ndis exercise physiology funding: how to use your plan

Introduction

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) helps people with disabilities, including those with intellectual disability, gain more freedom and enjoy a better life. One of the ways it does this is by giving you access to special health services. Exercise physiology is one of these helpful options. When you use NDIS exercise physiology services, you work with experienced professionals. They help you by creating plans with the right physical activity for your needs.

Exercise physiology services are there to help you better manage your condition. You will also get stronger and move more easily through an exercise physiology program. You can still reach your own goals with their support. When you use these health services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, you may feel more in control of your everyday life. Exercise physiology can give you a better quality of life, helping you do more each day.

Key Highlights

• An accredited exercise physiologist is a university-qualified allied health professional who designs exercise programs to improve your health.

• You can use your NDIS funding to access these services, typically under Capacity Building support categories.

• The goal is to enhance your ability to perform activities of daily living and increase your independence.

• A well-structured exercise program can significantly improve your overall quality of life and well-being.

• Your NDIS plan can be tailored to include exercise physiology to help you achieve specific health goals.

What Does NDIS Exercise Physiology Funding Cover?

Your NDIS funding can be used to pay for exercise physiology services if these are needed to help you reach the goals in your plan. This money is there for health services that back up your disability needs, like handling medical conditions and helping you work better every day.

You can get this support if it matches up with your disability. These exercise physiology services are made to build your skills, help you be more independent, and make your quality of life better. The real goal is to use exercise to help you stay well over many years.

Now that you know what the ndis funding takes care of, let's see the supports you can get.

Types of Services and Supports Available

NDIS exercise physiology gives you allied health services that meet your specific needs. An accredited exercise physiologist starts with an assessment to see where you are physically, what you can do, and what goals you may have. After this, they make an exercise program built just for you.

You can get these services through NDIS Capacity Building supports, including assistive technology. Some of the categories are 'Improved Health and Wellbeing' and 'Improved Daily Living'. The goal is to help you take part more in your daily activities. You can learn exercises that help with mobility, strength, coordination, and endurance. All this can make your day-to-day life easier.

Your exercise program may help with things like:

• Improving balance and flexibility

• Increasing fitness and stamina

• Building strength for better posture and movement

• Creating a sustainable physical activity routine

Differences Between Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy in NDIS

While both are valuable allied health professional services, exercise physiology and physiotherapy have distinct roles within your NDIS plan. Physiotherapy often focuses on the diagnosis, assessment, and management of acute injuries or mobility issues. As Allied Health Professionals Australia explains, physiotherapists help people with various health conditions, from sports injuries to chronic illnesses.

An exercise physiologist, on the other hand, specialises in using clinical exercise as a long-term intervention. They design programs to help you manage chronic diseases and conditions, improve your functional capacity, and achieve lasting behavioural change. Their focus is on empowering you with the skills to use exercise to manage your health independently.

Yes, you can have both services funded if they address different goals in your NDIS plan and are both deemed reasonable and necessary.

What exercise physiologists do and where their services fit in NDIS categories

An accredited exercise physiologist is someone who has studied at university and knows how to plan safe movement programs for you. They take a look at where you are right now and then make a program to help you get stronger, participate in activities of interest, be more flexible, move with better coordination, and help your range of motion. Exercise physiology gives many good things. You may notice less pain, you can move better, your mind may feel better, and you might be able to live more on your own every day.

These services are paid for by special NDIS categories that focus on skill development. Most people will use money from two Capacity Building supports: 'Improved Health and Wellbeing' or 'Improved Daily Living'. Exercise physiology fits into these NDIS groups and is an important support. It is made to help you grow your physical skills and help you be more active. This can also help you become more independent in your daily living.

Knowing how to get this help in your plan is the next important thing you need to know.

Setting Up Exercise Physiology in Your NDIS Plan

Including exercise physiology in your NDIS plan starts with clear talk and good planning. During the NDIS planning part, you should show how this help will support your own goals. These can be things like moving better or joining in the community more.

You will need papers to give proof for your request. Getting reports from your doctor or other health professionals is a smart place to start. Some providers might also ask you to fill out an NDIS referral form, so they can know your needs before you visit for your first time.

The Planning Process and Required Documentation

A good NDIS plan needs some work before you meet with a planner. Before you go to your meeting, try to get all paperwork that shows why you need exercise physiology. You should collect things like reports or letters from health professionals. This could be your GP, an occupational therapist, or a psychologist. They need to show your medical history and what help you need.

