral to a specific psychologist or does my doctor have to choose?

Your doctor may allow you to request a specific psychologist or may refer you to a registered psychologist that he/she recommends. The psychologist in question must be registered and have a Medicare Provider Number for you to be able to

claim the rebate.

If I am already seeing a psychologist, can I access these benefits?

You will need to see an appropriate medical practitioner (GP, psychiatrist or pediatrician) to request a referral to your psychologist under the approved system. Our psychologist can assist you with this process.

How many sessions with a psychologist am I entitled to?

Eligible clients can generally receive:

• Up to 12 individual services in a calendar year. Your referring doctor will assess your progress after the first six sessions.

• Up to 12 group therapy services in a calendar year where such services are available and seen as appropriate by the psychologist.

How much will it cost & how do I pay?

Please contact Life Resolutions on 9380 4444 or visit our website www.liferesolutions.com.au for further information