A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (GPMHTP) , also known simply as a mental health plan, is a specific service provided by a GP under medicare that enables a patient to access medicare rebatable mental health care services. So it becomes much more affordable to see, for example, a psychologist for 6 to 10 sessions.
What are GP mental health treatment plans (mhtps)?
GP Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTPs): provide continuity of care for people with a mental illness provide a structured framework for GPs to undertake assessment, early intervention and management of patients with mental disorders assist with coordination of care and provide a referral pathway to allied mental health service providers
How often should a GP review a mental health plan?
Patients with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan should have at least one formal review (MBS item 2712). As a general rule, a formal review should occur four weeks to six months after the completion of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. If a further review is required, this can occur three months after the first review.
What is a mental health treatment plan?
A Definition At the most basic level, a mental health treatment plan is simply a set of written instructions and records relating to the treatment of an ailment or illness.
Can a GP mental health treatment Medicare item be bulk-billed?
Where the GP Mental Health Treatment Medicare items are bulk-billed for eligible patients (i.e. Commonwealth concession card holders or children under 16), the service attracts the relevant bulk-billing incentive payment. 1.4 Should these services be provided by the patient’s ‘usual doctor’?
What is included in a mental health treatment plan?
A treatment plan will include the patient or client's personal information, the diagnosis (or diagnoses, as is often the case with mental illness), a general outline of the treatment prescribed, and space to measure outcomes as the client progresses through treatment.
How do GPs deal with mental health?
GPs can provide treatment for mental health problems and offer long-term care and support. You can ask if there is a GP at your surgery who has an interest in mental health problems. It can help to write down a list of things you'd like to talk about with the GP. Such as symptoms or side-effects of medication.
What is a mental health plan called?
Levels of plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace®: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Categories (sometimes called “metal levels”) are based on how you and your insurance plan split costs. Categories have nothing to do with quality of care. (“Catastrophic” plans are available to some people.)
What mental illnesses can a GP diagnose?
For common problems such as depression and anxiety, your GP may be able to give you a diagnosis after one or two appointments. For less common problems you'll need to be referred to a mental health specialist (such as a psychiatrist), and they may want to see you over a longer period of time before making a diagnosis.
Is a GP consultation the best first line of Defence in dealing with mental health issues?
For the majority of people, a GP would be the first point of contact when recognising concerns about their mental health.
Can a GP diagnose anxiety?
You should see your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or causing you distress. They can diagnose your condition based on your symptoms, which may include: feeling restless or on edge. being irritable.
How long does a mental health care plan last?
How Long is a Mental Health Care Plan Valid For? Although a mental health care plan allows for 10 appointments with a mental health professional in a calendar year, the initial referral made by your GP is only good for the first 6 sessions.
Can you see a psychiatrist on a mental health plan?
Mental Health Treatment Plans do not cover your appointments with a psychiatrist. Your GP or psychiatrist can provide you with a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Can a psychiatrist write a mental health care plan?
The referral paperwork issued by a GP is called a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). Paediatricians and psychiatrists do not have to fill out this paperwork, but can write a referral letter asking that you been seen under the Medicare Better Access Scheme.
What are the 5 signs of mental illness?
Here are five warning signs of mental illness to watch for, especially when you have two or more of these symptoms.Long-lasting sadness or irritability.Extremely high and low moods.Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety.Social withdrawal.Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits.
Can a GP prescribe antidepressants?
Who can prescribe antidepressants? Doctors, including general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists (specialists in mental health) can prescribe antidepressant medicines.
What questions do they ask in a mental health assessment?
7 Group questionsHow do you feel about the story you just heard? ... What were your thoughts regarding the signs and symptoms of this mental health issue? ... How would you react if you noticed these in someone you care about?How might taking action benefit you and the person you care about?More items...•
What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (previously known as a ‘mental health care plan’) is a plan for people with a mental health disorder. If you have me...
Who is eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is available to you if you have a mental health disorder diagnosed by a doctor.
How do I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Visit your doctor who will assess whether you have a mental health disorder and will benefit from a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Your doctor will...
What does a Mental Health Treatment Plan cover?
If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you will be entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 20 individual psychological appointments per calenda...
What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (previously known as a ‘mental health care plan’) is a plan for people with a mental health disorder. If you have mental health issues, your doctor can write a plan for you.
Who is eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is available to you if you have a mental health disorder diagnosed by a doctor.
How do I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Visit your doctor who will assess whether you have a mental health disorder and will benefit from a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
What does a Mental Health Treatment Plan cover?
If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you will be entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 20 individual psychological appointments per calendar year until 30 June 2022. This gives you access — subsidised by Medicare — to certain psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers.
What Is A Mental Health Care Plan?
A mental health care plan (or mental health treatment plan, MH plan, GP MHTP) is a document that your GP writes with you about treating a mental health condition.
What Support Can I Get?
Mental health covers a broad range of things. Most mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, coping with substance abuse and suicide prevention are covered in our mental health services ( click here to see the full range of services our psychologists offer ).
How Do I Get A GP Mental Health Care Plan?
For individuals with a mental health condition, you and your doctor can create a plan to manage it and its symptoms.
How Is A MHCP Different From A GP Referral?
A GP Referral explains to us why you are being referred, what type of plan you are on (Initial, Review or Better Access) and the number of sessions you are eligible for with a psychologist (4, 6 or 10).
How Much Does A MHCP Cost?
Most of the time, a MHCP is free to get if your GP or Medical Centre is completely Medicare covered. With Medicare, some costs, like seeing certain specialists or other health professionals, can be rebated, as they will be charged separately. Your doctor will inform you of any costs when you agree to a Mental Health Care Plan.
