Focussed Psychological Strategies 2004
8th July 2004

Medicare Benefits Schedule

1 May 2004

Provision of Focussed Psychological Strategies (Items 2721 - 2727) A31.1 Focussed psychological strategies are specific mental health care management strategies, derived from evidence based psychological therapies that have been shown to integrate the best research evidence of clinical effectiveness with general practice clinical expertise. 

The decision to recommend Focused Psychological Strategies to a patient must be made in the context of a 3 Step Mental health Process. Minimum Requirements

A31.2 All  consultations  providing  Focussed  Psychological  Strategies  must  be  rendered  by  a  medical  practitioner (including a general practitioner, but not including a specialist or consultant physician).  The service must be provided from a general practice that is either participating in the PIP or which is accredited.

 A31.3 To  ensure  appropriate  standards  for  the  provision  of  Focussed  Psychological  Strategies,  payment  of  Medicare rebates for these items will be limited to medical practitioners who are registered with the Health Insurance Commission to participate in  the  Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care  initiative;  and  who  satisfy  the  General  Practice  Mental  Health Standards Collaboration that they have the required higher level mental health skills for provision of the service.

A31.4 Continued access to item numbers 2721 - 2727 will be dependent on the practitioner meeting the ongoing mental health education requirements as determined by the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration.

A31.5 Patients will in general be permitted to claim Medicare rebates for up to 6 services under these item numbers per year, however in certain circumstances relating to the patient?s clinical status, a further 6 services can be claimed per 12 month period.  After one group of six services, the practitioner managing the 3 Step Mental Health Process must conduct a review, and the conclusion of the review noted on the patient?s record, before a further 6 services may be provided

Out-of-Surgery Consultation A31.6 It is expected that this service would be provided only for patients who are unable to attend the practice. Specific Focussed Psychological Strategies

A31.7 A range of acceptable strategies has been approved for use by medical practitioners in this context.  These are:
1. Psycho-education (including motivational interviewing)

2. Cognitive-behavioural Therapy including: Behavioural interventions, Behaviour modification Exposure techniques, Activity scheduling, Cognitive interventions, Cognitive therapy

3 Relaxation strategies, Progressive muscle relaxation, Controlled breathing

4 Skills training, Problem solving skills and training, Anger management, Social skills training, Communication training, Stress management, Parent management training

5. Interpersonal Therapy

Link to table: http://www.health.gov.au/pubs/mbs/mbsmay04/MBSMay2004_HTML/MBS_Book_1_Nov_2003_and_1_May_Supplement_111.htm

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