FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO YOU SEE PEOPLE WHO HAVE NDIS FUNDING?
Yes, if you are self managing your funding, or are plan managed, we welcome you to our service. We know it can be a little challenging to navigate the NDIS at times, and we are here to help you make the most of your therapy options for your plan.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
If you would like to book an appointment, you can either email us at admin@thetherapyspacewa.com.au or phone our head office on (08) 9272 1424. We can help you work out the best option for your first appointment.
CAN I USE MY PRIVATE HEALTH FUNDING TO CLAIM ON COSTS OF THERAPY?
We have many clients who already benefit from this option. Our suggestion is to contact your health fund and ask them if you are covered for 'occupational therapy'. Most funds provide this in their extras cover for initial and followup consultations, and may also reimburse for the costs of splints and casts.
ARE THERAPY COSTS COVERED UNDER MEDICARE?
Generally, therapy in Australia is not covered under Medicare, however there are two main avenues to accessing therapy through Medicare. The first is the Chronic Disease Management Plan and the second is the Mental Health Care Plan. Both require an assessment from your doctor for eligibility and we also require a referral from your doctor for these programs.
WHAT IS THE CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT PLAN (CDMP)?
This Plan (also sometimes known as the Enhanced Primary Care Plan) outlines Allied Health Care requirements beyond standard care for people with complex or chronic conditions. You can use the CDMP plan for 5 individual OT sessions and will receive a certain amount rebated per visit. The amount may increase if you are over the medicare safety net. The item number is 10958.
WHAT IS THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN?
You or your child may be eligible for Occupational Therapy under a Mental Health Plan with our accredited therapist. This will enable you to claim a Medicare rebate for 20 Occupational Therapy sessions a year. You may be initially referred for six sessions then we will review and you may be eligible for four more sessions. You will be reimbursed a certain amount that may increase if you are over the safety net. The item number is 80135.
I HAVE AN INJURY UNDER WORKCOVER. CAN I COME TO THE THERAPY SPACE?
Yes, we see many individuals on Workcover claims for a variety of injuries. We work closely with you, and your health team to get you back to work confidently. We require a claim number and approval from your insurance company to begin therapy, which usually starts with a referral from your doctor or surgeon.
I HAVE FUNDING UNDER THE BETTER START PROGRAM. CAN I USE THIS AT THE THERAPY SPACE?
Yes, The Therapy Space is an approved provider for Department of Social Services (DSS) for children 0-7 years olds
Better Start - The Better Start for Children with Disability Initiative. This assistance can then be used for Occupational Therapy sessions or to purchase equipment suggested by your Occupational Therapist.
MY HAND SURGEON WANTS ME TO COME TO THERAPY. IS THIS NECESSARY?
We think so. At The Therapy Space, we can enhance the success of your surgery by providing advice on using your hand, protecting your surgery with splinting or casting as directed by your surgeon, and help with managing your wound care. We work closely with your surgeon to get you back to the things you love.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO COME AND ACCESS THERAPY?
Yes and no! If you are funded under an insurance scheme, such as Workcover, have funding under a government health scheme such as Medicare funded plans or the Better Start Program, then yes we need a referral. We also need a referral if you are using funding under the Department of Veterans Affairs. Private clients who are paying for their own therapy costs an are not receiving funding, are welcome to attend with no referral.
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