COVID-19 - alternative arrangements for psychology sessions
(applicable as at 26 March 2020 but subject to change) Are you eligible for sessions to be conducted via telephone or video conference calls? The Government has introduced Medicare item numbers so that eligible clients can still access sessions via telephone or video conference calls. To be considered eligible you must meet one of the following criteria:
Eligible clients are those for whom at least one of the following apply:
• You have been diagnosed with COVID-19 virus but are not a patient of a hospital • You are required to isolate yourself in quarantine in accordance with home isolation guidance issued by Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) • You are considered more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus because you are:
a) at least 70 years old, or b) at least 50 years old and of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, or c) pregnant, or d) a parent of a child under 12 months, or e) already under treatment for chronic health conditions, or are immune compromised. •
• You meet the current national triage protocol criteria
*This information is current as of 16 March 2020 for suspected COVID-19 infection. It is derived from the Australian Psychological Society’s website. Please be aware that the situation can change rapidly.
If you are unwell You should not attend sessions if you are unwell. Please refer to the Department of Health website to stay up-to-date with Government advice. Please contact us as soon as possible to advise that you are unable to attend. It may still be possible to have the session via telephone or a video conference call if you meet the above criteria, and you are feeling well enough. If you are not accessing services under Medicare please discuss the possibility of alternative arrangements with your psychologist.
Changes to late cancellation fees No late cancellation fees will be charged if you are unwell or if you need to cancel because you meet the COVID-19 criteria but do not feel unwell.
If your psychologist is unwell Sessions can be conducted via telephone or teleconferencing if your psychologist has been required to isolate themselves in quarantine in accordance with home isolation guidance issued by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, providing that your psychologist feels well enough to proceed with sessions. Your psychologist will advise you whether your appointment will be rescheduled or can take place using this alternative arrangement.
