THERAPY FUNDING

The Kids Therapy Network team is keen to guide you through the various funding options. Wonderful Wendy is right up to date with all the Medicare programmes available. Please feel free to email her with any queries.
wendy@kidstherapynetwork.com.au

Enhanced Primary Care Programme.
Five therapy sessions rebated to the value of $50.05 per child per session.
Set up by your General Practitioner.
This programme is set up by your General Practitioner and is available for everybody. The GP needs to write up a care plan, identifying your child's needs and naming Kids Therapy Network as a service provider. The GP practice then faxes the plan to us for agreement, we sign and return it promptly. All the paper work needs to be prior to the first Occupational Therapy session to ensure the programme is registered with medicare and that you receive you rebate. Kids Therapy Network charges more than the Medicare amount so a gap payment will need to be paid by parents at the time of consultation. This gap payment can not be claimed on Extras cover through health insurance.

Kids Therapy Network handout - Enhanced Primary Care Programme Click here>>.

Better Access to Mental Health
Occupational Therapists nationwide were outraged last week to hear that their services will be cut from this BAMH programme from Jully 1st 2010. This is a result of the Federal Budget delivered last week. Our association is actively negotiating and protesting, there are online petitions, facebook sites and letters being posted to federal politicians. We feel very strongly that young poeple and their families require subsidised access to Occupational Therapists to promote their mental health.

Occupational Therapy Australia have been advised today [Wednesday 19 May, 2010]  that the Government has agreed to delay the removal of the Medicare rebates for mental health services that are provided by Occupational Therapists and our Social Work colleagues.

12 therapy sessions rebated by Medicare at $50.05 (80125) or $70.65 (80135) depending on the length of the session. 
Set up by the General Practitioner.

This programme is set up by your General Practitioner. A care plan is written this document identifies your child's needs and lists Kids Therapy Network as the preferred service provider. The care plan must be sent to us prior to the first OT session in order for you to claim your Medicare rebate. Six therapy sessions can then be provided, the rebate you receive depends on the length of the OT session, this will be mutually agreed between the family and Cathy Love Director and / or the treating OT.
After the sixth session a letter is written to referring the Doctor indicating OT goals and progress and whether six more OT sessions are needed. The provision of the second set of six sessions is at the sole discretion of the referring Doctor.
Kids Therapy Network charges more than the Medicare amount so a gap payment will need to be paid by parents at the time of consultation. This gap payment can not be claimed on Extras cover through health insurance.

Kids Therapy Network handout - Better Access to Mental Health  Click here>>

Early Intervention
The team at Kids Therapy Network is really excited to be in a consortium with Spectrum Speech and Autism Partnership Australia. Our application to the panel has been successful and we will soon be able to provide funded Early Intervention services for children up to age six years. The three companies have a wealth of experience and close professional links already. We are thrilled to work even more closely to now serve new families.
Kids Therapy Network handout - Helping Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Early Intervention Funding  Click here>> 

Children over six years
Up to four assessment sessions (82010) rebated at $70.65 per sessions
Up to 20 OT sessions (82025) over the period until child is aged 15 years Medicare rebated at $70.65 per session 
Typically the sessions are shared between a range of professionals.
Set up Paediatrician

Older children may have Occupational Therapy services subsidized through the ASD programme. It is possible to receive assessment and intervention sessions. This programme can only be set up by the child's Paediatrician, thorough discussion is needed to determine how the assessment and 20 sessions will be distributed between professionals and over what duration. Kids Therapy Network charges more than the Medicare amount so a gap payment will need to be paid by parents at the time of consultation. This gap payment can not be claimed on Extras cover through health insurance.

Association of Independent Schools of Victoria. (AISV)
For children attending private schools it may be possible to apply for funding for Occupational Therapy services. A full assessment of the child's motor skills and a written application letter is required. The process is coordinated by the schools special education coordinator, they will be able to provide you with further information. It may be necessary for the school to complete testing and for the child to be reviewed by a Paediatrician. AISV applications are submitted in September each year with approval and funds being provided at the start of the following school year.