Referrals, Fees and Rebates

A valid referral is required in order to obtain a Medicare rebate.  Referrals do expire, with most GP referrals expiring after 12 months, and specialist referrals generally expiring after 3 months.  All patients must have a valid referral, as without this the Medicare rebate cannot be claimed and the full private fee applies.

New referrals can be sent via:

• Post: PO Box 110 Greenslopes 4120
• Email: admin@thoughtfulhealth.com.au 
• Fax: 3397 1347 

Please make sure your referral has your current contact information.  Once your referral is received, you will be contacted to organise an appointment.

In the case of children and young people, it is sometimes necessary for the parent to have their own referral.  Children are part of a family unit and parents may need to be seen individually in order to provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan. 

Currently Dr Hamilton has limited capacity to accept new referrals for 291 assessments, Independent Medical Examinations, Pre-Surgical assessments and second opinions.  She is not accepting new referrals for patients requiring longer-term treatment.

Click here for information about Independent Medical Examinations

Click here for information about Pre-Surgical Assessments

A list of current fees will be provided on request.  The fee charged will depend on the length of the session and the issues identified in your referral letter.  Additional fees may apply for report writing and for correspondence with other parties.  All fees are to be paid in full on the day of your appointment.  

Psychiatry services are usually provided as part of a GP referral and most patients are eligible for Medicare Rebates.  Rebates will be higher once you or your family reaches the annual Medicare Safety Net threshold.  Individuals are registered automatically, however couples and families must be formally registered with Medicare for this to take effect, and the family's details need to be updated as family members change (for instance when a child is born).  Call Medicare on 132 011 for more details, or click to learn more about the Medicare Safety Net

Private health insurance does not cover outpatient psychiatry appointments.  Check with your insurance company for details.  

Cancellation fees

Please provide at least 2 business days’ notice of any cancellation to avoid incurring a cancellation fee.  Cancellation fees do not attract a Medicare rebate and must be paid in full prior to your next appointment.

• Cancellations with less than 2 business days' notice will incur a cancellation fee of $100
• Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged a fee equal to the full cost of the appointment