Call for urgent rise in GP mental health rebates
A Federal Government inquiry says items for mental health care should be aligned with chronic disease care
Mental health care needs urgent “fundamental reform” including a rise in Medicare rebates for GP mental health treatment plans, says a Federal Government inquiry.
The House of Representatives select committee on mental health and suicide prevention is calling for the rebate to match that of chronic disease management, saying the provision of mental health care should be aligned with physical care.
The move would see the rebate rise from about $75 to $150.10 for a 20-39 minute consult with a GP without mental health skills training (see table below).
The committee’s 372-page final report, tabled in parliament last week, contained 44 recommendations altogether.
