If you are having an ADHD assessment with a GP via telehealth, you can claim a Medicare rebate for most of the consultation. This guide explains which MBS items apply, how much you get back, and what you actually pay out of pocket.
Quick links
- Which MBS items cover a telehealth ADHD assessment?
- How much does Medicare rebate?
- What you actually pay out of pocket
- GP assessment vs private psychiatrist: cost comparison
- How to claim your Medicare rebate
Which MBS items cover a telehealth ADHD assessment?
A GP ADHD assessment is billed under standard Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers. The item depends on how long the consultation takes.
For in-person consultations:
- MBS Item 44 (Level D): 40 minutes or more. Schedule fee: $125.10. This is the item most initial ADHD assessments are billed under, because a thorough assessment typically runs 45 to 60 minutes.
- MBS Item 36 (Level C): 20 minutes or more. Schedule fee: $84.90. Sometimes used for shorter follow-up appointments.
For telehealth (video) consultations:
- MBS Item 91802 (Level D video): 40 minutes or more. Schedule fee: $125.10. The telehealth equivalent of Item 44.
- MBS Item 91801 (Level C video): 20 minutes or more. Schedule fee: $84.90. The telehealth equivalent of Item 36.
The schedule fees for video consultations are identical to in-person consultations. You get the same Medicare rebate regardless of whether you attend in person or via video. All fees listed are from the MBS Online schedule, current as of 1 July 2025.
How much does Medicare rebate?
For GP consultations, the Medicare benefit is 100% of the schedule fee. That means:
- For a Level D consultation (Item 44 or 91802): Medicare rebate of $125.10
- For a Level C consultation (Item 36 or 91801): Medicare rebate of $84.90
If a GP bulk-bills, you pay nothing. If the GP charges above the schedule fee (which most GPs specialising in ADHD assessments do), the difference between their fee and the schedule fee is your out-of-pocket cost.
What you actually pay out of pocket
Every GP sets their own fees. There is no standard price for a GP ADHD assessment. Some practices charge closer to the schedule fee. Others charge significantly more to reflect the extra time and expertise involved.
A typical two-appointment pathway (initial assessment plus follow-up) might look like this:
- Initial assessment (Level D, 40+ minutes): GP fee varies by practice. Medicare rebate: $125.10.
- Follow-up appointment (Level C or D): GP fee varies by practice. Medicare rebate: $84.90 to $125.10 depending on consultation length.
Your total out-of-pocket cost depends entirely on what the GP charges. Always check fees with your GP before booking. Many GP profiles on this site list their consultation fees directly.
GP assessment vs private psychiatrist: cost comparison
A private psychiatrist ADHD assessment in Australia typically costs $600 to $1,600+, with wait times of 3 to 12 months. The Medicare rebate for a psychiatrist consultation is lower as a percentage of the actual fee charged, so out-of-pocket costs are usually higher.
A GP ADHD assessment via telehealth is generally more affordable and more accessible. In Queensland, GPs with appropriate training can diagnose and prescribe for ADHD in adults without a psychiatrist referral.
How to claim your Medicare rebate
- You pay the full fee at your appointment (or beforehand, depending on the practice).
- The practice gives you a receipt with the MBS item number.
- Submit your claim through the Medicare app, myGov, or at a Services Australia office.
- The rebate is deposited into your bank account, usually within a few days.
Some practices process the Medicare claim on your behalf at the time of the appointment, so you only pay the gap. Ask your practice what their process is when you book.
We will update this page if the policy is confirmed.
Related reading
- How a telehealth ADHD assessment works from start to finish
- Can any GP prescribe ADHD medication in Australia?
- ADHD medication shortage in Australia: what to do if you cannot fill your script
References
- MBS Online. Item 44: General practitioner Level D attendance, 40+ minutes. Schedule fee $125.10. mbsonline.gov.au
- MBS Online. Item 36: General practitioner Level C attendance, 20+ minutes. Schedule fee $84.90. mbsonline.gov.au
- MBS Online. Item 91802: GP video attendance Level D, 40+ minutes. Schedule fee $125.10. mbsonline.gov.au
- MBS Online. Item 91801: GP video attendance Level C, 20+ minutes. Schedule fee $84.90. mbsonline.gov.au
- All schedule fees current as of 1 July 2025. Fees are updated annually by the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Do I get a Medicare rebate for a telehealth ADHD assessment?
Yes. GP video consultations for ADHD assessments are covered under Medicare. The rebate is the same as for an in-person consultation. A Level D consultation (40 minutes or more) attracts a rebate of $125.10 under MBS Item 91802. A Level C consultation (20 minutes or more) attracts a rebate of $84.90 under MBS Item 91801.
What MBS item number is used for a GP ADHD assessment?
Most initial ADHD assessments are billed under MBS Item 44 (in person) or Item 91802 (video), both Level D consultations lasting 40 minutes or more. Follow-up appointments may use Item 36 (in person) or Item 91801 (video), both Level C consultations lasting 20 minutes or more.
How much does a GP ADHD assessment cost out of pocket?
It depends on the GP’s fee. Medicare rebates $125.10 for a Level D consultation (40+ minutes). If the GP charges more than the schedule fee, you pay the difference. Every GP sets their own fees, so check with the practice before booking.
Is a telehealth ADHD assessment cheaper than seeing a psychiatrist?
Generally, yes. A private psychiatrist ADHD assessment in Australia typically costs $600 to $1,600+, with long wait times. A GP telehealth assessment is usually more affordable, and in Queensland, trained GPs can diagnose and prescribe for adult ADHD without a psychiatrist referral.
How do I claim the Medicare rebate after my appointment?
Your GP practice will give you a receipt with the MBS item number. You can submit your claim through the Medicare app, myGov, or at a Services Australia office. The rebate is usually deposited within a few days. Some practices process the claim for you at the time of the appointment, so you only pay the gap.
General health information
This article is general health information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with a qualified health professional before making any changes to your medication or treatment plan.
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