OUTER EAST PSYCHOLOGY
COMMON QUERIES
DO I NEED A GP REFERRAL TO SEE THE PSYCHOLOGIST?
No, you can book to see the Psychologist as a private patient, without a GP referral.
However, If you wish to claim Medicare rebates, you will need a GP referral and Mental Health Care plan prior to booking.
HOW DO I ACCESS MEDICARE REBATES
To claim Medicare rebates, you must provide us with a valid referral letter from your GP. The date shown on the referral must be current, and rebates cannot be back-dated for sessions that have been completed prior to the date of the referral.
HOW DO I OBTAIN A REFERRAL?
To obtain a Medicare referral, clients are required to see their GP who will complete a Referral letter as well as a Mental Health Care plan. Funding is available under the Medicare ‘Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, which entitles you to a rebate.
You should book a longer/double session with your GP to enable time for this.
WHAT ARE YOUR MEDICARE SERVICE FEES AND REBATE PER SESSION?
HOW MANY SESSIONS DO MEDICARE PROVIDE A REBATE FOR?
Our Medicare Better Access session rate is $190.00. A $4.12 Halaxy invoicing fee is also charged. Currently the Medicare Rebate for a single session is $93.35.Rates and rebates are indexed annually on 30th June. You will be advised of any increases. Each calendar year, you have access to 10 standard Medicare sessions. These are available with 2 separate GP referrals, initially for 6 sessions and a second referral for 4 sessions.
WHAT OTHER FUNDING IS AVAILABLE TO SEE THE PSYCHOLOGIST?
If you meet eligibility, we can provide Psychological therapy under NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), My Aged Care and Workcover.
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Participants of these schemes are advised to talk with us when booking, so that we can assist you to arrange the necessary documentation and approvals with your funding body prior to commencing your therapy.
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Please note, hourly rates for funded services (NDIS/Workcover) will be charged in accordance with rates set by the providers.
We do not provide diagnostic assessment for NDIS eligibility or court reports.
Many private health insurance funds also provide rebates for Psychology. Please contact your fund for further information.
DOES MEDICARE COVER COUPLES THERAPY?
Referrals under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative are for individuals with a diagnosed mental disorder. If you are an individual with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP or MHCP) and your relationship with a significant other is contributing to your distress, your therapist can assess whether it is appropriate for you to involve a partner or family member in your treatment, however, Medicare states that the focus of treatment should always remain on the individual.
WHAT IS THE MEDICAREÂ REBATE?Â
HOW MANY SESSIONS DO MEDICARE PROVIDE A REBATE FOR?
Currently the Medicare Rebates for a single session is $93.35. This is indexed each year on June 30. Each calendar year, you have access to 10 standard Medicare sessions. These are available with 2 separate GP referrals, initially for 6 sessions and the second for 4 sessions.
I HAVE A REFERRAL ADDRESSED TO ANOTHER PSYCHOLOGIST, CAN I USE IT AT OUTER EAST PSYCHOLOGY?
Yes, Medicare allows us to accept referrals addressed to other psychologists. Once you have attended your first session, your psychologist will notify your GP that you have commenced treatment.
I HAVE PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE, CAN I CLAIM BOTH MEDICARE AND PRIVATE HEALTH IN THE SAME SESSION?
No, you can only make one claim (Medicare or PHI) per session.
DOES YOUR PRACTICE BULK BILL?
Outer East Psychology is not a bulk billing practice.
If you require bulk billing, your psychologist can recommend an alternative service for you.
HOW DO I PAY MY ACCOUNT?
For your convenience, payments will be automatically processed following your session, using the payment details provided by you, on your intake form.
For all approved NDIS, Worksafe and My Aged Care participants, your funding body covers 100% of the cost of your therapy. There are no out of pocket fees.
CAN YOU PROCESS MY MEDICARE REBATE FOR ME?
Yes, Outer East Psychology also has Medicare online claiming facilities available, which allows us to process your rebate for you. You should receive your rebate within 1-2 days of your appointment.
WHAT ARE THE WAIT TIMES TO SEE THE PSYCHOLOGIST?
At Outer East Psychology we understand the importance of being seen as soon as possible.
Typical wait times depend on sessions becoming available. If your case is urgent, please advise and ask to be placed on our Urgent Waiting List and you will be prioritised in the event of another patient canceling/changing their appointment.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Should you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact Outer East Psychology as soon as possible. This ensures we are able to offer your appointment to another client who is waiting. Please note that we require a minimum of 48 hours notice, to avoid a cancellation fee. Missed appointments and cancellations within 48 hours notice incur a 50% cancellation fee because the time that has been set aside for you often cannot be filled within this short timeframe. Please note that this cancellation fee needs to be settled before another appointment may be offered and this fee cannot be claimed through Medicare or your health fund, even with a GP Management Plan. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Should you have any further queries please feel free to contact us.