Medicare-registered GP providers of Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) can now claim for the provision of mental health services via videoconference to patients in MMM areas 4-7.

The College has worked hard to advocate for funding for GP-to-patient telehealth consultations. These two item numbers, 2729 and 2731 are the first to recognise this important need to improving access to Primary Care health services, using telehealth.

More information on the new telehealth item numbers is available on the Department of Health website.

Information on how to deliver GP consultations using telehealth can be found on the ACRRM eHealth website. Register today to access the telehealth online learning module and tool kit of templates and how-to guides.

Telehealth providers should register in the only national, fully searchable GP, Specialist and Allied Health telehealth provider directory.

Details on skills training available for FPS can be found on the ACRRM website or at the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration website.

GPs can become providers of FPS by fulfilling the training requirements as set by the GPMHSC; FPS are specific mental healthcare treatment strategies, derived from evidence-based psychological therapies. Medicare registered GP FPS providers can provide up to 10 sessions per person per calendar year.