Simplification of the 3-Step Mental Health Process
29th June 2005
By: ADGP

GPs registered for Better Outcomes in Mental Health are initiative are able to claim a Servcie Incentive Payment (SIP) or $150 for each '3 Step Mental Health Process' completed (once [er patient, per year, to a maximum of $10,500 in incentives per annum).

Following the Red Tape Taskforce Review of the PIP and EPC, the 3 Step Mental Health Process has been streamlined.  As from 1 May 2005 the number of Level C consultation has been reduced from 3 to a minimum of 2, allowing GPs to complete 2 steps in 1 long consultation (ie mental health assessment and mental health plan) but still within the 3-step framework.

The requirement for planning and review to be completed in separate consultations and within 4 weeks-6 months has been retained, as has the requirement that there be at least two planned consultations (including the review).

GPs should review the MBS or the guidelines available on the GPMHSC website to ensure the specific requirements are being met.

Click here for the MBS Item Descriptors as at 1 May 2005.  (go to ITEM LIST and find 'Group A18-General Practitioner Attendance Associated with PIP Incentive Payments' and 'Group A19-General Practitioner Attendance Associated with PIP Incentive Payments to which no other Item Applies' second and third from the top of the list.

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