What is the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medical Benefits Schedule Initiative?
The Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medical Benefits Schedule initiative provides better access to mental health care by general practitioners, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychologists and appropriately trained social workers and occupational therapists. This initiative forms part of the Australian Government's Mental Health Reform Package and contribution to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006 - 2011.
Why is this important?
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that people who need mental health services can access high quality care that is appropriate to their needs. The Better Access initiative encourages a team-based, multidisciplinary approach to mental health care in the community with psychologists working alongside general practitioners, psychiatrists and other allied mental health professionals.
Who benefits?
Individuals with a clinically diagnosed mental disorder who would benefit from a structured approach to the management of their mental care needs, using the short to medium term treatment available under the Better Access initiative.
What does the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medical Benefits Schedule initiative deliver?
The Better Access initiative increases community access to mental health care by enabling general practitioners to provide assessment, early intervention and management of individuals with mental disorders at the practice level as part of a General Practitioner Mental Health Treatment Plan. The initiative also strengthens referral pathways and collaborative care by supporting general practitioners, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists in a team-based approach.
How will it work?
General practitioner items are available to provide a structured framework for general practitioners to undertake assessment and management of patients with mental disorders, as part of a General Practitioner Mental Health Treatment Plan, and continuing management using the General Practitioners Mental Health consultation item.
From 1 November 2011, Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 individual and/or 10 group allied mental health services per calendar year, for patients with an assessed mental disorder who are referred by:
- A medical practitioner (including a general practitioner but not a specialist or consultant physician) who is managing the patient under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan or under a referred psychiatrist assessment and management plan; or
- A psychiatrist or paediatrician.
Allied mental health services under this initiative include psychological therapy provided by eligible clinical psychologists, and Focussed Psychological Services provided by eligible psychologists, general practitioners, social workers and occupational therapists.
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What funding is the Australian Government committing?
Funding of $753.8 million has been committed to provide better access to psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners through Medicare so that mental disorders could be addressed more effectively and new assistance provided to people with mental disorders.
When did Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule start?
The Better Access initiative commenced on 1 November 2006. Under the initiative Medicare rebates are available for:
- general practitioners to provide assessment, early intervention and management of patients with mental disorders, as part of a General Practitioner Mental Health Treatment Plan;
- appropriately trained allied mental health professionals to provide psychological therapy or focussed psychological strategies services; and
- psychiatrists to see new patients for an initial consultation.
Factsheets
GP Mental Health Skills Training
The 2009 -10 Budget included changes to the Better Access initiative. From 1 January 2010, a new Medicare item was introduced for general practitioners who have not undertaken accredited Mental Health Skills Training. The training requirements are outlined in the Fact Sheets below
- PDF Printable version of Fact Sheet for GPs number 1 - mental health skills training requirements (PDF 26 KB)
- PDF Printable version of Fact sheet for GPs number 2 - Implementation of Mental Health Skills Training for General Practitioners: 2009-10 Budget measure - New Medicare item (PDF 31 KB)
Changes to Allied Mental Health Services available under Better Access
The 2011-12 Budget included changes to the Better Access initiative. At present, eligible patients may be referred for a course of six sessions and, following a review by their GP, another course of six sessions if they need it, i.e. up to 12 individual allied mental health services per calendar year.
People currently receiving services under Better Access will be able to access up to 12 individual and/or up to 12 group sessions prior to 30 October 2011. In exceptional circumstances, and where there is a clinical need, they can access an additional six individual services prior to 30 October 2011.
From 1 November 2011, the cap on Medicare rebates for eligible people with a diagnosed mental disorder will be changed from 12 sessions per year to ten. Following the initial course of treatment (a maximum of six sessions) consumers will be able to access further sessions to a total of ten. Consumers are also eligible for ten group sessions per calendar year in addition to their individual sessions.
The new arrangements will apply from 1 November 2011. Individuals who have already accessed ten or more individual and ten or more group services by 1 November 2011 will not be eligible for additional services until 1 January 2012.
- Fact Sheet: Cap allied mental health services: 2011-12 budget measure (May 2011)
- Fact Sheet: Allied mental health services under the Better Access initiative: 2011-12 budget measure (October 2011)
Changes to Rebates for GP Plans under Better Access
The 2011-12 Budget included changes to the Better Access initiative. GPs will be paid for the actual time they spend on developing a Mental Health Treatment Plan, plus an incentive for special training to maintain the high quality of care provided. This 2011-12 Budget measure will commence from 1 November 2011.
- Fact Sheet: Changes to rebates for GP plans: 2011-12 budget measure (May 2011)
- Fact Sheet: New Medicare items for GP mental health treatment plans: 2011-12 budget measure (October 2011)
Further information
For more detailed information about MBS items descriptors and explanatory notes visit the Department of Health and Ageing's 'MBS Online' website at www.mbsonline.gov.au.
Information regarding eligibility, claiming and payment processes can be obtained from Medicare Australia on 132 150 (providers) or 132 011 (patients) or by visiting www.medicareaustralia.gov.au.
Page currency, Latest update: 01 November, 2011