All fees need to be discussed with the therapist before the initial assessment and treatment. There are varying costs depending on the length of assessments, reports and treatment. Some clients may be eligible for the following:
Private Health Funds
Many private health plans cover Occupational Therapy services usually under extras. Children’s Occupational Therapy, QLD is an approved provider for most major private health funds. Please contact your private health fund to find whether your plan covers Occupational Therapy services.
Enhanced Primary Care Plan
The Medicare allied health and dental care initiative commenced on 1 July 2004. It provides for Medicare benefits to be paid for certain services provided to people with chronic conditions and complex care needs by eligible allied health professionals, dentists and dental specialists.
Under the initiative, children with chronic conditions and complex care needs who are being managed by their GP under an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan may be eligible to receive a Medicare benefit for up to five (5) eligible sessions per year. The sessions can be made up of five of one type of service (e.g. OT) or a combination of different types of service (e.g. 1 dietician, 1 speech pathology and 3 OT sessions). This plan can be renewed each calendar year. The item code for this plan is (10958).
More information is also available on the website www.health.gov.au/epc.
Helping Children With Autism
This plan is set up by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist for children with autism or any other pervasive developmental disorder. The plan consists of up to 4 assessment sessions (82010) and up to 20 Occupational Therapy sessions (82025). Children between the ages of 6 years to 15 years are eligible for this benefit. For further information go to www.health.gov.au/autism.
FaHSCIA Funding
This funding is available under the Early Intervention Assistance Package. The package is aimed at providing increased access to early intervention services for children with ASD, from zero up until their 7th birthday. Families will have $12 000 to spend on therapy services up until their child turns 7 years. Children’s Occupational Therapy QLD is a Early Intervention Service Provider under Little Souls Taking Big Steps. For more information please visit: website: www.fahscia.gov.au