COVID-19 BILLING AND FEES

Information updated 21 May 2020; and subject to change.

MEDICARE PATIENTS – UNDER GP MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLANS (GP MHCP)

CHANGES IN BILLING AND FEES:

 

On 13 March 2020, Medicare (MBS – Medicare Benefits Schedule) introduced temporary Telehealth item codes (phone calls and/or video conferencing) for Australians to access mental health care.  This was a new service as Telehealth was originally set up for those in remote areas, meaning Medicare did not provide rebates for Telehealth consultations.

On 6 April 2020, the Department of Health allowed psychologists to apply their usual billing practices (ie, charging a co-payment / gap fee ) to some clients.  This meant that psychologists were allowed to charge a gap fee for all non-concession card holders who were NOT in the vulnerable and isolated category.   However, Leah offered a reduced fee commencing 13 April 2020.

 

From 20 April 2020, the Department of Health advised that all of the mandated bulk billing restrictions on the Medicare items for COVID-19 Telehealth services have been removed for all psychologists.  This means that it is no longer a requirement that psychologists bulk bill or offer reduced fees.  However, Leah continued to offer a reduced fee commencing 27 April 2020 that will be made valid until 31 May 2020.  Details are as follows:

​

Current Patients (already seeing Leah)

• Concession Card Holder:  the gap fee is $20.

• Non Concession Card Holders: the gap fee is $40. 

​

New Patients (seeing Leah for the first time from 20 April 2020) will have the following fees:

• Concession Card Holder:   
  Upfront fee  - $176.50 (initial session = $50 gap fee) and $146.50 (subsequent sessions = $20 gap fee)

• Non Concession Card Holders:
  Upfront fee  - $196.50 (initial session = $70 gap fee) and $166.50 (subsequent sessions = $40 gap fee)

​

From 1 June 2020, fees will return to usual billing practices - see FEES tab for full details.  If you have extenuating circumstances, please discuss with Leah who will make fee decisions on a case by case basis. 

OTHER SERVICES
Work Cover Qld (Work Safe Queensland) – approval of Telehealth for all patients:

​

• Victim Services NSW – approval of Telehealth for all patients

• Work Cover Victoria (Work Safe Victoria) – up to the individual insurer to confirm

• Work Cover NSW (SIRA) – up to the individual insurer to confirm

• DVA – approved if the patient meets the current Medicare criteria for vulnerable patients

• NDIS - approval of Telehealth for all patients

​