NDIS Occupational Therapy Service Fees - NDIS, Medicare, Private sessions

Your first session is an initial assessment where your therapist gets to know you. We'll talk about your goals, daily challenges, health history, and living situation. From there, we'll work with you to develop a personalised therapy plan. Depending on your needs, we may also visit your home, school, or workplace.

Group therapy provides a supportive environment where you can connect with others facing similar challenges. If offers peer encouragement, practical strategies, and a safe space to practice social and coping skills.

To maximise the benefits of group therapy, our therapists thoughfully create groups where members can connect, share, and support one another through similar challenges. If you would like to join the waitlist for a group therapy session, our friendly team would be happy to assist you.

Virtual Reality Therapy is becoming increasingly popular and is transforming the way individuals build skills, confidence, independence, and motivation. If you would like to learn more about how virtual reality therapy can support you, read our blog on Virtual Reality in Occupational Therapy

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government initiative designed to support people with significant and permanent disabilities. It provides funding for services and supports that are tailored to an individual's needs, enabling them to live as independently as possible.

The NDIS focuses on long term assistance, including therapies, equipment, and personal care, to help participants achieve their goals in areas like education, employment, and social participation.

In contrast, Medicare is Australia's universal health care system that covers basic medical services for all Australians, including doctor visits, hospital care, and essential treatments. Medicare is not specifically designed for disability related needs but rather offers general health care. While both NDIS and Medicare are government funded, NDIS is more specialised in supporting people with disabilities, whereas Medicare provides broad health coverage for the general population.

An NDIS plan is a personalised support plan created for participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia. The plan outlines the individual's goals, needs, and the types of support and services they are eligible to receive under the NDIS. Here are the key components of an NDIS plan:

• Personal Goals: The plan includes the participant's goals and aspirations, such as improving daily living skills, gaining employment, or increasing community participation.
• Support Categories: It details the types of support and services required to achieve these goals. This can include personal care, therapy services, assistive technology, or home modifications.
• Funding Allocation: The plan specifies how much funding is allocated for different categories of support and how this funding can be used. This can be in the form of core supports, capital supports, or capacity building supports.
• Service Providers: It may list approved service providers or allow participants to choose their own providers to deliver the necessary supports.
• Plan Review: The plan is reviewed periodically (usually annually) to assess progress and make adjustments based on changes in needs, goals, or circumstances. This is where you gather all of your provider's progress reports or updated functional assessment reports

Overall, an NDIS plan is designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the necessary support to live as independently and inclusively as possible.

If you wish to schedule an occupational therapy appointment, please get in touch with our friendly team.

If you are eligible for NDIS, you can contact your local NDIS office or local NDIS partner or call 1800 800 110 and ask for an NDIS Access Request Form to be mailed or emailed to you. You can also download and complete the NDIS Access Request Form on your computer and email it to enquiries@ndis.gov.au with supporting documentation.

Currently, Choose Therapy only offers services to Self-Managed and Plan Managed NDIS Participants.

Occupational Therapy is normally funded under Improved Daily Living. This category of funding aims to support you in acquiring essential skills to boost your independence, enhance your confidence, and better manage the daily challenges you encounter.

The short answer is no. We currently charge a small gap fee of $38.20 (out of pocket) applies to standard 30-minute sessions.

NOTE: To book an occupational therapy session under Medicare, you will need a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (Care Plan) that has been prepared or reviewed within the last 18 months is required.

Yes, in certain circumstances. There are currently four Medicare funding programs that can be accessed by occupational therapists, including the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program, Better Access to Mental Health, and programs for children with complex neurodevelopmental disorders.

The most commonly used is the CDM program: eligible patients with a GP chronic condition management plan can access up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year, shared across all eligible allied health professions.

To access this program, you will need a referral from your GP and a care plan that has been prepared or reviewed within the last 18 months. Please note that the CDM program is not designed for ongoing therapy and may not be suitable for everyone.

Children under 25 with a suspected or confirmed complex neurodevelopmental disorder (such as autism spectrum disorder) or eligible disability can be referred by a GP or specialist for OT services under the Medicare M10 program. Children with eligible disabilities can access up to 4 diagnostic/assessment services and up to 20 intervention sessions under this program. Speak to your GP or paediatrician about whether your child is eligible for this program and to get a referral for OT services.

No problem. Private OT sessions are available to individuals who may not qualify for government funded programs like the NDIS or Medicare or who prefer to access additional or specific services beyond what is covered.

Paying privately allows for greater flexibility in choosing the therapist, the type of therapy, and the frequency of sessions, making it an option for those seeking more personalised or immediate care.

If you wish to schedule an OT appointment or have any questions regarding the process, please get in touch with our team.

Currently, Choose Therapy does not accept private health cover directly. However, if you have private health insurance with extras cover (allied health services), you may be eligible to claim a rebate for your occupational therapy sessions.