CoVid-19 Updates

Shift to Telehealth

In light of the recent escalation to stage 4 restrictions – which strongly emphasise the requirement to reduce outside mobility and interpersonal contact, and to conduct work from home where it is possible to do so –

Psychology sessions during this lockdown period will shift to telehealth

The escalation of restrictions, and continued high number of reported Covid positive cases, underscore an increased risk of community transmission, and as such it is becoming increasingly more difficult, impractical, and unsafe for psychologists and clients to meet in person at this time.

Many health professionals are currently utilising telehealth as a mode of engagement, and the feedback from psychologists and clients to date, suggest it to be an extremely effective alternative.

Telehealth sessions are conducted via online video platforms such as Zoom, Skype and Coviu – or via telephone if a preference for this is indicated.

The psychologists and clients who have conducted sessions via telehealth over the past few months feel that it is a highly effective and acceptable alternative to in-person consultation. Data have been collated and summarised by Nexus psychologist Amelia Twiss in this blog article:

Results of a Telehealth Satisfaction Survey During Covid19

Medicare Rebates

Just as is the case for in person sessions…

• Medicare rebates are available for psychology sessions with a valid Mental Healthcare plan.
• The Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychology sessions for Victorians subjected to stage 4 restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will allow a total of 20 psychology sessions to be Medicare rebated with a valid Mental Health Plan between now and 31 March 2021.

More information about rebates can be found on the link below

https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/ongoing-support-during-coronavirus-covid-19/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions 

Private Health Fund Rebates

The majority of Australian health funds have agreed to provide coverage for teleconsultations provided by psychologists, from Monday 30 March, during the COVID-19 outbreak.

This is subject to the following conditions:

• The patient is undergoing an existing course of treatment, and has seen the psychologist providing the teleconsultation over the past six months, or
• For new patients, the telepsychology service has been recommended by their general practitioner, and
• The service is delivered before 30 September 2020, and
• The service is undertaken in accordance with Australian Psychological Society guidelines

This is a significant step in ensuring that clients can continue their treatment during this particularly difficult time.

Staying Present and Mindful

The current situation we are all facing is very difficult- there are a lot of things going on that are uncertain and out of our control.

In these times it can be good to focus on some of the things you can control like your breath.

We have link below of a recording of a short breathing exercise by Annette Marlow who is our Nexus Wellness coordinator.