Understanding the Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP)

May 11, 2024

What is an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP)?

The Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP) is a Medicare program that supports individuals to access eating disorder treatment at a reduced rate.

What services are supported through an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP)?

The EDP supports:

Up to 20 sessions with an Eating Disorder Dietitian
And up to 40 sessions with an Eating Disorder Trained Mental Health Professional (including Psychologists, Social Workers and Occupational Therapists)

Meet our team of Eating Disorder Dietitians here.

What conditions qualify for an EDP referral?

The following diagnoses are eligible for a referral through the EDP program.

Diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, or
Diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) – note these diagnoses will require further review by your doctor to assess level of severity

How much rebate (money back) can I expect per service?

You can expect:

$60.35 back per Dietitian appointment

and

$60.35 back per Occupational Therapy, Social Work appointment
$96.65 back per Psychologist appointment
$141.85 back per Clinical Psychologist appointment

Note your medicare rebate will increase when you reach your Extended Medicare Safety Net, where you can then receive up to 80% of the total appointment cost back.

How do I get a referral for an EDP?

To access a referral you will need to book an appointment with your GP, or alternatively a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist, and ask them to complete an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP).

Note that some GPs may not be familiar with the EDP as it is a relatively new program – it can be helpful to take a copy of the referral template to assist the referral process. Linked below.

Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EPD) Referral Form

How long does an EDP referral last?

Your EDP referral will last 12 months from the date of referral.

Do I need to see a Psychiatrist to access the EDP?

You do not require a Psychiatrist review to access your 20 Dietitian appointments.

However, you do require a Psychiatrist review following the completion of 20 Mental Health appointments, to assess whether you are eligible for the remaining 20 appointments. Think of this as a half way check point.

Note many Psychology clinics recommend booking your Psychiatrist appointment as soon as possible, as wait times can be lengthy.

Other FAQ

– What is the difference between a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) and an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP)?

A Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) is a Medicare initiative that offers individuals with a chronic medical condition up to 5 sessions with an Allied Health Professional. This includes Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Exercise Physiology, as well as Diabetes Education, Mental Health Services and Aboriginal and Torres Stait Islander Health Services.

Chronic medical conditions are those that have been, or are likely to be, present for at least 6 months.

Whereas, an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP) is only eligible for individuals with a diagnosed eating disorder. The EDP offers 20 sessions with an Eating Disorder Dietitian, and up to 40 sessions with an Eating Disorder Trained Mental Health Clinician.

Some GPs may initially refer clients with an Eating Disorder via CDM, however please note this referral will only allow access to up to 5 sessions, compared to 20 through an EDP.

– I have already accessed Dietitian services through my Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM), am I still eligible for an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP)?

Yes, you can still qualify for an EDP referral if you have utilised Dietitian services through a CDM referral.

However please note services are capped at a total of 20 per calendar year. Therefore if you have used 5 sessions via a CDM referral, you will only have access to 15 sessions through the EDP, rather than 20.