Referrals and Fees
Referrals
Referrals are accepted from General Practitioners and Paediatricians, parents and caregivers, teachers, schools and pre-schools, Maternal & Child Health Nurses and other child and family agencies. However you do not need a referral unless you wish to claim a rebate from Medicare.
Medicare
As of November 1, 2006 certain services provided by psychologists and some other allied health professionals have been able to be claimed through Medicare, where a referral has been made by a paediatrician or GP. The types of mental health issues impacting on the children and adolescents that we typically see at PATHS that can be referred under the Better Access to Mental Health Outcomes initiative include ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorders and some behavioural difficulties.
- The current Medicare rebate with a Mental Health Care Plan for a 50 minute consultation is $84.80
- For chronic conditions, children and adolescents may also be seen for up to 5 sessions under an Enhanced Primary Care referral through a GP where a care team has been established. Chronic conditions typically seen at PATHS include learning difficulties, speech and language disorders, cognitive impairment, and physical and medical conditions which require psychological support. The current Medicare rebate per consultation is $48.95.
- Children with a suspected or confirmed Autism Spectrum Disorder may be referred by a paediatrician or psychiatrist for assessment or treatment under the Better Access initiative, or for treatment by a GP under a Mental Health Care Plan.
- PATHS has elected not to register as an NDIS provider, however we are still able to provide psychological services to self-managed and some agency-managed NDIS clients.
- At PATHS, clients are asked to pay the full invoice amount on the day of consultation and then claim the rebate from Medicare. Online claiming to Medicare is recommended. We do not bulk bill to Medicare.
Private Health Funds
If you are a member of a private health fund you may be eligible for a rebate for psychological services. Please contact your private health fund to determine whether you are eligible and for rebate amounts. Claims may be made electronically at the clinic via HICAPS for most health funds.
Consultations and fees
Consultations are by appointment only. Our current fee for a 50 minute consultation is $170 ($180 from Feb.1 2019).Shorter sessions may be appropriate for some children as advised by the psychologist. The number of sessions will depend on the presenting issue and the services required. This will be advised at the time of referral or initial consultation.
Please note that a cancellation fee of $100 will be applied for non-attendance or repeated late cancellations.
Payments
Payment is to be made on the day via cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card.