Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) Skills Training
Definition
Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) refers to specific mental healthcare treatments based on evidence-based psychological therapies. Under the Better Access initiative, GPs who are registered FPS providers can use a range of recognised FPS that fall into the following two categories:
- cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
- interpersonal therapy (ITP).
Objectives
To develop skills in the provision of evidence-based psychological interventions as part of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (GPMHTP) for common mental health illnesses.
Key learning outcomes
- Select and use the appropriate evidence-based FPS that are relevant to patient issues and needs as outlined in the GP MHTP
- Incorporate the perspectives and needs of the patient, their carers and others in the patient’s network as outlined in the GP MHTP, into the FPS that you provide
- Use your practice’s systems to identify local services and resources that safeguard patient safety and help to provide holistic mental healthcare to patients
- Use appropriate MBS item numbers relating to the provision of mental healthcare
- Understand the value of regular professional supervision with a more experienced mental health professional and of completing other professional development in order to maintain and extend your skills in the provision of FPS.
Prerequisites
Valid Medicare Provider number/s issued by the Australian Government Department of Human Services.
Successful completion of Mental Health Skills Training (MHST).
Requirements
Successful completion of an accredited FPS ST course.
This includes 20 hours minimum of education – comprising of 12 hours minimum of face-to-face or live interacting training and 8 hours interactive structured learning, plus a predisposing and reinforcing activity.
View accredited RACGP courses here.
View accredited ACRRM courses here.
MBS item numbers
Vocationally Registered (VR) GPs who complete the requirements of FPS ST may be eligible to claim the following MBS items:
2721 – Provision of FPS (professional attendance at consulting rooms), lasting at least 30 minutes, but less than 40 minutes
2723 – Provision of FPS (professional attendance at a place other than consulting rooms), lasting least 30 minutes, but less than 40 minutes
2725 – Provision of FPS (professional attendance at consulting rooms), lasting at least 40 minutes.
2727 – Provision of FPS (professional attendance at a place other than consulting rooms), lasting at least 40 minutes.
As of July 1 2018, non-VR GPs who complete the requirements of FPS ST and apply to Medicare may be eligible to claim MBS items 283 – 287.
For more information on the above mental health MBS item numbers, please visit MBS online.
Ongoing requirements
To maintain registration with Medicare Australia as a FPS provider, GPs are required to complete at least one FPS CPD course every triennium (beginning after the first triennium in which FPS ST was completed). This will ensure continued use of MBS items that relate to the provision of FPS.
View accredited FPS CPD courses.
Action
Upon successful completion of an accredited FPS ST course, you can apply to Medicare Australia as a registered provider of FPS.
GPs can required to complete the application to register as a GP provider of FPS with Medicare form and send supporting documentation to gpmhsc@racgp.org.au.
The GPMHSC will advise Medicare that you have completed FPS ST. Medicare will update your provider eligibility and advise you in writing when this has occurred, usually within 4–6 weeks after your application is received.