Referring your patient to Cygnet

Although a referral is not required to see a Clinical Psychologist, the majority of our patients are referred through the Medicare Better Access system which covers the majority of the costs. General Practitioners (GPs) are required to formulate a Mental Health Care Plan. Psychiatrists are required to have a referral from a GP.

The following item numbers must be billed by the GP prior to a Medicare based referral: 2700 and 2701 apply to GPs who have not undertaken mental health skills training. 2715 and 2717 apply to GPs who have undertaken mental health skills training. Please note that these item numbers must be billed prior to the first consultation with one of our Clinical Psychologists.

For Psychiatric referrals and multidisciplinary team-care service, a referral letter to Cygnet Psychiatry is required (see link to Psychiatry Referrals). Similarly, a referral is required to access Pain Management Specialist services.

GP Referral Portal

Referring through Medicare

How to refer your patient to our service through Medicare.

The majority of referrals to Cygnet Clinic from General Practitioners are through a Mental Health Care Plan (GP-MHCP). Unlike other types of Care Plans (such as Chronic Disease Management Plans), a MHCP since 1 November 2017 has no expiry date.

This effectively means a Mental Health Care Plan Review or a New Mental Health Care Plan is no longer required unless the patients condition has changed (e.g., depression then years later PTSD). However a dated and signed referral letter is still required.

Patients are able to access a Clinical Psychologist for 10 sessions per calendar year (starting Jan 1 and ending 31 December).

A MHCP review is required after 6 sessions. If a GP provides a cover letter asking for 10 sessions within a calendar year, then the Psychologist is obliged to give the GP written update reports (after 6th and 10th sessions), irrespective of the number of sessions outlined on the referral. You may also refer to our Psychiatrists who are able to refer directly to Psychologists for collaborative care.

To maximise the benefit and access to our service, we strongly encourage doctors (including GPs, Psychiatrists and Paediatricians) to refer to our Psychology Team Portal and to utilise the suggested Cygnet Clinic Cover Letter/Referral Letter on this page.

It is worthwhile creating a template based on the suggested cover letter in your Electronic Medical Records software for future use. Please note that Medicare obligations and sessions numbers are often changed and this information is correct at the time of publication.

Download Sample Referral Templates
These templates are best integrated into your current practice management software.

MHCP Template

Tap the icon above to download the standard Mental Health Care Plan Template

Suggested Cover Letter

Click on icon above for our suggested cover letter to accompany the MHCP

Suggested Continuation Letter

This is a suggested letter (no new plan required) for subsequent calendar years

Sending your Referral to Cygnet Clinic

You can send your MHCP and referral cover letter via:

• HealthLink ID: cygnetcl

• Fax to 9463 6311.

• Alternatively you can email your referral to: referrals@cygnetclinic.com.au.

Our introduction of GP Portal for referrals directs your referral to the most suitable clinician for expedited review (avoiding the need for a waitlist).

GP Referral Portal

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Cygnet acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We recognise and value their continuing connection to lands, waters and culture and pay our respects to Indigenous Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We strive to provide support that is culturally safe, inclusive and welcoming.

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