Bulk-billed GP telehealth consultations break cost and access barriers to mental health services

MEDIA RELEASE

Mental health services are being made more accessible for all Australians, with online healthcare provider InstantScripts launching bulk-billed GP consultations to assess patients for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). 

Patients can access a fast, easy and convenient video consultation with an Australian-registered doctor – at no out-of-pocket cost, to receive a Mental Health Care Plan, which gives eligible patients up to 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist a year. 

“Currently 35 percent of InstantScripts patients come to our doctors for help with mental health concerns like depression and anxiety”, InstantScripts Chief Operating Officer Richard Skimin said. 

“Until now, patients have needed a physical consultation with a doctor or psychologist in order to access a Mental Health Care Plan. So this change is going to make it much easier and more affordable for patients to get the help they need”, he said. 

Long wait times for an initial GP consultation and the cost to get a referral can be barriers that a person struggling with their mental health faces when seeking help. This is especially true for those living in disadvantaged communities and regional or remote areas where there is a doctor shortage. A recent study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found 5% of Australians put off seeing a GP due to waiting time or cost.

According to InstantScripts Medical Director Dr Andrew Thompson, having a consultation over the phone can be a lot less intimidating for a patient when seeking help. 

“It takes great courage to even book in with a GP to discuss mental health in the first place, so being able to jump online can help alleviate that anxiety,” Dr Andrew Thompson said. 

IntantScripts has also partnered with My Mirror, an online psychology provider, which provides online psychology services with little to no wait times, 21 hours a day. 

“We know that more than half of Australians aren’t receiving care for their mental health illness”,  My Mirror Founder Dr Matthew Zoeller said. “This instant MHTP initiative is a significant step in improving access that will see more Australians with mental health issues get the support they need”, he said. 

“Where long wait times and a lack of psychologists have become the touted norm, InstantScripts and My Mirror have made it possible for patients to obtain an MHTP and see a psychologist on the same day.” My Mirror Chief Executive Officer Joshua Liwszyc said.

“It is great to have companies working together to increase accessibility, reduce barriers and the overall cost of care for patients”, he said.

For more information – www.instantscripts.com.au/mental-health-care-plans/

ENDS 

References 

National Patient Experiences Survey 2020-21, Australian Bureau of Statistics 

https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-services/patient-experiences/latest-release

About InstantScripts:

The InstantScripts online healthcare platform provides scripts in minutes, online medical certificates, telehealth consultations with Australian-registered doctors and pathology requests.InstantScripts is growing rapidly, with almost a million Australians already using the service, which includes after hours consultations.

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