EmailHospital Circular 13/2006
Date Issued: 20 July 2006
Publication: 13/2006
Distribution: Public Hospitals
Subject: Victorian Workcover Authority: Changed arrangements for payment of inpatient mental health services in designated mental health units.
The Victorian Workcover Authority (VWA) has agreed to commence payment for inpatient mental health services in designated units on a bedday basis from 1 July 2006. VWA will pay for all mental health inpatient services in designated units at published public rates. Previously these payments have been WIES funded. This change will bring VWA onto the same payment basis as TAC compensable patients. Hospitals will need to invoice VWA insurers directly as for other services.
Arrangements for mental health separations in non-designated units will remain WIES funded.
The VWA will need to make some adjustments to their systems to take on the capability of paying by bed day instead of by episode. Therefore hospitals are requested not to invoice VWA until 1 November 2006 for any Mental Health services provided for the 2006-07 financial year.
Please contact Mignonne de Witt at DHS on 9096 8092 if you wish to clarify any issues.
| Lance Wallace Executive Director Metropolitan Health and Aged Care Services |
Dr C W Brook Executive Director Rural Health and Aged Care Services |
