Frequently Asked Questions
For Patients
What is a Medicare case conference?
A structured clinical discussion between your GP and a Consultant Psychiatrist to support your management.
This provides specialist advisory input. Your GP remains your primary treating practitioner unless otherwise agreed in writing.
This provides specialist advisory input. Your GP remains your primary treating practitioner unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Do I attend the case conference?
Your attendance is not compulsory.
The case conference may occur between clinicians only, or with your participation where clinically appropriate and pre-arranged. Outcomes will be discussed with you afterwards.
The case conference may occur between clinicians only, or with your participation where clinically appropriate and pre-arranged. Outcomes will be discussed with you afterwards.
Who is responsible for payment?
You are responsible for payment of all professional fees associated with your care.
Each participating provider bills independently. Medicare rebates may apply where eligibility criteria are met. Any gap or out-of-pocket cost remains your responsibility.
Each participating provider bills independently. Medicare rebates may apply where eligibility criteria are met. Any gap or out-of-pocket cost remains your responsibility.
Is the service fully covered by Medicare?
No.
Medicare provides a rebate only if eligibility criteria are satisfied. Rebates do not necessarily cover the full professional fee. Eligibility cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Medicare provides a rebate only if eligibility criteria are satisfied. Rebates do not necessarily cover the full professional fee. Eligibility cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Does the psychiatrist take over my care?
No.
This is an advisory shared-care model. Unless separately arranged, the psychiatrist does not assume primary responsibility for ongoing management. Your GP remains responsible for prescribing and monitoring.
This is an advisory shared-care model. Unless separately arranged, the psychiatrist does not assume primary responsibility for ongoing management. Your GP remains responsible for prescribing and monitoring.
Can I decline or withdraw consent?
Yes. Participation is voluntary.
Withdrawal prior to the case conference is permitted. If a service has already been delivered, applicable fees may still apply.
Withdrawal prior to the case conference is permitted. If a service has already been delivered, applicable fees may still apply.
Is this suitable for emergencies?
No.
This service is not appropriate for acute psychiatric crisis or immediate safety concerns.
This service is not appropriate for acute psychiatric crisis or immediate safety concerns.
If you are at immediate risk, call 000 or attend your nearest Emergency Department.
For General Practitioners
What is the psychiatrist’s role?
The psychiatrist provides structured advisory input only.
This does not constitute transfer of care unless separately arranged through formal referral and acceptance.
This does not constitute transfer of care unless separately arranged through formal referral and acceptance.
Who is responsible for fees?
The patient is responsible for payment of professional fees.
Each practitioner bills independently under relevant Medicare provisions. AOA does not pool or collect fees on behalf of independent practitioners.
Each practitioner bills independently under relevant Medicare provisions. AOA does not pool or collect fees on behalf of independent practitioners.
What about Medicare compliance?
Each practitioner remains responsible for ensuring eligibility criteria are met and documentation supports billing.
AOA does not provide billing advice.
AOA does not provide billing advice.
Does this replace a comprehensive psychiatric assessment?
No.
This model provides advisory input within a collaborative framework. Where full psychiatric transfer of care is required, a separate referral and attendance process must occur.
This model provides advisory input within a collaborative framework. Where full psychiatric transfer of care is required, a separate referral and attendance process must occur.
Is this suitable for high-risk or crisis presentations?
No.
This model is not designed for acute suicidality, involuntary treatment considerations, or immediate inpatient pathways.
This model is not designed for acute suicidality, involuntary treatment considerations, or immediate inpatient pathways.