Saturday, January 30, 2010

Blowout in mental health costs


Reports today on Medicare blowouts on psychological therapy, with costs estimated to reach $1.5 billion by 2011.

A welcome move in 2006, concerns are now being raised that the scheme is not benefitting the disadvantaged most at need of such a service, with many patients still being hit by out of pocket expenses to cover the gap between psychologist charges and the Medicare rebate. Certainly, while I bulk bill (no gap) some clients, low-gap others ($25), the decision as to who gets what rate is made on the basis of individual circumstances but also the need to make the practice viable.

With the budget up for review shortly, it will be interesting to see what transpires.

2 comments:

Alison said...

Thanks for that HP, I would not have seen it if not for checking back in. Thanks also for your comments on my obscure return to the blogosphere... I may well be getting back into it again.

ampetstor said...

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