Referrers | GP Referral Information | Pre-Emptive Healthcare, Balwyn North

Getting Started

Sending a Referral

We use a structured triage system: our Clinic Director and Practice Manager review each referral and match the patient with the most appropriate clinician.

Email

admin@pre-emptive.com.au

Preferred method

Fax

(03) 9005 2804

Referral letters accepted by fax

Phone

03 9989 3380

Questions about the process

Every referral should include

The patient's name, date of birth and contact details
The date of the referral
Your provider number and signature
Relevant clinical information: the presenting issue, and current or previous management and investigations
Current medications, comorbidities and allergies
The referral period, if other than the standard 12 months

How to address it

For psychology and dietetics, Medicare does not require referrals to name a specific clinician. We recommend addressing referrals to "Pre-Emptive Healthcare" so we can allocate your patient based on clinician expertise and urgency. If your patient prefers a particular clinician, note this on the referral and we will honour it.

Psychiatry is the exception: referrals to our psychiatrists must include the individual psychiatrist's name and details.

A note on clinical information: in line with AMA guidance, please include only patient health information that is relevant to the referral.

Section 1

Psychology Referrals

Better Access referrals under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).

Mental Health Care Plan essentials

Initial MHCP (items 2715/2717): billable once per calendar year, and not within 3 months of the last review or plan
MHCP review (item 2712): claimable once every 3 months, but not within 4 weeks of the original plan
First review no sooner than 60 days after the initial plan; subsequent reviews at least 90 days apart
MHCP referrals are valid for 2 years from the referral date; unused sessions carry over the calendar-year reset

Session limits

Up to 10 individual psychological sessions per patient per calendar year: 6 on the initial referral, up to 4 more after review
Up to 10 group therapy sessions annually, in addition to the individual allocation
Eating Disorder Plans (EDP): up to 40 psychological sessions per 12 months, with GP review after 10 sessions, psychiatrist review after 20, and GP review again after 30

Full MHCP Guide & GP FAQ

Section 2

Psychiatry Referrals

Our consultant psychiatrists accept GP referrals for adults. A Mental Health Care Plan is not required: a standard referral letter is sufficient.

Psychiatric referrals must include

A clear indication that the referral is for psychiatry
The psychiatrist's name and details (a named referral is required)
Details of the presenting issue
Relevant medical history
Current medications
Comorbidities and allergies
The latest blood test results, if available
The patient's details, the referral date, and your provider number and signature

Please include as much detail as possible: it helps us triage and process the referral quickly.

Good to know

GP referrals to a psychiatrist are valid for 12 months from the patient's first appointment, unless you specify a different period
Medicare rebates apply with a valid referral
Following assessment, a detailed report is sent back to you as the referring practitioner
Each psychiatrist works with different presentations: see their profiles for areas of focus and any exclusions

Psychiatry Service & Profiles

Section 3

Dietetics Referrals

Our Accredited Practising Dietitian sees children, adults and older adults. No referral is required to book privately.

Medicare pathways

Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan: patients with a chronic condition (including some mental health conditions) may access Medicare rebates for up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year (item 10954, minimum 20 minutes)
Patients with an Eating Disorder Plan may also be eligible for Medicare-rebated dietetic sessions: contact us to discuss

When to consider referring

Eating disorder recovery and ARFID, in collaboration with psychological treatment
Chronic disease and gastrointestinal conditions
Paediatric and older adult nutrition, and malnutrition support

Dietetics Service

Fees: we are a private billing clinic and do not offer bulk billing. Current fees and rebate amounts are listed on our Fees & Rebates page.

Information for Referrers