The Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)

 

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Supporting Patients with Eating Disorders

Patients with eligible eating disorders may be able to access substantially more Medicare-funded treatment under an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDMP) than is available through a standard Mental Health Treatment Plan.

An EDMP can provide access to:

✓ Up to 40 Medicare-funded psychology sessions per year

✓ Up to 20 Medicare-funded dietitian sessions per year

✓ Structured multidisciplinary care

✓ Ongoing GP monitoring and review

This guide summarises the Medicare pathway, item numbers and referral process for GPs.

Who Is Eligible?

Patients may be eligible if they meet Medicare criteria for:

• Anorexia Nervosa

• Bulimia Nervosa

• Binge Eating Disorder

• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

Eligibility depends on diagnosis and clinical severity criteria. Refer to current Medicare guidance for full eligibility requirements.

GP Item Numbers

Preparing an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan

Item NumberDescription

90250EDMP preparation (<40 mins)

90251EDMP preparation (40+ mins)

90252EDMP preparation by GP with Mental Health Skills Training (<40 mins)

90253EDMP preparation by GP with Mental Health Skills Training (40+ mins)

Reviewing an Existing EDMP

Item NumberDescription

90264EDMP review

90265EDMP review by GP with Mental Health Skills Training

The 12-Month Rule: Important Information for GPs

Common Medicare Pitfall

An Eating Disorder Management Plan operates within a fixed 12-month period.

Unlike Mental Health Treatment Plans, an EDMP cannot simply be reviewed indefinitely.

Key points:

• An EDMP remains active for 12 months from the date it is prepared.

• GP review items (90264/90265) can only be used within that 12-month period.

• Once the 12 months has elapsed, the EDMP expires.

• A review cannot be used to reactivate an expired EDMP.

• If ongoing treatment is required after 12 months, a new EDMP must be prepared.

• A new EDMP generally cannot be prepared early simply because all treatment sessions have been used.

Example

EDMP prepared: 1 February 2026

The patient accesses all psychology sessions by October 2026.

The patient cannot receive a new EDMP in October simply because the sessions have been exhausted.

The existing EDMP remains active until 31 January 2027.

A new EDMP can then be prepared from 1 February 2027 if clinically indicated.

Psychology Sessions Under an EDMP

Eligible patients may access:

Up to 40 Psychology Sessions Per Year

Psychology treatment is typically provided in stages, with GP reviews required throughout treatment.

Patients do not automatically receive all 40 sessions at once.

Additional treatment sessions require ongoing review and documentation.

Sessions 21–40

To access psychology sessions beyond the initial allocation, patients generally require:

• GP review, and

• Psychiatrist or paediatrician review

before additional treatment can be accessed.

Referring to Melbourne Psychology & Counselling

When referring a patient under an EDMP, please include:

• Copy of the EDMP

• Diagnosis

• Relevant medical history

• Current medications

• Risk concerns

• Previous treatment history

• Any relevant dietetic, psychiatric or paediatric involvement

We provide evidence-based treatment for:

• Anorexia Nervosa

• Bulimia Nervosa

• Binge Eating Disorder

• OSFED

• ARFID

• OCD and eating disorders

• Anxiety, perfectionism and body image concerns

Telehealth appointments are available Australia-wide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a patient have both an EDMP and a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

In some circumstances, yes. Different Medicare rules apply and services cannot be double-counted. Current Medicare guidance should be consulted when determining the most appropriate referral pathway.

How often should an EDMP be reviewed?

Regular reviews are required throughout treatment to support ongoing access to psychology and dietetic services.

What happens after 12 months?

The EDMP expires. If treatment is still required, a new EDMP can be prepared and a new treatment cycle can begin.

Can psychology be provided via telehealth?

Yes. Eligible psychology services can be provided via telehealth where Medicare requirements are met.

Need More Information?

If you are unsure whether your patient may be eligible for an EDMP referral, feel free to contact our clinic. We are happy to discuss referral pathways and treatment options for patients experiencing eating disorders.

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Common Questions from GPs

 

​How many psychology sessions can a patient access through Medicare?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan can provide access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group psychological therapy sessions per calendar year. Each referral is only valid for a maximum course of 6 sessions. 
 

Does a Mental Health Treatment Plan expire?
 

No. A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) does not have a fixed expiry date. However, referrals should reflect the patient's current clinical needs and remain clinically appropriate.

A new MHTP cannot be completed within 12 months of the most recent MHTP. For patients transferring from another clinic, the current GP can contact Medicare to confirm whether the patient is eligible for a new MHTP.

Once an MHTP is billed to Medicare, the patient becomes eligible to access Medicare rebates under the Better Access to Mental Health initiative.

The flowchart below outlines which Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number may be appropriate when preparing a MHTP. Click the image below to download the full Better Access Mental Health User Guide from the Primary Health Network.

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