Welcome to our FAQ section! We’ve put together some common questions to help you understand more about psychological support, particularly in relation to health challenges like diabetes, and how you might access services through schemes like Medicare. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help!
Understanding Psychology and Health
What are some of the psychological and social challenges people with diabetes might face?
Living with diabetes can sometimes bring about psycho-social complications. These can include experiencing depression, anxiety, or a lack of motivation. Some people might experience significant diabetes distress, which is different from depression. There can also be feelings of grief or loss, or challenges with eating disorders (like anorexia or bulimia nervosa) or disordered eating behaviours. Occasionally, the condition can impact practical aspects like the ability to drive if there’s hypoglycaemic unawareness or severe events. Diabetes can also sometimes have a negative impact on relationships.
Is there a connection between depression and diabetes?
Yes, research suggests there’s a two-way relationship between depression and diabetes. This means that depression appears more often in people with diabetes, possibly because managing the condition and its self-care challenges can be psychologically stressful. On the other hand, the likelihood of developing diabetes (specifically type 2) increases in people who experience depression, which can sometimes be linked to behavioural choices like being physically inactive or having unhealthy dietary habits.
Is ‘diabetes distress’ the same as ‘depression’?
No, there is a difference between diabetes distress and depression. While they can feel similar, a Psychologist can help you figure out which is the correct diagnosis for your situation and provide the specific support that is most relevant to you.
Why are Psychologists included in initiatives like the Better Access to Mental Health Care scheme?
Psychologists are experts in human behaviour. This expertise allows them to assist not only those dealing with mental health problems, but also people who need support in adjusting to living with a complex illness. Complex illnesses often require significant lifestyle changes – such as adjustments to diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol intake, managing appointment schedules, changes to medication, and sometimes changes to work, family, or living arrangements. Psychologists can provide support with making these changes and adapting to the challenges that come with a complex illness. Being confronted with a complex illness is also frequently a very emotional time, and people may experience anxiety, depression, anger, helplessness, or confusion. Psychologists are there to provide support and assistance during these times, helping with the emotional adjustment that occurs.
Accessing Support with Medicare
How can I be eligible for Medicare rebates to see a Psychologist under the Better Access scheme?
To be eligible for Medicare rebates under the Better Access initiative, you will need a referral from your GP (General Practitioner) and a GP mental health plan. This scheme covers specific mental health problems like alcohol use disorder, bereavement disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, sleep problems, and co-occurring anxiety and depression. These conditions can sometimes arise as psycho-social complications of conditions like diabetes.
How many sessions can I have with a Psychologist under the Medicare Better Access initiative?
Under the Better Access initiative, eligible individuals can receive up to 10 individual sessions with a psychologist within a calendar year (from 1 January to 31 December). It’s important to note that referrals cannot be given for the full 10 sessions all at once. Typically, a referral is initially for a maximum of six sessions. Your referring doctor (your GP or Psychiatrist) will review your progress (along with information from your Psychologist) after these first six sessions to decide if further sessions are needed within that annual limit of 10. Once you have used the maximum number of allowable sessions (10) within the calendar year, you won’t be eligible for further Medicare rebates for psychology treatment until the next calendar year begins.
What are the fees if I use the Medicare Better Access Services?
The cost for a psychology session is usually more than the Medicare rebate. This means you will need to pay the difference between the Psychologist’s fee and the Medicare rebate. This difference is sometimes referred to as an ‘out-of-pocket’ cost or ‘gap’ fee. You can find details on our fees section of the website or contact us directly before starting your treatment to discuss the costs.
Using Private Health Insurance
Can I use my private health insurance alongside Medicare rebates for the same session?
No, you cannot use your private health insurance cover to pay any additional costs above the Medicare rebates for these services. You need to make a choice for each session: you can either use Medicare OR your private health insurance cover to help pay for the psychological services you receive.
How do I find out about private health insurance rebates?
We recommend you contact your private health fund directly to ask about any rebates you might be eligible for regarding psychological services.
We hope these answers are helpful! Please remember, we’re here to support you, and if you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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