As part of the 2009 Budget, Better Access had Three announcements to improve targeting of primary mental health services to those most in need.
The Third measure will be implemented from 1st January 2010 to allow sufficient time for GPs to undertake training in Mental Health Skills Level 1, so they many be able to claim Medicare item 2710.
GPs who have not completed the training will still be able to access allied mental health professionals with the introduction of a new Medicare item also from the 1st January 2010.