Frequently Asked Questions
For existing and prospective clients.
Including: Medicare, mental healthcare plans, private healthcare and more…
Can I claim a rebate for the cost of my sessions under Medicare?
Better Access requires a client to obtain a Mental Health Plan (MHP) from a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician. For most people, this will be their own GP. Obtaining the MHP usually involves an extended consultation with the GP, so it’s a good idea to let the surgery know that’s what you’re seeing the doctor for, when making your booking.
Do I need a Mental Health Plan to claim Medicare?
Which issues are covered under the Better Access to Mental Health scheme?
Medicare items covered for psychological therapy
- Chronic psychotic disorders
- Acute psychotic disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Phobic disorder
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Adjustment disorder
- Unexplained somatic complaints
- Depression
- Sexual disorders
- Conduct disorder
- Bereavement disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Eating disorders
- Panic disorder
- Alcohol use disorders
- Drug use disorders
- Mixed anxiety and depression
- Dissociative (conversion) disorder
- Neurasthenia
- Sleep problems
- Hyperkinetic (attention deficit) disorder
- Enuresis (non-organic)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Mental disorder, not otherwise specified
However, aside from these more ‘diagnosable’ difficulties, many people come along as a result of the effects of significant stress in their life coming from personal issues at work, in the home and in relationships. Also, people who want to change something in their life, eg., the use of nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, gambling, pornography, are also covered by Medicare.
How much is the Medicare rebate?
For Dr Edser, the Medicare rebate is $88.25
For Dr Walton and Marjory Kromodikoro, the Medicare rebate is $129.55
What's the cancellation policy?
Costs for Appointments and/or Cancellations
The full fee cost varies for different clinicians. Our Office Staff can speak to you about the cost when you call. There is no fee for a cancellation or a rescheduling. However, a client who does not attend for their appointed session without any contact to the Practice prior to the appointment time will be charged a $60.00 Did not Attend/Did not Contact (DNA/DNC) fee.
How is payment made at Newcastle Psychology & Health?
Can I receive my Medicare rebate back at my appointment?
Do I have to be registered for Medicare for the rebate to be allocated to me?
If you do not have an account linked, please talk to reception when you are at the Practice about a different method to claim your rebate.
How many sessions does the Better Access to Mental Health allow for?
Since the 9 October 2020, the Better Access scheme allows for twenty sessions. These are divided up into two lots.
- Sessions 1 – 10 followed by your returning to your doctor for a review. The psychologist is also required to send him/her a brief report on progress.
- Sessions 11 – 20 follow if the psychologist and doctor feel the need to continue treatment.
How long is a Mental Health Plan active for?
Do I have to have a Mental Health Plan to see a NPH psychologist?
Are sessions covered by Private Health Insurance?
Can I use both Medicare and Private Health?
Do you bulk-bill?
Other than in exceptional circumstances and then only when a personal arrangement is offered by the clinician, NPH does not bulk-bill.
In circumstances of hardship eg., unemployed folk, full-time students, age or disability pensioners can be offered a discounted rate so the out of pocket expense is smaller. Please let the Office know of this possibility when booking and our staff will discuss the rate with the clinician before your appointment.
How many sessions will I need?
As you might imagine, it is very difficult for us to tell you how many sessions you might need. Dr Edser and associates will have a better idea by the completion of your first session. Typically, people come in to see Dr Edser for anything from 3-6 sessions, but others use their full allocated Medicare sessions and sometimes more depending on the severity or the complexity of the issues.
Is hypnotherapy covered by Medicare?
Where do I park?
NPH is situated about half way along Kendall Street – No. 20 – which is a long street stretching from Lambton Park and Lizotte’s at one end all the way down to Lambton Public School on Croudace Street at the other, covering two blocks. Clients will usually find a park somewhere along Kendall Street. Alternatively, there is a public car park in De Vitre Street behind the shops and you can walk from the car park down a small connecting lane out onto Elder Street and make your way from there. There is no client parking on-site. To view a map of the area, please go to our Contact Us page.
