FAQS
At Newcastle Paediatric Occupational Therapy, we're dedicated to keeping you informed. If you have any questions, please feel free to read through our FAQs or contact us today.
- What do occupational therapists do and how can they assist my child?
- When should I refer my child to an occupational therapist?
- What are the costs involved and can I claim anything back?
1
What do occupational therapists do and how can they assist my child?
Occupational therapists work with people to enhance their ability to participate in everyday life activities that they want to, need to, or are expected to do. Paediatric occupational therapists assess and provide treatment for a child if they are having difficulty in any of their activities be it sport, education, leisure or just being a family member. We can provide interventions that involve the use of therapeutic activities to progress development in self-care, play and learning, therefore improving your child's sensory, physical, academic, social and emotional abilities.
2
When should I refer my child to an occupational therapist?
- If you or anyone involved in the care of your child (e.g. paediatrician, psychologist, preschool, your child's teacher) is concerned about your child's development, or if your child is struggling with learning or everyday activities, you should consider contacting us on 02 4940 6507 and make an appointment for a consultation with Melanie Ward. Through a series of therapy sessions, Melanie can assist your child to meet their developmental milestones. Early intervention is the key to gaining optimum results.
3
What are the costs involved and can I claim anything back?
Assessment costs vary depending on the time taken, the breadth of your child's issues and whether or not you require a comprehensive report. Please call us on 02 4940 6507 and we can give you an approximate cost based on the nature of your child's presenting issues.
Newcastle Paediatric Occupational Therapy is a registered provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme and therefore bills the NDIA directly for therapy sessions.
Similarly we treat under the following schemes:
- FaHSCIA Funding through the Early Intervention Assistance Package.
- FaHSCIA Funding - Better Start For Children with Disability (Better Start Initiative).
- Medicare rebates are available to children who have chronic medical conditions.
- Team Care arrangements provide 5 subsidised sessions for allied health professionals, including occupational therapists per year. This plan can be renewed each calendar year. Your child may be eligible for this funding if they have a chronic medical condition that is being managed by your GP under an 'Enhanced Primary Care Plan'.
- Melanie Ward is also able to treat under Mental Health Care Plans and under Pervasive Developmental Disorder Plans for children between 6 and 15.
A phone call to 02 4940 6507 can assist you to identify what funding may be available to you to cover some or all of the costs of assessment and therapy.
Some private health funds also provide cover for children treated by occupational therapists. The amount varies from fund to fund. Check with your individual fund.
Newcastle Paediatric Occupational Therapy has both HICAPS and EFTPOS facilities.
Newcastle Paediatric Occupational Therapy is a registered provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme and therefore bills the NDIA directly for therapy sessions.
Similarly we treat under the following schemes:
- FaHSCIA Funding through the Early Intervention Assistance Package.
- FaHSCIA Funding - Better Start For Children with Disability (Better Start Initiative).
- Medicare rebates are available to children who have chronic medical conditions.
- Team Care arrangements provide 5 subsidised sessions for allied health professionals, including occupational therapists per year. This plan can be renewed each calendar year. Your child may be eligible for this funding if they have a chronic medical condition that is being managed by your GP under an 'Enhanced Primary Care Plan'.
- Melanie Ward is also able to treat under Mental Health Care Plans and under Pervasive Developmental Disorder Plans for children between 6 and 15.
A phone call to 02 4940 6507 can assist you to identify what funding may be available to you to cover some or all of the costs of assessment and therapy.
Some private health funds also provide cover for children treated by occupational therapists. The amount varies from fund to fund. Check with your individual fund.
Newcastle Paediatric Occupational Therapy has both HICAPS and EFTPOS facilities.
