This week, the team here at Person Centred Psychology and Allied Health are all saying “it’s about time…” While we acknowledge that the current changes do not meet the needs of all those who are living with eating disorders and body image disturbances, we are very happy to announce that as of 1 November 2019, access to Medicare-rebated support for some people living with specific severe eating disorders will improve significantly. For the first time, eligible individuals will be able to receive up to 40 rebated sessions of psychological therapy and 20 of dietetic treatment within a 12-month period. They will also receive Medicare rebates for select medical appointments to develop and review an individualised Eating Disorder Plan (EDP).

So, what exactly has changed?

As it previously stood, there were no specific items under Medicare dedicated to the treatment of eating disorders. This meant that treatment for some people with eating disorders was either inadequate or had a huge financial toll on individuals and caregivers. The standard Medicare treatment plans allowed for up to 10 sessions of subsidised psychological therapy and 5 subsidised sessions with a dietitian in a year. This is highly problematic, because research evidence suggests that most individuals will require at least 20 to 40 sessions of psychological therapy, and regular contact with a medical professional and dietitian. In a nutshell, eating disorder treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach over an extended period, and Medicare rebates have simply not covered it.

In 2018, the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Taskforce recommended that changes be made to Medicare rebates to reflect the breadth and depth of support needed by individuals living with eating disorders. The Australian Government listened, with a strong focus on reducing the high mortality rates associated with eating disorders, and now 64 brand new items dedicated solely to the multidisciplinary treatment of eating disorders will come into effect as of 1 November. As clinicians who have worked with many clients experiencing these issues, we are thrilled with the massive step towards providing adequate and affordable treatment for those with eating disorders.

Who can access the Medicare rebates?

You might now be wondering who is eligible to access the new item rebates under Medicare. Given that each individual’s presentation is entirely different, we recommend booking in to see your GP if you’re concerned about whether you are suffering with an eating disorder. It is important to us to acknowledge that currently, due to the focus on regulating practitioners and reducing mortality not everyone who is experiencing an eating disorder will be eligible. Here at Person Centred Psychology and Allied Health we know that everyone struggling with their relationship with food, their body, and their weight is suffering, and is deserving of treatment. We also know that the earlier disordered eating and eating disorders are treated, the better the outcome. We urge you to reach out to professionals who have experience in eating disorders even if you don’t initially qualify for an EDP.

You’re also more than welcome to reach out to our practice directly with any questions you have. However, in general, support can be accessed for individuals with severe symptoms of bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other feeding and eating disorders, as well as individuals with anorexia.

What we can help with

We are fortunate at our practice to be able to offer both psychological and dietetic services to support you. Clinical Psychologist Deb Newburn, Psychologist Jess Pearson, and Accredited Practising Dietitian Kess O’Loghlen are experienced in the treatment of eating disorders and passionate about helping you reduce distressing symptoms and improve your quality of life. Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist Jane Morgan will shortly be able to provide evidence-based treatment for adolescents with eating disorders as well. As the research evidence calls for, we take a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with you, your GP and any other health professional involved to ensure that you receive the best care possible. So, if you’re thinking you might need it, pick up the phone and call us on (03) 9645 5677. Alternatively, email us at contact@pcpsychology.com.au.

More information needed?

Many of our leading eating disorder bodies have information posted about these changes. We particularly love this resource from Eating Disorders Victoria: https://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/find-support/eating-disorder-medicare-changes/ You can also visit MBS Online, The Butterfly Foundation, or the National Eating Disorders Collaboration.