Everything you need to Know

Our Rates

Appointments

• How long does it take to get an appointment?

  We aim for you to see a psychologist within 2 to 3 weeks from the date of first contact. During peak periods this may extend somewhat. Our Reception team run an active waiting/cancellation list and may be able to fast-track an appointment for you when a requirement presents.

  Please remember that Karepsych is not an emergency service and we strongly encourage you to contact an appropriate crisis service in your area if you require immediate assistance.

• What do I need to see a Karepsych psychologist?

  To see a Karepsych psychologist you may wish to discuss a referral with your GP or treating psychiatrist that provides us with some background information, and may assist you in qualifying for Medicare rebates. After you book your first appointment you will be contacted by our Reception team to provide demographic details, emergency contact information and credit card details.

  For the virtual appointment you will require a computer or smart device with reliable internet access (greater then 350kbps), an inbuilt camera or webcam, and a microphone.

Technology

• What video consultation platform do you use?

  Karepsych use the Coviu video consultation platform. Coviu was first created within the Australian research organisation CSIRO as part of research into telehealth delivery platforms.

  Working closely with clinicians, they found that existing consumer video calling software and corporate video conferencing applications were not appropriate for healthcare services. Many fail to satisfy the stringent security and privacy requirements of healthcare businesses.

  You can read more about Coviu’s recent achievements on their website.

• Is it secure?

  Coviu leverages WebRTC – a browser to browser (or peer to peer) video communication protocol. This means all communication takes place between you and your therapist, without the need to store sensitive information or records of your session on central servers.

  Each video session is fully encrypted with 256bit encryption – the same encryption used by internet banking platforms – and cannot be ‘listened into’.

  Please see our Coviu security deep dive for further information.

• Can I test my configuration before booking an appointment?

  Absolutely, and we recommend you do so, just so we can minimise issues during your consultation. To use Coviu you will need a computer, laptop or smart device with a supported browser (we recommend Google Chrome), an inbuilt camera or webcam, and a microphone.

  Once you’ve satisfied the above, you can run a device precall test to ensure all works ok prior to your session.

Payments/Rebates

• How can I pay?

  We can automate payments and rebates using major credit/debit cards, or, alternatively, invoices can be supplied for manual payments using direct credit or BPAY.

• How do I know if I qualify for a Medicare rebate?

  Medicare benefits are available for a range of specified psychological services for people with certain conditions, including:

  • People with mental health disorders
  • Children with an autism spectrum disorder aged under 13 years for a diagnostic assessment and under 15 years for treatment
  • Children with a disability including sight impairment, hearing impairment, Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome aged under 13 years for a diagnostic assessment and under 15 years for treatment
  • Women who are concerned about either a current pregnancy, or one that occurred in the previous 12 months
  • People who have a chronic medical condition and complex care needs
  • Follow-up allied health services for people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

  To be eligible to receive psychological services under Medicare, you must be referred by your GP or in some instances by a psychiatrist, paediatrician or consultant physician.

• Do I receive a Medicare rebate for a telehealth/video consultation session?

  Medicare rebates are available to those living in certain remote areas as classified by the Department of Health. To qualify for the Medicare Rebate for Telehealth/Video Consultations you will need to reside in a Modified Monash Model (MMM) 4-7 area (see below).

  If you do not fall in one of these designated areas, and without the ability to claim for a private health rebate, the full session rate identified above will need to be paid.

  To see if you are eligible for Telehealth rebates under Medicare, please visit the Health Workforce Locator, select Modified Monash Model 2019 and search for the required location. If the location falls within the MM4 to MM7 bracket, you are eligible for Medicare rebates.

  Please note, we are watching closely and remain hopeful that the eligibility criteria will be increased in the near future.

• Can I claim a psychology appointment through private health?

  If you are a member of a private health fund with Extras cover you may be eligible for rebates for psychology therapy.

  Call your fund to check your eligibility. Please convey your eligibility and fund to our Reception team when you book as your may require particular item codes on your invoice/payment receipt.

• Is there a non attendence fee?

  At Karepsych we try to be as understanding as possible that unforeseen circumstances may impact your ability to attend your scheduled appointment.

  If you do not attend and have not notified us of your non-attendance, or if you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment time, a cancellation fee of $85 will be applicable, which will be automatically deducted from the credit/debit card entered at registration.

  Please note, we do send reminder texts/emails 72 hours prior to your session and we ask that you secure your session by way of reply.

• Can I use my private health insurance to cover any costs not covered by Medicare?

  You cannot use your private health insurance ancillary cover to pay any additional costs above the Medicare rebates for these services. You need to decide whether you will use Medicare or your private health insurance ancillary cover to pay for the psychological services you receive.