Information about antenatal 4001 item

The Department of Health and Aged Care’s Pregnancy Support Counselling initiative provides for Medicare benefits to be paid for non-directive pregnancy support counselling services provided to a person who is:

• pregnant; or
• has been pregnant in the preceding 12 months

GPs are eligible to bill once they have completed the required course.

Non-directive counselling

Non-directive counselling is a form of counselling based on the understanding that, in many situations, people can resolve their own problems without being provided with a solution by the counsellor.

The counsellor’s role is to encourage the person to express their feelings but not suggest what decision the person should make.

By listening and reflecting back what the person reveals to them, the counsellor helps them to explore and understand their feelings.

With this understanding, the person is able to make the decision which is best for them.

The service involves the GP undertaking a safe, confidential process which helps the patient explore concerns they have about a current pregnancy or a pregnancy which occurred in the preceding 12 months.

This includes providing, on request, unbiased, evidence-based information about all options and services available to the patient.

Minimum requirements

Non-directive counselling may only be provided by a GP who has completed appropriate non-directive pregnancy counselling training.

Please see below for further information:

Available courses accessible via gplearning (gpl.racgp.org.au). A login is required:

• Pregnancy advice and support (4 CPD hours – completion entitled to claim MBS item 4001)
• Pregnancy support counselling (Department of Health and Aged Care)
• Item 4001 | Medicare Benefits Schedule (Department of Health and Aged Care)