Clinical vs registered psychologist: the Medicare rebate difference
Under the Better Access initiative, clinical psychologists and registered psychologists bill different MBS items, and the Medicare rebate differs. A session of at least 50 minutes with a clinical psychologist is billed under item 80010, while a registered psychologist bills item 80110. The clinical psychologist rebate is higher, but both draw from the same annual session limit.
MBS Online, item 80010
MBS Online, item 80110
The two item numbers
In consulting rooms, a clinical psychologist providing psychological therapy of at least 50 minutes bills MBS item 80010. A registered psychologist providing focussed psychological strategies of at least 50 minutes bills item 80110. Both require a referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP or other eligible referrer, and both count towards the Better Access sessions for the year.
The rebate difference
The rebate for the clinical psychologist item is higher than for the registered psychologist item. These are the amounts Medicare pays back. The psychologist sets their own fee, so any gap between the fee charged and the rebate is paid by the client. Schedule fees are indexed on 1 July each year, so confirm the current amounts on MBS Online.
What it means for clients
Seeing a clinical psychologist gives a larger rebate per session, so the out-of-pocket cost is often lower for the same fee. The same annual cap applies to both types, and both can only bill after a referral. Ask the provider which item they bill and what their fee is before booking, so you know your likely gap.
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