How many psychology sessions does Medicare cover in Australia?

The current Medicare session limit

Under the Better Access initiative, an eligible patient can claim Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual and 10 group mental health treatment services in a calendar year. This is an annual maximum across eligible providers, not 10 sessions with every psychologist.

A GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician prepares the relevant plan or referral. Services Australia states that referrals are generally made for a course of up to six sessions at a time, with further sessions requiring clinical review and another referral where appropriate.

Medicare rebate does not always mean bulk billing

Psychologists set their own fees. Some practices charge a fee and the patient receives a Medicare rebate, leaving a gap payment. Bulk billing means the practitioner accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for that eligible service.

Fern Up may bulk bill eligible appointments when the referral, plan, available Medicare sessions and appointment type have been confirmed. Availability is not guaranteed simply because a person has a plan.

What to arrange before booking

Ask your referring practitioner to send a valid referral and, where relevant, Mental Health Treatment Plan information. The psychology practice may also need your Medicare details and enough information to confirm that the referral is current and appropriate.

• Confirm that the referral is addressed to an eligible provider
• Ask how many sessions are included in the current course of treatment
• Check the psychologist's fee and whether bulk billing is available
• Keep track of sessions already used in the calendar year
• Arrange a review with the referring practitioner when required

جلسات روان‌شناسی تحت پوشش Medicare

افراد واجد شرایط با Mental Health Treatment Plan و ارجاع معتبر می‌توانند در هر سال تقویمی برای حداکثر ۱۰ جلسه فردی و ۱۰ جلسه گروهی از Medicare benefit استفاده کنند. بالک‌بیل بودن به سیاست درمانگر، واجد شرایط بودن و تأیید مدارک بستگی دارد.