No, you don’t need a doctor’s referral, but some doctors provide a referral letter, which can be helpful. Children who are seeing more than one service provider, e.g. a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, can often be referred by GPs under a Medicare Chronic Care Plan (or an Enhanced Primary Care Plan). Under these plans, a total five rebates of approximately $50 are available per calendar year for all (but NOT each) of the services.

Children who have a psychological diagnosis e.g. anxiety, autism and ADHD, can be referred to me by GPs or paediatricians under a Mental Health Care Plan. This entitles them to 10 Medicare rebates of approximately $80.  If children are also being referred to a psychologist,  the total of  10 Medicare rebates is for all services under the plan, not for each service. If you are requesting one of these referrals from your GP, it is important to let the GPs receptionist know that when you make the appointment.

I am registered to provide therapy under both of these types of plans. It is important to note that the rebates do not cover the full cost of the appointments. Payments are usually made at the time of the appointment and EFTPOS facilities are available.