Better Access Scheme

The Better Access Scheme also known as the "Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners initiative" is a program of the Australian Government that provides subsidised mental health care to Australian residents. Under the scheme, General Practitioners (GPs), Paediatricians and Psychiatrists with a Medicare provider number are able to refer patients to eligible allied health practitioners for treatment of mental health conditions under Medicare. The scheme is a key component of health care in Australia and aims to improve the treatment and management of mental illness within the Australian community.[1][2][3] The introduction of the Better Access scheme has provided over 30 million individual treatment services for Australians with mental health disorders since its inception.[4]

  1. ^ "Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS (Better Access) initiative". Department of Health. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
  2. ^ Kate, Aubusson (19 September 2017). "The number one reason people see their GP". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
  3. ^ Willis, Olivia (4 December 2017). "Psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors: Who to see for your mental health issues". ABC News. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  4. ^ "APS Submission to the MBS Review: Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners" (PDF). APS. Retrieved 30 January 2019.