This FAQ section provides important information to help you understand our referral process, appointment protocols, Medicare rebates, and other key aspects of attending The Geographe Clinic. If your question is not answered below, please contact our administration team for further guidance.
Do I Need a referral?
All new patients need a medical practitioner referral and existing patients require updated GP referrals every 12 months.
How much does it cost?
All patients are required to pay on the day; no accounts are given. Same day medicare rebates are processed to be deposited into your account. Selected patients may be bulk billed at the discretion of the psychiatrist. GP referrals for an item 291 assessment are bulk billed. Individual psychiatrists may elect to bulk bill selected patients.
| Description | Item | Regular Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out of Pocket |
| 15 minutes | 302 | $195 | $85 | $110 |
| 30 minutes | 304 | $285 | $130.85 | $154.15 |
| Initial Private | 296 | $750 | $255.90 | $494.10 |
DVA patients: Bulk Billed
Accepted WC clients: Invoiced to the insurer
Medicolegal Reports: Invoiced to the lawyer
DSP reports: Cost… with no medicare rebate
How long is a typical consultation?
Subsequent appointments are determined by your psychiatrist but typically they would be
- 15 minutes for a medication review (cost…..with medicare rebate….)
- 30 minutes for medication review plus brief psychotherapy (cost…. with medicare rebate…)
- 45 minutes for extended psychotherapy (cost… with medicare rebate….)
The number of follow up appointments depends upon the complexity of the condition and response to treatment.
How many sessions will I need to attend?
Your psychiatrist will discuss with you the likely course of therapy. This will depend upon the nature of your concerns.
What happens if I forget or miss an appointment?
We require at least 24 hours notification of a cancellation otherwise a cancellation fee will apply.
For a missed initial appointment: $360
For a missed follow up appointment: 15 minutes ($97.50) , 30 minutes ($142.50), 45 minutes ($182.50)
What happens to information about me?
Geographe Clinic adheres to the Federal Government Privacy Legislation. A copy of our privacy policy is available upon request. Your information is regarded as confidential within the limits afforded by Federal and State law.
All your information is securely stored (please read our privacy policy for more information). Your information is available to the other psychiatrists in the clinic should your own psychiatrist be ill and you choose to see another psychiatrist, and to your referring GP.
You can choose to permit clinical information to be shared with others of your choosing (e.g. your psychologist or drug counsellor) and you can indicate what information is NOT to be shared with anyone (including your referring GP).
How do I know my Psychiatrist is accredited?
All the psychiatrists in The Geographe Clinic hold specialist qualifications with The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), are registered as specialists with the WA Medical Board and AHPRA, and are required to commit to ongoing professional development to maintain their accreditation. A psychiatrist has completed the basic medical degree and then completed a minimum of 5 years post graduate specialist training.