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Predictors of mental health services utilisation and costs for Australian women

Synopsis

In 2006, new Medicare items were rolled out under the ‘Better Access Scheme’ (BAS) to improve access to mental health care. The Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health (ALSWH) data provided an opportunity to examine factors associated with uptake of the BAS by women across three cohorts. Women were selected based on their BAS use, recent diagnosis of depression/anxiety and consent to Medicare. Gradual uptake of the new BAS services has been assess with area of residence and educational differences in uptake observed.