How much do I pay?
Subsequent sessions
$165 ($45 after Medicare rebate)
*These rates are correct as of 1June 2011 and are subject to change
Each session is approximately 50-60 minutes in duration.
If you have been referred by your GP under a Mental Health Care Plan, you will be able to claim a rebate from Medicare. Please see below for more information.
A discount is usually offered to individuals holding a valid Health Care Card. Please feel free to contact Suzanne and discuss your circumstances.
What Medicare Rebate am I eligible for?
As of 1 Nov 2006, Medicare provides a rebate for psychological therapy with a psychologist or clinical psychologist.
In order to receive this rebate you must be referred for psychological services by your GP under a valid Mental Health Care Plan (Medicare Item No 2712). This in most cases mean that you need to see your GP, explain the reasons why you would like to see a clinical psychologist, and request a Mental Health Care Plan as well as a referral letter to the clinical psychologist you would like to see.
Alternatively your psychiatrist, if you are consulting one, can also make the referral.
Currently (as of 1 November 2011), Medicare provides a rebate of $122.15 per session for services from a clinical psychologist. This means that the net cost to you is approximately $53 (initial consultation), and $43 (subsequent sessions). Medicare allows for a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year (1 January to 31 December) to be rebated by Medicare.
After the first six consultations, the clinical psychologist writes to the referring doctor providing a summary of assessment, treatment and progress as per Medicare requirements. The referring doctor will see the client for a review (Mental Health Care Review – Medicare Item No 2712) and may recommend four further consultations.
Does the Medicare Safety Net apply to my out-of-pocket expenses under this initiative?
Yes. You are responsible for paying any charges in excess of the Medicare rebate. However, these out-of-pocket expenses will count towards both the original and the extended Medicare safety nets. Once you or your family reach the relevant threshold in the calendar year, Medicare benefits will increase to 100% of the schedule fee under the original safety net, and 80% of your total out-of-pocket expenses for out-of-hospital services under the extended Medicare safety net. For further information, please visit the Medicare website:
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/msn/index.jsp
What about my private health insurance?
You cannot use your private health insurance ancillary cover (or “extras” cover) to top up the Medicare rebates for psychological services.
You need to decide if you want to access rebates from Medicare by following the claiming process, or claim on your insurer’s ancillary benefits where available. Generally private health funds provide a lower rebate than Medicare. Please check with your health fund.
How do I claim the Medicare rebate?
You have two options to claim your rebate:
- After making your payment at the end of each consultation, take the invoice to your local Medicare Office to obtain your rebate.
- After making your payment at the end of each consultation, use the “MediClear” facility at our office to have your rebate paid almost immediately into your cheque or savings account. There is no charge for using this service. This involves the following steps:
- After your appointment, pay your account by cash, cheque, or credit card.
- Your Medicare card is then swiped through the EFTPOS terminal.
- Your claim details are entered by our office with the EFTPOS keypad so your claim is sent electronically to Medicare Australia for verification.
- The claim is checked and an approval is sent back to the terminal within a few seconds.
- You then swipe your EFTPOS card through the terminal, enter your PIN, and your rebate is paid into your nominated bank account almost immediately. (Please note that the rebate cannot be paid into a credit card account.)
Reports or letters for legal purposes or government agencies
Reports and letters for legal purposes, or for government agencies, are generally invoiced at APS recommended rates:
http://www.psychology.org.au/community/fees_rebates
Discuss your situation and requirements with Suzanne.