Changes to Mental Health Appointments Under Medicare
Effective 1 November 2025
Medicare is introducing updates to the Better Access mental health program to help improve continuity of care and support ongoing patient wellbeing. These national changes affect how mental health reviews and consultations are billed, and as a result, how some appointments are booked at Blackbutt Doctors Surgery.
We’d like to share what this means for you.
What stays the same?
- You can still book a Mental Health Care Plan appointment through the AMS App as usual
- Your existing Mental Health Treatment Plan remains valid until your allocated sessions are complete
- Focused Psychological Strategy services can continue where eligible
What’s changing?
The specific Medicare item numbers previously used for mental health reviews and follow-up consults have been removed from Medicare as well on your booking platform AMS
So when you need a:
- Mental Health Plan review, OR
- Ongoing mental health consult with your GP
Please now book a Standard or Long appointment ( if you have any other issues to discuss) via the AMS App for both in-person or telehealth/ video consults. Please note that standard or long consult fees will now apply to these appointment.
You’ll no longer see:
- Mental Health Care Plan Review
- Mental Health Appointment
- Phone or Video Mental Health Review/Consult booking types
Telehealth / Video requirements
Medicare now requires an existing clinical relationship for phone or video mental health consultations. This means you’ll need to have had:
- At least one face-to-face visit with a Blackbutt GP in the last 12 months, OR
- Be registered with Blackbutt Doctors Surgery through MyMedicare
New Mental Health Treatment plans
Will need to be booked with your “Regular” GP (defined as the provider who has delivered the majority of care in the past or is expected to do so in the next 12 months)
Need help or have questions?
We understand these changes may be a little confusing at first, our team is here to support you. If you’re unsure which appointment type to select, please call us on 4950 9733 and we’ll guide you through it.
Your mental health is important, and we remain committed to providing you with accessible, continuous and compassionate care.
