Information on new and amended MBS psychiatry item numbers (November 2006)
New Best Practice Psychiatry Liaison Model Brochure 
(Click on the image above to view the brochure)
This page contains information on the new and amended Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) consultant liaison psychiatry item numbers and referral pathways to and from psychiatrists.
The aim of the new and amended items is to provide more support to psychiatrists to see more new patients and allow patients better access to mental health care services.
Introduced on 1 November 2006, these changes have resulted in the largest increase in psychiatry reimbursement funding since the commencement of Medicare.
The most significant change was a substantial increase in the schedule fee for MBS items 291 (Referred patient assessment and management plan) and 293 (Review of referred patient assessment and management plan).
A new MBS psychiatry item has also been introduced, items 296, 297 and 299, for initial consultations with new patients. Changes also include a small, yet significant increase in all existing psychiatry consultations items covering all locations such as consulting rooms, home visits and in hospital.
Please refer to the brochure for more comprehensive information on how these new and amended items work and for an overview of referral pathways.
Items 291 and 293 descriptors and notes from the Medicare benefits Schedule. Please consult the online Medicare Benefits Schedule to ensure all information is correct.
Item 291 is not intended to be used for emergency or urgent assessments. GPs should manage emergency cases through the usual supports, such as public acute crisis services. GPs can obtain urgent advice within 24 hours from GP Psych Support.
GPs can find a psychiatrist in their area using the online RANZCP Private Psychiatrists Referral Directory. Psychiatrists can also access this directory: please contact the RANZCP for details. A template GP-psychiatrist referral form can be used by the GP when making a referral. The patient should be advised to state that the referral is for an item 291 assessment when making the appointment. To insure there is no confusion over which MBS item number to use when billing a patient please refer to the brochure above or the RANZCP template for GP referrals. Psychiatrists can find a psychologist in their area by accessing the Australian Psychological Society’s website. For more information on the item numbers, follow the link for “frequently asked questions” on items 291 & 293 (pdf) The College is currently negotiating with the government for a substantial amount of funding to support the education and training needs of the mental health sector in relation to these changes and updated information will be posted on this page when it become available. If you have any queries or comments about the information on this page please contact Sarah Gafforini:
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or 03 9601 4964.
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