It’s important for your planner or local area coordinator to see your medical history and your ability to do things daily. They need to know why exercise physiology is right for you and why you need it. Having this paperwork ready makes the planning easier. It also helps show why you should get funds for support.

Key paperwork to bring includes:

• Reports from your GP or other health professionals explaining your medical history and condition.

• Your NDIS plan goals, so the exercise physiologist knows what to help you with.

• An NDIS referral form if your provider needs one.

Key Steps to Include Exercise Physiology in Your Plan

To use your funding for exercise physiology well, you need to connect this service to your NDIS goals. Take some time to think about what you want. Do you want better balance to move around your home with more safety, or do you want to build your stamina to join in community activities? Knowing your goals is the first and most important thing to do.

When you are planning, you need to tell your NDIS planner about your goals. Share how effective exercise programs can help build your skills, make you more independent, and lead to behaviour change. It is important to show that this support is a good step for your long-term health and well-being.

Follow these key steps:

• Clearly state your goals about your physical health and daily living.

• Ask for funding in the 'Improved Health and Wellbeing' or 'Improved Daily Living' support groups.

• Give reports from health professionals who suggest exercise physiology.

Making the Most of Your Funding

Once you have NDIS funding for exercise physiology, it is important to get the most out of it. The best way is to work with the allied health professional you choose. Talk openly with them and share your thoughts. This helps make the program fit your needs, and it can change as you get better.

Be involved in the process. Tell your exercise physiologist what you like, ask questions, and let them know how you feel about each session. When you work together with health professionals, every session will be helpful and will take you closer to your goals.

To use your funds in the best way, you should understand how the money side works.

Price Limits, Provider Arrangements, and Recent Changes

The NDIS sets price limits for all funded supports, including exercise physiology. These limits are outlined in the official NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits document, which is updated periodically. These price guides ensure that NDIS funding is used efficiently and provides value for money. Registered providers cannot charge more than the maximum price listed.

Regarding provider arrangements, you have a choice. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can choose any exercise physiologist, even if they aren't registered with the NDIS. However, if your plan is NDIA-managed, you must use a registered NDIS provider. Some providers are also registered with private health insurers, but you cannot use both NDIS funding and private insurance to pay for the same service.

The NDIS reviews its pricing annually. While specific recent changes can vary, these updates often account for inflation and market conditions to ensure providers can deliver sustainable, high-quality services. Checking the latest NDIS pricing document is the best way to stay informed.

Note: Prices are based on the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2023-24 and are subject to change. Please refer to the official NDIS website for the most current information. Source: NDIS

Finding and Choosing a Registered NDIS Exercise Physiologist Near You

Finding the right exercise physiologist can help you reach your goals. So, how do you look for a qualified professional in your area? One good way is to use the Provider Finder tool on the NDIS website. This tool lets you search for registered providers near where you live.

It is also important to check if the person you choose is an accredited exercise physiologist. You can do this through Exercise & Sports Science Australia. This group is the lead accrediting body in the country. Checking their background in this way helps make sure they have the needed skills and follow set standards.

Think about these ways to find a provider:

• Use the NDIS Provider Finder portal.

• Ask your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator to give you some names.

• Visit the ESSA website to look for an accredited professional.

• Ask if a provider can meet you at your preferred local facility, like a gym or park.

Conclusion

To sum up, knowing how to use NDIS exercise physiology funding well can help you and make your health better. When you know what services are covered and the difference between exercise physiology and physiotherapy, you can pick what is right for you. Get the right papers and follow the steps so you can use the services you should have. This way, you can make the most of your money and get the best results.

Use your NDIS plan to support your child’s growth. Book an exercise physiology session with daar today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access both physiotherapy and exercise physiology under NDIS?

Yes, you can use your NDIS funding for both exercise physiology and physiotherapy. This is true if health professionals say you need both types of help to reach your different goals in capacity building supports. Each service must be seen as reasonable and necessary for what you want to achieve.

What are the biggest misconceptions about NDIS exercise physiology funding?

Many people think NDIS funding works like paying for a gym membership or hiring a personal trainer. That is not true. The NDIS funding gives support for clinical health services from a trained professional to those with significant disability. You use this to help with certain medical conditions. These services are there to help you reach the goals set in your NDIS plan.

What benefits can exercise physiology provide to people with different disabilities?

Exercise therapy gives special help to people who have different disabilities. It can help with moving easier and being stronger. The regular physical activity can make mental health better, decrease symptoms of anxiety, lower pain, and help someone to do more things on their own. All of this works together to make the quality of life better. It is made to help each person with what they need most.