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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Professional attendance for the purpose of providing psychological assessment and therapy for a mental disorder by a clinical psychologist registered with Medicare Australia as meeting the credentialing requirements for provision of this service, lasting at least 50 minutes, where the patient is referred by a medical practitioner, as part of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan or as part of a shared care plan; or referred by a medical practitioner (including a general practitioner, but not a specialist or consultant physician) who is managing the patient under a referred psychiatrist assessment and management plan; or referred by a specialist or consultant physician in the practice of his or her field of psychiatry or paediatrics.

These therapies are time limited, being deliverable in up to ten planned sessions in a calendar year (including services to which items 283 to 287; 2721 to 2727; 80000 to 80015; 80100 to 80115; 80125 to 80140; 80150 to 80165 apply).

(Professional attendance at consulting rooms)

Fee: $161.20 Benefit: 85% = $137.05

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