Who Is Eligible For A Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is available to those with a mental health disorder diagnosed by a doctor. This includes children, teenagers and adults alike.
Will The GP Select A Psychologist For Me Or Can I Choose One Afterwards
The GP may refer you to a psychologist nearby, but you are welcome to conduct your own research.
What is a mental health treatment plan?
At the most basic level, a mental health treatment plan is simply a set of written instructions and records relating to the treatment of an ailment or illness. A treatment plan will include the patient or client’s personal information, the diagnosis (or diagnoses, as is often the case with mental illness), a general outline ...
Who can benefit from mental health treatment?
A wide range of people can benefit from mental health treatment plans, including: People living with a serious mental illness. People experiencing distress in one or more areas of life. Children, parents, and/or families. The elderly. Individuals.
What is the treatment contract?
Treatment Contract – the contract between the therapist and client that summarizes the goals of treatment. Responsibility – a section on who is responsible for which components of treatment (client will be responsible for many, the therapist for others)
Why do we need treatment plans?
Treatment plans can reduce the risk of fraud, waste, abuse, and the potential to cause unintentional harm to clients. Treatment plans facilitate easy and effective billing since all services rendered are documented.
What is the part of effective mental health?
Part of effective mental health treatment is the development of a treatment plan. A good mental health professional will work collaboratively with the client to construct a treatment plan that has achievable goals that provide the best chances of treatment success. Read on to learn more about mental health treatment plans, how they are constructed, ...
What is intervention in therapy?
Interventions – the techniques, exercises, interventions, etc., that will be applied in order to work toward each goal. Progress/Outcomes – a good treatment plan must include space for tracking progress towards objectives and goals (Hansen, 1996)
What is blended care in therapy?
Blended care involves the provision of psychological services using telecommunication technologies.
Why is MHTP important?
It is important that the MHTP and treatment sessions move towards an improved outcome in wellbeing, rather than creating a reliance on a new health professional. While GP MHTPs can be time consuming, they are important part of ensuring the role of the GP in the holistic care of their patient.
Is a referral letter separate from MHTP?
Medication might be considered if and when these treatments are not proving successful. It should be noted that the referral letter is separate from the MHTP. It is important to provide a referral letter with a request for psychological treatment to the allied health professional to ensure a valid referral.
What is a mental health plan?
What is a mental health care plan? A mental health care plan is a plan your doctor writes with you about treating a mental health condition. It helps you to access eligible allied health professionals like psychologists, social workers or occupational therapists who can help you to get better and live well.
How many sessions can a psychiatrist refer you to?
1. on up to 20 individual sessions or group appointments with a psychologist, social worker or occupational therapist in a calendar year. To start with, your doctor or psychiatrist will refer you for up to 6 sessions at a time. If you need more, they can refer you for further sessions.
Why is it important to talk to your doctor about mental health?
Even if you’re nervous, it’s still important to speak with your doctor so that you can get appropriate help.
What does it feel like to have a mental illness?
If you’ve been experiencing a mental health condition for a long time, the symptoms might just feel like ‘normal life’ , even if you suspect that other people might feel calmer, happier or less stressed.
How do you know if you need to talk to someone about your mental health?
Signs that it’s time to talk to someone about your mental health include: you’ve been feeling worried, sad, down, angry, depressed, numb or generally ‘not yourself’ for two weeks or more. the way you’re feeling is affecting your ability to cope at work, school or in your relationships.
What to do when you're nervous before going to the doctor?
If you’re feeling nervous, you might find that it helps to talk about how you’re feeling with a trusted family member, friend or colleague before you go to the doctor. If you’d prefer to talk to someone who doesn’t know you personally, you can use a support service like beyondblue’s helpline or online chat service. .
Can a mental health plan be created by a doctor?
A mental health care plan needs to be created by your doctor. You can visit your regular GP, or if you don’t have a doctor you normally see, any GP can create a mental health care plan for you. Creating a plan can take a little longer than a normal appointment, so it can help to ask for a longer or double appointment when you make your booking. ...
What items are used in a GP mental health plan?
If a GP determines that the patient requires a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan in addition to the management plan prepared by the referring psychiatrist, the GP is able to prepare a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan using MBS items 2700, 2701, 2715 or 2717.
How long does it take for a mental health plan to be reviewed?
As a general rule, a formal review should occur four weeks to six months after the completion of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. If a further review is required, this can occur three months after the first review.
Do GPs have to complete another mental health treatment plan?
GPs do not have to complete another GP Mental Health Treatment Plan using one of the new items (2700, 2701, 2715 or 2717) if they are already managing a patient’s care needs using one of the former GP Mental Health Treatment Plan items (items 2702 and 2710) and this plan is still appropriate to the patient’s needs.
Is a mental health treatment plan mandatory?
It is not mandatory to use any particular form when preparing and claiming for a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, but it is mandatory to document the GP Mental Health Treatment Plan in a way which addresses the Medicare requirements (see Explanatory Note A.46 of the Medicare Benefits Schedule at: MBS Online /).
Can a GP provide mental health treatment?
Top of page. In keeping with the 'usual doctor' guidance, a GP should generally only provide GP Mental Health Treatment items where they reasonably expect that they will be the patient's 'usual GP' and have an ongoing role in the management of the patient and their mental disorder.
Who can provide a copy of a mental health plan?
The GP may, with the permission of the patient, provide a copy of the GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, or relevant parts of the Plan, to other providers involved in the patient’s care, such as eligible allied mental health professionals.
Can a GP have a 2715 fee?
However, GPs who have not completed Mental Health Skills Training as accredited by the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) will not be able to access higher schedule fee items 2715 or 2717 to develop a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan.
