COVID-19 & CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES AT GASPER & ASSOCIATES
Last updated 31st January 2021
Dear Clients,
This is indeed an unprecedented time in our history. Never before have we been faced with the challenges posed by COVID-19. In light of this we wanted to keep you updated of our policies and procedures during this time:
1. Please DO NOT present to your appointment if:
a. You have a fever (>38C) AND/OR flu-like symptoms (e.g. cough, nasal congestion, sore throat)
b. You have traveled overseas in the last 14 days
c. You have been in contact with a proven case of COVID-19
d. You have been diagnosed with COVID-19
2. Medicare rebates will be paid for telehealth Clinical Psychology services. This allows people to access mental health services in their homes to support self-isolation and quarantine and reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. This will be available for all people who have a valid referral in place. Previously this option was only available for vulnerable or at risk groups. This changed on 6th April 2020.
3. Vulnerable or at risk groups will be bulk-billed for telehealth consultations: If you are under 16; over 70; have a chronic medical condition; pregnant; a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case, you will be bulk-billed for any telehealth consultation. This is a requirement from Medicare.
4. Your health & safety is a priority. To this end the following is being undertaken:
4. In the event you are experiencing financial difficulty and are unable to pay the usual consultation fee, please discuss this with your therapist. We are committed to providing you with the services that you need at this time and will endeavour to ensure financial stress is not a prohibiting factor.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Last updated 31st January 2021
Dear Clients,
This is indeed an unprecedented time in our history. Never before have we been faced with the challenges posed by COVID-19. In light of this we wanted to keep you updated of our policies and procedures during this time:
1. Please DO NOT present to your appointment if:
a. You have a fever (>38C) AND/OR flu-like symptoms (e.g. cough, nasal congestion, sore throat)
b. You have traveled overseas in the last 14 days
c. You have been in contact with a proven case of COVID-19
d. You have been diagnosed with COVID-19
2. Medicare rebates will be paid for telehealth Clinical Psychology services. This allows people to access mental health services in their homes to support self-isolation and quarantine and reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. This will be available for all people who have a valid referral in place. Previously this option was only available for vulnerable or at risk groups. This changed on 6th April 2020.
3. Vulnerable or at risk groups will be bulk-billed for telehealth consultations: If you are under 16; over 70; have a chronic medical condition; pregnant; a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case, you will be bulk-billed for any telehealth consultation. This is a requirement from Medicare.
4. Your health & safety is a priority. To this end the following is being undertaken:
- The office is being sanitised between each client (i.e. couch, door knobs, surfaces)
- Hand sanitiser is being used upon entry to the office and before use of the EFTPOS machine
- Alcohol wipes are being used to wipe down the EFTPOS machine before and after use
- Appropriate distance is being maintained during session, hence, you may find we are seated slightly further apart than normal
4. In the event you are experiencing financial difficulty and are unable to pay the usual consultation fee, please discuss this with your therapist. We are committed to providing you with the services that you need at this time and will endeavour to ensure financial stress is not a prohibiting factor.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.