Medicare Benefits Schedule - Note MN.6.4

Eligible clinical psychologists

A person is an allied health professional in relation to the provision of a psychological therapy health service if the person: 

1. holds general registration in the health profession of psychology under the applicable law in force in the state or territory in which the service is provided; and
2. is endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia to practice in clinical psychology. 

Until 31 October 2015, a person was also an allied health professional in relation to the provision of a psychological therapy health service if the person:

1. holds general registration in the health profession of psychology under the applicable law in force in the state or territory in which the service is provided; and
2. on 31 October 2015  was an allied health professional in relation to the provision of a psychological therapy health service because the person:
   1. was a member of the College of Clinical Psychologists of the Australian Psychological Society; or
   2. had been assessed by the College of Clinical Psychologists of the Australian Psychological Society as meeting the requirements for membership of that College.

The clinical psychologist must be registered with the Department of Human Services.

Registering with the Department of Human Services

Advice about registering with the Department of Human Services to provide psychological therapy services using items 80000-80021 inclusive is available from the Department of Human Services provider inquiry line on 132 150.

Further information

For further information about Medicare Benefits Schedule items, please go to the Department of Health's website at www.health.gov.au/mbsonline. 

For providers, further information is also available for providers from the Department of Human Services provider inquiry line on 132 150.

Related Items: 80010

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Psychological therapy health service provided to a patient in consulting rooms by an eligible clinical psychologist if:

(a)  the patient is referred by a referring practitioner; and

(b)  the service is provided to the patient individually and in person; and

(c)  at the completion of a course of treatment, the referring practitioner reviews the need for a further course of treatment; and

(d)  on the completion of the course of treatment, the eligible clinical psychologist gives a written report to the referring practitioner on assessments carried out, treatment provided and recommendations on future management of the patient’s condition; and

(e)  the service is at least 50 minutes duration

Fee: $161.20 Benefit: 85% = $137.05

(See para MN.6.2, MN.6.3, MN.6.4 of explanatory notes to this Category)