Can a psychologist bill NDIS and Medicare on the same day?
A psychologist cannot claim both NDIS and Medicare for the same service. This is the no double dipping rule. In principle they can deliver and bill two genuinely separate services to the same client on the same day, one to Medicare and one to the NDIS, provided each meets its own rules. In practice this is uncommon and needs careful documentation.
NDIS, no double dipping guidance
GST Act s 38-38
The core rule
The NDIS does not fund supports that are claimable through another government system such as Medicare, including the gap fee on a Medicare service. So a single psychology session cannot be part-funded by Medicare and topped up by the NDIS. The provider must decide, per service, which funding source applies, and the invoice must reflect that one source.
When two claims on one day can work
Two distinct services on the same day may each be billed to a different funder if each is genuinely separate, each meets that funder's requirements, and the NDIS support is a reasonable and necessary, disability-related support specified in the participant's plan. For the NDIS supply to be GST-free, the section 38-38 conditions and a written service agreement apply. Each service should be clearly documented as separate.
Practical guidance
Many participants use a psychologist who bills only the NDIS for disability supports and keep any Better Access Medicare sessions under a separate arrangement, to avoid overlap. When in doubt, record the clinical rationale for each service and confirm the plan wording before billing.
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