Changes to Better Access, 1 November 2011
From 1 November 2011, the following changes to the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners (Better Access) program commence:
- Item 2702 and item 2710 for the development of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan will no longer exist;
- Four new time-tiered items (items 2700, 2701, 2715 and 2717) have been introduced to replace item 2702 and item 2710 for the development of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan;
- Item 2700 and item 2701 are available for GPs without Mental Health Skills Training and item 2715 and item 2717 are available for GPs with Mental Health Skills Training;
- The schedule fee for the review consultation item 2712 and item 2713 has been reduced;
- Allied health services have been capped at ten services per patient per calendar year, and the provision for an additional six services under exceptional circumstances has been removed; and
- References to ‘Access to Allied Psychological Services’ (ATAPs) have been removed to provide greater clarification in the Medicare Benefits Schedule of a ‘relevant service’ under the Better Access program. GPs and allied mental health providers delivering services under the ATAPS program should refer to the ATAPS Operational Guidelines.
Preparation of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan by a GP who has not undertaken mental health skills training:
- Item 2700: 29-39 mins, $69
- Item 2701: 40 mins +, $101.55
Preparation of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan by a GP who has undertaken mental health skills training:
- Item 2715: 29-39 mins, $87.60
- Item 2717: 40 mins +, $129
More info:
Fact sheets, Department of Health & Ageing
GP mental health MBS items, MBS see pages 67 and 140
Allied health MBS items, MBS see pages 44 and 49
Last updated: 20 October 2011