Accessing Support for Eating Disorders
Understanding the Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) and its benefits for those living with an eating disorder.
In a significant step towards improving care for those with eating disorders, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care recently released the 2024 Evaluation of the Eating Disorder Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) Items. This evaluation was conducted by universities including La Trobe, Deakin, Flinders, Monash, and Western Sydney. It focused on whether the MBS items are effectively meeting the needs of individuals with eating disorders, their carers, and healthcare professionals.
What is the Eating Disorder Plan (EDP)?
The Eating Disorder MBS items—often referred to as an Eating Disorder Plan (EDP)—were introduced in 2019. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive, subsidised support for people with complex eating disorder needs, including conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. The EDP allows for:
Initial assessments and treatment plans by medical professionals
Up to 40 psychological sessions with mental health professionals
Up to 20 dietetic sessions with dietitians
Regular treatment reviews by GPs or specialists to monitor progress
These services are crucial for offering a tailored, person-centered approach to eating disorder treatment.
Key Findings from the Evaluation
The evaluation highlights the positive impact of the EDP on patients, highlighting:
Improved symptoms for those who accessed treatment through an EDP
A greater number of psychological sessions available compared to other programs
Enhanced access to multidisciplinary care, which includes both mental health and dietary support
Positive feedback from both individuals and carers, who appreciated the availability of knowledgeable providers
While these outcomes demonstrate the success of the initiative, the report also identified areas for improvement, especially in raising awareness about the EDP among GPs, individuals living with an eating disorder, and carers.
For GPs and health professionals: Improving the EDP for All
For GPs and health professionals, resources such as the NEDC's eLearning for GPs and the InsideOut GP Hub can help in understanding and implementing the EDP.
For more information on how to access an Eating Disorder Plan, or to discuss whether an EDP might be appropriate for you or your patients, feel free to contact us at Your Nutrition: hello@yournutrition.au
Reference: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/evaluation-of-the-eating-disorders-medicare-benefit-schedule-items-2024
