In November 2019, Medicare introduced 64 new MBS items to support the diagnosis and multi-disciplinary management of eating disorders. With an EDP, patients can access a Medicare rebate for up to 20 sessions with a dietitian and up to 40 sessions with a clinical psychologist in a 12 month period.

Clients wanting an EDP will need to book a long/double appointment with their GP to be assessed.

Patients with a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa are automatically eligible for an EDP.

Patients with a diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder must meet both of these criteria:

• An EDE-Q (see below) score of 3 or more; and
• Rapid weight loss OR binge eating 3 or more times a week OR inappropriate compensatory behaviour 3 or more times a week.

Patients in this group must also meet at least 2 of the following criteria:

• Body weight less than 85% of expected weight as a result of an eating disorder;
• High risk of, or current medical complications due to, eating disorder behaviours and symptoms;
• Serious comorbid medical or psychological conditions that significantly impact their medical or psychological health;
• Hospital admittance for an eating disorder in the last 12 months;
• Inadequate treatment response to evidence-based eating disorder treatments over the last 6 months.