Referral Information for Doctors: Medicare "Better Access" & Veterans' Affairs (DVA):

Better Access referrals - to John Hunter, Medicare Provider 2623217X - City, 2623213A - Burwood East

As a certified Mental Health Social Worker and Medicare provider under Medicare's Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative of November 2006 , I am Medicare registered to deliver the focused psychological strategies (Item 80160) you set out in your patients' Mental Health Care Plans (Item 2710).

Why refer to me? I know that doctor's need information for their client files and notify the general practitioners who refer to me in writing when their patients commence treatment, confer with them as indicated, and provide a concise written report when treatment concludes.

I am trained and experienced in using techniques specified in the Medicare initiative, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, interpersonal therapy and psycho-education. I have extensive counselling experience and education in alcohol and drug dependence and abuse, men's issues, relationships,  anxiety and depression, grief and loss  and sexual abuse. I work with voluntary and court-referred clients. I am a mature-aged counsellor with a wealth of life experience able to engage with and relate to people from many walks of life and cultural backgrounds.

Continuing professional education (CPE) is a requirement for maintaining my accredited member status in the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and my clinical membership of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

Department of Veterans' Affairs referrals - DVA GOLD or WHITE card holders -DVA Provider 2623213A

As a Veteran's Affairs accredited Clinical Counsellor, I can offer service to your veteran patients and eligible family members at either my City or Burwood East rooms. My experience as a veteran is sometimes useful in helping DVA clients engage so clinical work can begin.

What is available to your DVA patients? 10 free counselling sessions are offered to veterans initially: Gold Card holders can be referred for any condition or issue; White Card holders may be referred to treat the specific conditions accepted by DVA. Counselling is available to all card holders be they veterans or other persons approved by DVA. A further 10 sessions may be authorised by DVA at the clinical counsellor's request.

How do doctors refer for this DVA service? Doctors (referred to as Local Medical Officers/LMOs) unfamiliar with the DVA procedure may contact me for assistance. For others, you may fax a DVA Request/Referral Form (D904) to DVA on fax number 08 8920 0422. You may then refer your patient direct to me to arrange an appointment.  I will confirm with DVA that authorisation has been given prior to commencing treatment.

General Information: You may refer your patients directly or you may wish to discuss your referrals first. In either case, I can be contacted on mobile 0405 107 476, landline (03) 9539 2200, or Email john@johnhunter.net.au If I am unable to take a call, a brief message will ensure a prompt reply, generally within two business hours Monday to Saturday.

More information on Medicare Benefits Schedule Allied Health & Dental Services at http://www.health.gov.au

For information on the Department of Veterans' Affairs please visit http://www.dva.gov.au