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Get the best care for your patients
How it works for GPs
You’ll write a referral letter
Include as much background on you patients mental and physical health as you can. Address the referral to ‘Dokotela specialists’ and send via Healthlink (EDI: Dokotela), fax (02 8569 1844), or email (referrals@dokotela.com.au).
You can also request a referral template for Best Practice/ Medical Director here.
Option to join the appointment
This part is completely up to you and your patient. Near the end of the call, feel free to hop on to talk through your patient's treatment plan, possible medications and ongoing care.
Receive the appointment summary
We'll then send you a summary and the comprehensive treatment plan as soon as they're ready.
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A visit from your patient
Your patient will book a follow-up appointment with you to chat through the treatment plan. If they need some more ongoing support, we have specialists available throughout the journey.
Patients benefit from your support
As a GP, actively participating in the process can greatly benefit your patient. Discover more about our collaborative care model.
Try our referral kit
Request your referral kit with more information on Dokotela for both you and your patients.
Why you’ll love working with Dokotela
No one gets left behind. Our mission is to support everyone who needs help and is suitable for outpatient treatment.
Our goal is always to find the perfect specialist for each patient's unique needs. The Dokotela specialists prefer a holistic approach, which is why we would prefer a more detailed referral.
Short wait times are a big focus for us - having a team of psychiatrists from all around Australia and patients who are able to attend at short notice (with no travel required) is a significant benefit.
Our comprehensive tailored treatment plans will ensure you're always in the loop. Your role in our collaborative care is entirely up to you.
We offer lower cost options, meaning we get to help even more people. We also have funding options available for patients living in South West Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains and Central Eastern Sydney.
At the heart of Dokotela, we're a caring community where you can feel fully supported as a GP. Our psychiatrists are available to speak with you via asynchronous messaging and like the opportunity to speak with you regarding mutual patients.
Make a difference with us
At Dokotela, we believe that everyone deserves access to the best possible mental health care regardless of their location.
Mental health challenges affect 1 in 5 Australians each year, making timely access to care crucial. Access to mental health services is particularly challenging in rural areas, where only 3% of psychiatrists practice, leaving many patients struggling to receive the care they need.
That's where we come in – and where you can make a difference. We're seeking dedicated GPs who share our passion for improving mental health care. By partnering with Dokotela, you can help bridge this gap and ensure your patients receive expert care, no matter where they live.
What doctors say
Don't just take our word for it. Learn why they believe this collaboration benefits both their practice and their patients.
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Your questions answered
Referrals for psychiatry : Please provide a referral addressed to ‘Dokotela’ and if appropriate specifically request a 12 month treatment plan’ (this is required for rural/regional patients to be bulk billed for their first appointment)
Referrals for Psychologists: Please send a mental health care plan addressed to ‘Dokotela’
Please send by Healthlink (EDI: Dokotela), fax (02) 8569 1844 or referrals@dokotela.com.au
We believe that the GP maintains the central role in patient care. We discuss the treatment plan with you, and if you are happy, we ask you to prescribe the medication (unless it is a particular type of medication the Specialist must prescribe).Alternatively, our Specialists can prescribe and send prescriptions to the patient’s phone.
All you need is computer or tablet with internet connection, sound, a microphone and a camera. That’s it.
Our extensive, experienced team of Psychiatrists cover a wide range of sub-specialisations as well as the entire age range. We recommend that you address the referral to “Dokotela Specialists” and we will ensure that your patient will be seen by the most appropriate specialist.
GPs may be eligible to bill MBS Item numbers 3 or 23, if spending time with the patient following the consult to go through the treatment plan and write prescriptions. Your practice nurse can bill MBS item 10983 as incentive to facilitate the consultation.
Yes absolutely, where appropriate we can book multiple appointments with the client. If you would like a one-off assessment for your client, please request ‘Medicare item 291’ on the referral. Our specialists will prepare a detailed 12 monthly management plan (including diagnosis), so you are fully equipped to manage the patient’s needs. This will be bulk billed for rural patients who have not seen a psychiatrist in the last 12 months (excluding ADD, which incurs a fee).
If you would like the treatment plan reviewed, we will need a new referral (this is due to the Medicare item numbers). All follow-up appointments incur an out-of-pocket fee. Alternatively, if you would prefer an initial appointment as part of ongoing treatment, please also indicate this on the referral. All of these appointments incur an out of pocket fee.
Please refer to our fees page for the latest and most accurate information.
Wait times for appointments will vary depending on the patient’s needs and availability at that point in time. Please refer to ourbanner for the latest and most accurate information.
Please call (02)8003 7668 and one of our friendly clinic staff will assist you to troubleshoot.
A live chat option is also available after you click on the button ‘Connect to video’ on our website.
