How can I make a referral? Please be advised that Dr Yasmin Baliz is currently on maternity leave and is not taking on new referrals at this time. Dr Baliz plans to return from leave at the end of 2020.
Usually, a referral enquiry can be made via phone or e-mail. If assessment and/or intervention is deemed appropriate, then please complete the referral/consent form (below) and return via email. A referral will only be accepted once this form has been received.
How much does the assessment cost? The cost varies depending on the length and service requested. Medicare provides rebates for some services offered by CNS. Medicare does not provide rebates for specific neuropsychological services, which are invoiced as a full fee for service arrangement. Please contact CNS for further information. You will be informed of the estimated cost at the initial discussion regarding a referral.
Medicare Rebates
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan* :
For people with a chronic medical condition (i.e. that has or is expected to last more than 6 months are eligible for this plan)
Medicare provides rebates for up to 5 sessions
These 5 sessions can be used across a combination of services (i.e. three for psychology and two for occupational therapy)
The plan can be used for a year after the date of referral
The referral requires a GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements (TCA)
*Formerly the ‘Enhanced Primary Care’ Plan
Better Access to Mental Health Care Plan:
For people with an assessed mental issue
Medicare provides rebates for up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions
The plan can be used for a year after the date of referral
Referral via a GP Mental Health Care Plan, or a letter from a psychiatrist or paediatrician
Helping Children with Autism Initiative:
Children under 13 years of age requiring an assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Medicare provide rebates for up to 4 sessions
An Autism Assessment referral from a paediatrician is required
Children under 15 years of age requiring treatment for an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Medicare provide rebates for up to 20 early intervention treatment sessions in a lifetime (not based on the calendar year)
An Autism Treatment Plan referral from a paediatrician is required
Better Start for Children with a Disability Initiative:
For children with one of the disabilities specified by Medicare, including sight or hearing impairment, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Prader Willi, and William's syndrome.
Children under 13 years of age with a diagnosed disability requiring an assessment
Medicare provide rebates for up to 4 sessions in a lifetime (not based on the calendar year)
A GP or specialist referral is required
Children under 15 years of age with a diagnosed disability requiring therapy
Medicare provide rebates for up to 20 treatment services in a lifetime (not based on the calendar year)
A GP or specialist referral is required
It is advised that you call Medicare on 132 150 to confirm your eligibility prior to your first appointment.
Accessing services with your plan When your doctor creates your referral, it registers on the Medicare system, meaning that you can only access services from that day, and meaning that they know you have access to rebates. Once your GP has arranged a referral under a plan, bring your referral to CNS in order to start accessing rebates. Currently all session payments and Medicare rebates are processed electronically.
Private Health Rebates You may be eligible to receive rebates from your private health insurance. CNS are registered with most of the major private health insurers. Please speak to your insurer to check your level of extras cover.
Cancellation Policy Fees for cancellation of appointments will be charged if no replacement service is billed for the lost time. The following is a general guideline for the cancellation fees (per session):
0-24 hours notice: Full fee 24-48 hours notice: 50% of fee 48 hour - 7 days notice: 25% of fee More than 7 days notice: No fee