Can your mental health care plan be reviewed by a different GP?

[45987]

I got a mental health care plan this year, and recently started regularly seeing a psychologist. I am approaching my 6th appointment on the plan, and will therefore need to get it reviewed soon to access the rest of the appointments.

For reasons I don't want to delve into, I don't feel comfortable with going back to the GP I saw last time. I was therefore wondering if it is possible to get it reviewed by another GP? Thanks

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi 45987,

Yes, absolutely it can-

The only thing I'll add is to let your psychologist know which GP you'd like him/her to send it to, since it usually defaults back to the original GP who make the referral.

rt

[45987]

On a similar note, do I have to wait for 12 months to pass until I can go to a new GP to get a new plan, or can I go now (the current plan was issued February last year). Thanks again

[Mishmo]

Best to voice the concern to your psychologist about the GP ... they will assist you I am sure. Depending on where u see your previous GP but if they are in a clinic/medical centre you can see any GP as all your reports and info are on the one system. But if not then as rt said, you can definitely see a dif GP, you just have to get the psychologist to send their report to that new doctor for review instead of back to the previous referring doctor. And no you dont have to wait 12months to see a dif GP. Its all under the one country wide mental health plan. Well it should be, as far as I have been aware. I have moved states and dif GPs and never had a problem.

[geoff]

Hello 45987, a mental plan exists of at least 10 Medicare paid sessions, although I believe another 10 can be obtained due to this virus that has decimated the country.

The plan will be in force if you want to change your GP, so when you get another doctor won't allow you to another 10 (20) sessions, not until 12 months time and even changing psychologists still won't permit you to begin a new mental health plan because you will be charged by Medicare if you don't say anything.

You can change GPs whenever you like, but they will want to know your history from your previous doctor.

Geoff.

[Guest_1643]

def can - and it's good to change GPs if you feel uncomfortable for any reason

I've changed GPs this year as well

U are still eligible for the remaining sessions and medicare will provide them for u . I believe the review can be done by the new GP but they would be able to help u and know what to write I think to get u the remaining sessions.

U don't have to wait 12 months.

After 12 months the sessions reset and u can have more...