CoVid-19 Updates
CoVid-19 Update 25 March 2020
Current government advice is that psychology services are considered an essential service.
As such Nexus Psychology remains open for consultations – both in-person and telehealth.
As such Nexus Psychology remains open for consultations – both in-person and telehealth.
Strict hygiene and distancing protocols are adhered to in all of the consulting rooms at Nexus Psychology.
However – If individuals indicate a preference for counseling via telehealth – ie, phone or video – this option is available.
Some psychologists at Nexus are choosing to offer only telehealth session
Under some circumstances Telehealth sessions may be bulk-billed – eg, where a client or psychologists are considered to have a confirmed or suspected case of Corona virus, or are considered to be in a vulnerable group
If Co-Vid 19 bulk billing criteria are not met – medicare rebates are not currently available for telehealth sessions.
The government is considering its position in relation to an expansion of telehealth services and is expected make an announcement on Monday 30 March in relation to this.
Other relevant announcements in relation to the provision of services impacted by Co-Vid 19 are noted below
APS announcements
The majority of Australian health funds have agreed to provide coverage for teleconsultations provided by psychologists, from Monday 30 March, during the COVID-19 outbreak.
This is subject to the following conditions:
This is subject to the following conditions:
- The patient is undergoing an existing course of treatment, and has seen the psychologist providing the teleconsultation over the past six months, or
- For new patients, the telepsychology service has been recommended by their general practitioner, and
- The service is delivered before 30 September 2020, and
- The service is undertaken in accordance with Australian Psychological Society guidelines
This is a significant step in ensuring that clients can continue their treatment during this particularly difficult time.
Staying Present and Mindful
The current situation we are all facing is very difficult- there are a lot of things going on that are uncertain and out of our control.
In these times it can be good to focus on some of the things you can control like your breath.
We have link below of a recording of a short breathing exercise by Annette Marlow who is our Nexus Wellness coordinator.
