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For GPs & Health Professionals

Information for Referrers

Trauma Melbourne is part of Pre-Emptive Healthcare. Referrals for psychology, psychiatry and dietetics are handled by the Pre-Emptive Healthcare team in Balwyn North. This page covers how to refer, and what to include.

How to Send a Referral Getting Help Guide
Getting Started

Sending a Referral

Referrals are reviewed under a structured triage system: the Clinic Director and Practice Manager match each patient with the most appropriate clinician.

Email
admin@pre-emptive.com.au
Preferred method
Fax
(03) 9004 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 your patient can be allocated based on clinician expertise and urgency. If your patient prefers a particular clinician, note this on the referral and it will be honoured.

Psychiatry is the exception: referrals to a psychiatrist 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

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
Section 2

Psychiatry Referrals

The 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
Section 3

Dietetics Referrals

An 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

Questions? Call 03 9989 3380 or email admin@pre-emptive.com.au and the team will help with any referral query. You can also reach us via the contact page.

Need support right now?

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For free, confidential support any time:

Lifeline13 11 1424/7 crisis support
Beyond Blue1300 22 463624/7 mental health support
Suicide Call Back Service1300 659 46724/7 phone & online counselling