Overview

APS Albury Wodonga is pleased to invite you to 'Medicare Made Clear: A Step-by-Step Guide for Psychologists'.

Navigating the Medicare system can, particularly for early career psychologists or those new to private practice, feel complex and overwhelming. This practical, experience-informed talk is designed specifically for psychologists who want a clear, ethical, and confident understanding of how Medicare-funded psychological services actually work in practice.

Delivered by an experienced clinical psychologist, this session demystifies the Medicare system by walking participants step-by-step through the process of becoming a Medicare provider, understanding provider numbers, and meeting ongoing compliance obligations. The talk will clarify what psychologists can and cannot do under Medicare, including which interventions are permitted, how treatment aligns with referral pathways (e.g. Mental Health Treatment Plans), and how to document and deliver services appropriately.

Participants will also gain practical guidance on professional correspondence with GPs, including what information is required in reports, how to communicate effectively within scope, and how to maintain professional boundaries while meeting Medicare expectations. In addition, the session will cover essential considerations for setting up compliant practice documentation, including what to include in Terms and Conditions, informed consent, billing policies, and record-keeping.

This session aims to translate the policies into dayto- day practice—supporting psychologists to practice ethically and confidently.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this event, participants should be able to:

• Explain the process of becoming a Medicare provider including provider numbers, referral pathways, billing structures, and key compliance responsibilities for psychologists in Australia.
• Apply Medicare-compliant practices in clinical work by identifying permitted interventions, understanding scope and limitations under Medicare items, and aligning assessment, treatment, and documentation with requirements.
• Implement professional and compliant practice systems including effective GP correspondence, clear Terms and Conditions, informed consent processes, and defensible record-keeping to support ethical and lawful practice.

Presenter(s)

Mrs. Vicky Booth

About the presenter(s)

Vicky Booth has been working for over 20 years as a registered Psychologist (Clinical and Counselling) both in Australia and the U.K. She is also a Clinical Hypnotherapist and full member of the Australian Society of Hypnosis since 2011. She has worked in a variety of community settings, including as a government consultant for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and for the Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FACSIA) Department. Vicky moved to Albury 5 years ago and has been working in private practice, both face to face and via telehealth. She carries out clinical assessments and diagnosis of individuals with mental health issues ranging from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, bereavement, neurocognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders, OCD, substance abuse disorder as well as specializing in ASD behavioural management counselling and life skills training. Vicky works with individuals, couples and families in the areas of relationship issues, parenting as well as family separation and divorce. Vicky has been accredited by Medicare and AHPRA and will share her knowledge with to help you thrive in your practice.

Notes

Registration includes 1hour presentation from a clinical psychologist and Q&A.

Please note: 

• All registrants will receive a zoom link for the event via email.
• A Q&A session will follow the talk and all registrants are encouraged to ask questions.
• A post-event email (sent within 2 weeks of the event's completion) will be sent to each registrant’s registered email address. This email will include the CPD certificate, and any additional resources shared during the session.

Target Audience

This activity is aimed at psychologists. 

Duration of Access

This event will not be recorded.

CPD

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.

If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.