join MGPN

Melbourne General Practice Network

Changes to Better Access: Federal Budget 2011-12

Urgent Notice
RE: CHANGES TO BETTER ACCESS: FEDERAL BUDGET 2011-12
Since the recent Federal Budget 2011-12 was announced, MGPN  have been overwhelmed with a large number of queries and concerns from private Psychologists, GPs and related Allied Health working in our community.
In response to these inquiries we have provided this information, as gathered from key sources.
FOR ALLIED HEALTH (NAMELY PSYCHOLGISTS)
Under our current contract with the DoHA, the MGPN ATAPS Service:
  •  Is delivered through an employee model, not through private clinicians working within the community.
  • Clients seen in the MGPN ATAPS program are provided with free sessions as they are deemed unable to afford service through any other service/provider (by their GP). We do not see clients who can afford service elsewhere (including any level of GAP).
  • While we do engage a small number of private providers, with specific specialties (through contractual agreements) this only accounts for a very small proportion of sessions delivered and cannot be increased at this time due to current funding restrictions.
Allied Health sessions – Information provided by AGPN
The AGPN has announced that the cap for Allied Health sessions has been reduced from 12 to 10 sessions.
WHERE TOO FROM HERE…
As we are unable to provide any further information regarding changes to the Better Access or ATAPS services at this time, the Clinical services Manager is asking any person wishing to gain further information, as it comes to hand, to send an email to julie.borninkhof@mgpn.com.au , which:
1.       Clearly states “ATAPS Enquiry” in the email subject line
2.       Clearly sates enquiry being made
3.       Contains contact information to ensure you can be placed on our distribution list
Your contacts will then be placed on a distribution list and information will be sent as available
NB: All phone enquiries will be directed to this page of the MGPN website to complete this process
 
FOR GENERAL PRACTITIONERS – information below provided by AGPN
The key changes to the Better Access Program announced in the Federal Budget 2011-12 include a reduction in the rebate GPs can access for completing a Mental Health Treatment Plan and reducing the cap on sessions provided by Allied Health Professionals from 12 to 10 sessions in a calendar year. These changes will come into effect from November 1, 2011.
GP Rebates
 
Overview of GP Mental Health Item Numbers
[As of 1st November 2011]
 
 
GP has completed Mental Health Skills Training
GP has not completed Mental Health Skills Training
Preparation of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)
20 - 39 minutes
Item 2715
$87.60
Item 2700
$69.00
40 + Minutes
Item 2717
$129.00
Item 2701
$101.55
GP Mental Health Review
For those placed on MHTP from 1st November 2011**
Item 2712
$69.00
GP Mental Health Review
For those placed on MHTP on or before 31st October 2011**
Item 2719
$69.00
GP Mental Health Consultation
Item 2713
$69.00
** For example:
Scenario A - patient is on a GP mental health treatment plan put in place on or before 31 October 2011-  Use #2719 to review it.
Scenario B - patient is on a GP mental health treatment plan put in place on or after 1 November 2011- Use #2712 to review it.