NDIS Physiotherapy

Disability in Australia

Over 4 million Australians live with some type of disability that affects their mobility, mental, or sensory functions.

Treatment and support for a disability can be received through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). NDIS Physiotherapy can address a wide range of health conditions and help patients improve their well-being to live a healthier happier life.

What is the NDIS?

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is Australia’s first national Scheme for individuals with disabilities. The NDIS supplies funding directly to individuals for support and services related to their disability to help cover costs of NDIS registered providers.

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a rehabilitation modality with a focus on improving an individual’s function, mobility, and quality of life.

Physiotherapy can help individuals manage a variety of disabilities through various modalities, including home exercise programs, pain management, mobility aids, massage, and more.

Physiotherapists are professionally trained to provide personalised advice and treatment for a full range of chronic conditions and disabilities, including:

• Neurological injuries
• Cerebral palsy
• Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Strokes
• Genetic disorders
• Chromosomal disorders
• Physical disabilities
• Post-surgical recovery
• Intellectual disabilities
• Psychosocial disabilities
• Acquired brain injuries (ABIs)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Physiotherapy under the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia is there to provide support and funding for individuals with disabilities to access necessary services and therapies, including physiotherapy. NDIS Physiotherapy plays a significant role as it helps people with disabilities improve their physical functioning, manage pain, and enhance their overall well-being.

If you or anyone you know are NDIS participants and require physiotherapy, here are some key points to consider:

Who is eligible for NDIS?

There is a series of simple questions to see if you may be eligible to apply for the NDIS. These questions are just a guide, with the final decision regarding eligibility being up to the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency).

Here is a brief eligibility checklist for the NDIS, as copied from their site:

Are you between the ages of 7 and 65?

Are you an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder?

Do you have a disability caused by a permanent impairment?

Do you usually need disability-specific support to complete daily life activities?

While there are additional questions to ensure you qualify, if you answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions, you are likely eligible for NDIS physio services. Please feel free to reach out to us or the NDIS with any questions about eligibility.

How to access the NDIS

If you believe you are eligible for NDIS physio, this helpful link covers everything you need to know about how to apply for the NDIS.

NDIS plan

To access physiotherapy services through the NDIS, you must have an approved NDIS plan. This plan outlines your goals, needs, and the supports you are eligible for, including physiotherapy.

Funding for Physiotherapy: The NDIS provides funding for reasonable and necessary supports, which can include physiotherapy. The funding is allocated based on your individual needs and goals, as determined during the planning process.

Assessment and Prescription: Before commencing physiotherapy, an assessment by a qualified physiotherapist at your first appointment is usually required to understand your specific needs and develop a tailored treatment plan. The physiotherapist will work with you to identify your goals and the strategies needed to achieve them.

Choosing a Physiotherapist: When selecting a physiotherapist, it is essential to choose someone experienced in working with people with disabilities. Look for a provider who understands the NDIS and has expertise in the relevant areas of NDIS registered physiotherapy.

Service Agreements: Before beginning physiotherapy, you and your chosen physiotherapist will need to establish a service agreement that outlines the services to be provided, the frequency of sessions, and the associated costs. The agreement should be in line with the guidelines set by the NDIS.

Plan reviews

NDIS plans are typically reviewed every 12 months or when there are significant changes in your circumstances. During the review process, you can discuss your physiotherapy goals and any changes or adjustments needed to your plan.

It’s important to note that the NDIS guidelines and processes may evolve over time, so it’s advisable to check the official NDIS website or contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) for the most up-to-date information on accessing physiotherapy services through the NDIS.

NDIS physiotherapy services

To become a NDIS registered provider or registered providers, you would need to meet the requirements set by the NDIS Commission, which is responsible for registering and regulating providers under the NDIS. These requirements may include:

Appropriate qualifications: You would need to have completed a recognised physiotherapy degree or equivalent qualification supporting your physiotherapy services.

Professional registration: You would typically need to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a physiotherapy services work.

What are NDIS therapeutic supports?

Therapeutic supports often include targeted services that can help patients perform daily activities easier and boost their independence.

• These therapeutic supports often aim to improve areas such as:
• Grooming, hygiene, and personal care
• Community participation
• Interpersonal interactions
• Relationships
• Pain relief
• Movement and mobility
• Communication and language skills
• NDIS Funding Limits

NDIS physiotherapy fees

NDIS physiotherapy fees are determined by the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency). The NDIS regulates the service fees for physiotherapy, often updating its pricing every 12 months to ensure participants get the best value for their money.

For more information on NDIS Funding Limits and pricing information, click here or contact the NDIS.

Lilyfield Physiotherapy and NDIS support

At Lilyfield Physiotherapy we currently cover NDIS participants who are Plan Managed or Self Managed NDIS recipients. We offer health professionals experienced in both Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology.

At Lilyfield Physio we really love helping people with chronic disability get the best out of life!