Funding
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
You do not need a referral from a doctor to see a speech pathologist at the clinic. We recommend that you contact your private health fund to ensure that our services are covered.
Eligibility for Funding
Medicare
Medicare does not cover speech pathology services unless the client has a current Chronic Disease Management Plan (Previously known as the Enhanced Primary Care Plan). This referral is made by the client’s GP and covers five allied health services per year. Your GP will nominate the number of sessions that your child will receive. The five sessions may cover one type of service (e.g. speech pathology) or a combination of different types of services including speech pathology, audiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy etc. You will receive a rebate of approximately $54.60 per session. The five sessions cannot be simultaneously covered by the private health fund.
Talk to your GP as they will refer you to an eligible speech pathologist.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS):
The National disability insurance scheme (NDIS) is the new way in providing funding and support to individuals with a disability and their parents, families and caregivers. At Northern Beaches Speech Language and Reading we have NDIS registered Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists.
Better Start and Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) Initiatives
We are an approved early services provider of both the Better Start and Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) initiatives through the Department of Social Services (formerly known as FaHCSIA). Families eligible for these initiatives are able to access therapy services with approved therapists using this government funding. Please mention that you are eligible for this funding when you contact the clinic to make an appointment.
Private Health Insurance
Speech Pathology services can be rebated under certain ancillary tables of private health funds. All of our speech pathologists are recognised by Private Health Funds as providers, so a portion of our fees is claimable. Consult your health fund to obtain details on the rebate amount or speech pathology consultations and the maximum amount you can claim per person or family in a calendar year.
HICAPS facilities are available at our clinic.
Families may be eligible for rebates through their private health funds, and /or through a General Practitioner referred (CDM) plan.