Non-directive pregnancy counselling
Non-directive pregnancy counsellingThe non-directive pregnancy support counselling service is available to women who are concerned about a current pregnancy or a pregnancy that occurred in the preceding 12 months. These services can be used to address any pregnancy related issues for which non-directive counselling is appropriate.
Who can receive these services?
The services are available to all women who are concerned about a current pregnancy or a pregnancy that occurred in the preceding 12 months. They may be used to address any pregnancy related issues for which non-directive counselling is appropriate.
What is non-directive counselling?
This is a form of counselling based on the understanding that, in many situations, people can resolve their own problems without being provided with a solution by the counsellor. The counsellor’s role is to encourage the person to express their feelings but not suggest what decision the person should make. By listening and reflecting back what the person reveals to them, the counsellor helps them to explore and understand their feelings. With this understanding, the person is able to make the decision that is best for them.
What kind of information will practitioners provide during the service?
The service involves the GP, psychologist, social worker or mental health nurse undertaking a safe, confidential process that helps the patient explore concerns they have about a pregnancy.
This includes providing unbiased, evidence-based information about all options and services available to the patient, where requested. This could include information on all options in relation to a pregnancy, such as:
- continuing the pregnancy and keeping the baby;
- continuing the pregnancy and adopting out the baby; and
- terminating the pregnancy.
How will GPs refer patients to eligible allied health professionals?
Referrals will be made by letter or note, signed and dated by the referring GP. Allied health professionals must be in receipt of the referral at the first service and must retain the referral for two (2) years from the date of the service, for Medicare Australia auditing purposes.
Medicare requirements
A new referral is required for each pregnancy or where the patient wishes to be referred to a different practitioner.
How many services will attract a Medicare rebate?Patients will be able to claim up to three (3) non-directive pregnancy support counselling services in total per pregnancy using item 81010 where all the requirements of the service are met.
Partners of eligible patients may attend counselling sessions. However, only one fee applies to each service (the fee charged to the patient).
What Medicare rebates apply?For the item 81010, the rebate is $56.20.The out of pocket is $24 which is all you pay on the day, we claim the rest back via Medicare
Eligible patients can access up to three (3) rebates (in total) for these services, per pregnancy. Out-of-pocket costs incurred for eligible services count towards the extended Medicare safety net.
