Understand the different disciplines
Allied health covers a range of professions, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, dietetics and other disciplines. Each has a distinct scope. Ask which practitioner is appropriate for the support being considered.
Confirm qualifications and supervision
Ask about the practitioner’s qualifications and the registration or professional accreditation applicable to their discipline. Therapy assistance has a different role and needs an appropriate plan, delegation and supervision. Do not assume a support worker is a therapist.
Check the funding requirements
A service being offered by a provider does not make it an approved NDIS expense. Confirm the participant’s plan, the relevant funding requirements and the proposed service before booking.
Agree the service and price
Request current fees in Australian dollars, the appointment length, report costs, travel, cancellations and any other charges. There is no single fee or standard funding amount that applies to every participant or discipline.
Review how the arrangement works
Discuss goals, communication preferences, accessibility and how progress or changed needs will be reviewed. If considering telehealth, ask whether it is suitable for the person and the task rather than assuming every therapy can be delivered remotely.
Official information
Use the latest official guidance and confirm what applies to the participant’s circumstances.