Deli Baker
PSYCHOLOGIST
Medicare
Becoming effective on 1 November 2006, the Australian Federal Government introduced Medicare item numbers providing for psychological services to be rebated under Medicare. The Federal Department of Health has an in-depth description (PDF 340KB) of the scheme.
In generic terms, people who believe that they might benefit from consulting a psychologist can request an assessment by their (or any GP) under the Better Access to Mental Health Services initiative. If found to be eligible, the GP will put the person on a Mental Health Care Plan and refer the client to a psychologist for individualized psychological treatment. The GP and the psychologist work in collaboration. The GP will write his/her findings and recommendations on a referral letter to the psychologist and the psychologist will write brief letters to the GP, such as after six sessions providing a review of treatment progress and outcomes and/or to request six further sessions. The entitlement is for a maximum of 12 sessions per calendar year per person. Group counselling is also permitted under the program and there is a separate or additional allocation of sessions for group attendance.
What happens with confidentiality?
Confidentiality is of vital concern in any kind of counselling. Writing to Doctors about the progress of counselling does not mean that confidentiality is breached. The feedback is general, dealing with themes, therapeutic progress and types of interventions rather than any specific detail. Clients will be welcome to read the letter prior to it being sent to the GP.
Doctors I recommend
As a practising psychologist I am in a position to learn of the client's experience at the GP’s office. To enhance the quality of access to this initiative, entitled Better Access to Mental Health, I am pleased to provide and update the following list of ‘Doctors I recommend’ under this system. To be included, the Doctor or Doctor’s surgery/clinic needs to have had all positive feedback.
Markers include:
- Doctor treated client with respect and dignity rather than judgment or ridicule
- Doctor sought to inform the client about the process
- Doctor was generally sensitive
- Doctor sought to allay rather than promote the client's concerns.
This item is not designed to prejudice Doctors not on the list but promote a greater percentage chance that clients accessing the program will have a positive experience.
Carlton Clinic
88 Rathdowne Street
Carlton VIC 3053
ph. 03 9347 9422
Darebin Road Medical Clinic
39 Darebin Road Thornbury Vic. 3071
ph. 03 94847762
a.h. 9429 5677