Today we are talking about the health care system and how you can go about accessing and affording treatment. A lot of people, understandably, find themselves very disillusioned with the health system. But this is exactly the thing we don’t want to happen! It is so so important to keep trying when it comes to treatment, and it’s why we want to make this process super clear for you with today’s episode. Even if you are not new to eating disorder treatment, we encourage you to give this episode a listen as there may be options and resources available that you haven't considered before.
⏰ As this episode is a long one and covers a lot of ground, we have timestamped key sections below, so you can skip forward to the parts that are relevant to you:
3:57 - Building a relationship with a GP, how to prepare for an initial appointment with a GP and how an ongoing relationship with GP can benefit you in your recovery
6:20 - Medicare subsidies for eating disorder treatment, how to access these, and the eligibility criteria (including Mental Health Treatment Plans, Eating Disorder Plans, and Enhanced Primary Care Plans)
11:38 - Treatment in the public health system (inpatient programs, outpatient programs, eating disorder day programs, Adult Mental Health Service)
16:22 - Treatment in the private health system (private clinicians, private hospital services)
21:24 - Costs and affordability of treatment (accessing treatment in the private system, bulk billing, subsidised costs for health care cardholders)
27:30 - Free and low-cost complementary support options (EDV services, peer support options, self-help resources)
32:04 - Navigating long waitlists for psychologists with the heightened demand due to COVID-19
35:30 - Accessing treatment in regional or rural areas of Victoria
For more information about treatment pathways: www.eatingdisorders.org.au/my-eating-disorder-recovery-journey/eating-disorder-treatment-for-adults/
Enjoy this podcast? Subscribe/follow to ensure you never miss an episode!
This podcast is informed by lived experience and professional practice. It is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice. If this podcast prompts you to seek further help and if you live in Victoria, our team at the EDV Hub is here to listen and support you. The EDV Hub is a free and confidential helpline service providing information and peer support for Victorians experiencing eating disorders and those who are supporting them. The EDV Hub operates Monday-Friday from 9:30AM to 4:30PM.
Web Enquiry: www.eatingdisorders.org.au
If you are located outside of Victoria, please contact The Butterfly Foundation: www.butterfly.org.au
Instagram: @eatingdisordersvictoria
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EatingDisordersVictoria/
Music thanks to Purple Planet.
EDV acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is recorded. The Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to elders past, present, and emerging.
