Medicare Occupational Therapy Services at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health provides Medicare-funded occupational therapy services for individuals with physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities. Our occupational therapists work with children, adults, and NDIS participants to improve daily living skills and independence. If you have a Medicare Care Plan or Team Care Arrangement, you may be eligible for Medicare-covered occupational therapy sessions. Discover how our expert therapists can help you achieve your therapy goals.

Mobile Occupational Therapy Services Through Medicare Care Plan (GPMP/TCA)

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we recognize that some patients may face challenges in attending our clinics in Malaga, Noranda, or Ellenbrook due to health concerns or mobility issues. To ensure that you receive the care you need, we are proud to offer mobile occupational therapy services for eligible patients under the Medicare Care Plan (GPMP) or Team Care Arrangement (TCA).

How Mobile Occupational Therapy Works

If you have a chronic medical condition and are eligible for a GP Management Plan (GPMP) or a Team Care Arrangement (TCA) from your GP, you may be able to access mobile occupational therapy sessions in the comfort of your own home. Our experienced occupational therapists will visit your location to assess and treat your condition, helping you improve daily living skills and independence.

Why We Can't Bulk Bill Mobile Occupational Therapy

Although we accept Medicare Care Plans and Team Care Arrangements, mobile occupational therapy sessionscannot be bulk billed. This is due to the additional time and resources required for travel, as well as the therapy session itself. The travel time to and from your home, combined with the treatment provided during the session, requires more practitioner time than a typical in-clinic consultation.

To ensure fair compensation for the time and expertise of our occupational therapists, we charge an hourly rate of $194 for mobile therapy sessions. Eligible patients will receive a Medicare rebate of $60.35 per session.

What Does the Fee Include?

The fee for a mobile occupational therapy session includes:

• The therapist's time for conducting assessments, treatment, and rehabilitation.

• The travel time to and from your home or preferred location.

• A Medicare rebate of $60.35, which is applied to reduce the total cost, leaving you with a balance of $133.65 to be paid out-of-pocket.

Booking Your Mobile Occupational Therapy Appointment

If you have a GPMP or TCA and would like to receive mobile occupational therapy, please contact us to arrange your appointment. We’ll require confirmation of your eligibility through your GP’s referral and Medicare plan details.

Our goal is to provide you with the highest level of care in a way that fits your lifestyle and individual needs. If attending our clinic is not an option, we are happy to come to you.

Contact Us for More Information

For more details about our mobile occupational therapy services or to check your eligibility for a GPMP or TCA, please reach out. We are committed to helping you improve your independence and quality of life, whether you come to us or we come to you.

Making the Best Choice for Your Occupational Therapy Care

Please note that we are able to bulk bill in-clinic Medicare sessions which are of 20 minutes duration, or you can opt for a longer session and pay the gap fee. Please see this page for more information.

Our team is here to help you decide which option is best for your specific condition. Regardless of your choice, we’re committed to delivering high-quality physiotherapy care that helps you feel your best.

FAQ: How to Access Medicare-Funded Allied Health Sessions through a TCA or GPMP

1. What is a Team Care Arrangement (TCA) or GP Management Plan (GPMP)?
A Team Care Arrangement (TCA) and GP Management Plan (GPMP) are programs under Medicare that allow patients with chronic medical conditions to access a range of allied health services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and exercise physiology. These plans are created by your GP to coordinate care between your general practitioner and other healthcare providers.

2. Am I eligible for a TCA or GPMP?
To qualify for a TCA or GPMP, you must have a chronic medical condition that has been present for six months or longer. This may include conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or musculoskeletal disorders. It’s important to note that eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis and is at the discretion of your GP. Your GP will evaluate your medical history and determine whether you qualify for these plans.

3. How do I get a TCA or GPMP?

To get a TCA or GPMP, you need to book an appointment with your GP. During your visit, discuss your chronic condition and how allied health services might support your treatment plan. If your GP agrees, they will create a GP Management Plan (GPMP) and/or a Team Care Arrangement (TCA). They will refer you for up to five allied health sessions per year, depending on your condition and healthcare needs.

4. What allied health services can I access under a TCA or GPMP?

With a TCA or GPMP, you may be eligible to access allied health services such as:

• Physiotherapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Exercise physiology

The number of sessions allowed is typically up to five per year, but this may vary depending on your needs and the advice of your GP.

5. Is the cost of allied health services covered under Medicare with a TCA or GPMP?

Medicare may cover the cost of your allied health sessions, but this will depend on the clinic’s billing policy. Some clinics bulk bill for these services, while others may charge a gap fee. It is important to confirm the payment structure when booking your appointment.

6. Can I see any allied health professional for my TCA or GPMP?

While your GP will refer you to allied health professionals as part of the plan, you can choose from a range of qualified providers. Be sure to confirm with the clinic whether they are Medicare-registered and accept TCA or GPMP referrals.

7. Can I request a longer session if I need more time with the therapist?

If you require more time with your therapist, you can choose to pay a gap fee for longer sessions. Under Medicare, your sessions for TCA or GPMP are usually limited to a shorter duration (e.g., 20 minutes). If you would like additional time to fully address your chronic condition, speak to the clinic staff about arranging an extended session for an additional cost.

8. How often can I access Medicare-funded allied health services under a TCA or GPMP?

You can access up to five sessions per year for each chronic condition that is covered under your TCA or GPMP. However, these sessions are reviewed annually by your GP. If your condition improves or worsens, your GP may adjust the plan accordingly.

9. What should I do if my GP doesn't think I am eligible for a TCA or GPMP?

If your GP determines that you are not eligible for a TCA or GPMP, you can discuss alternative options for managing your chronic condition. Many clinics offer private appointments or can direct you to other forms of support and care that may be more suitable for your needs.

Occupational Therapy in Perth for Adults & Children

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps individuals across the lifespan to engage in meaningful activities (occupations) that are essential for their daily lives. Whether it’s children needing assistance with developmental delays or adults recovering from injury or managing disability, our qualified occupational therapists at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health provide customized care to improve mobility, strength, coordination, and independence.

How Can Occupational Therapy Help?
Occupational therapy can support individuals in several ways, including:

• Enhancing fine motor skills and coordination

• Supporting sensory processing challenges, including Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

• Assisting with daily living activities like dressing, grooming, and feeding

• Rehabilitation following stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or surgery

• Helping children with developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and ADHD

Our Occupational Therapy Services

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we offer comprehensive OT services:

• Paediatric Occupational Therapy
  Our paediatric OT services focus on children with developmental delays, sensory issues, and disabilities. We provide early intervention, school readiness programs, and therapy in our fully equipped kids therapy gym with sensory integration.

• Adult Occupational Therapy
  We assist adults recovering from injuries, managing disabilities, or experiencing changes due to ageing or neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's Disease (PD), and Stroke.

• NDIS Support
  As an provider for NDIS participants, we help individuals with tailored occupational therapy programs to meet their specific goals under the NDIS framework. Whether it’s building independence or improving life skills, our OTs are experienced in working with NDIS clients.

Sensory Room and Kids Therapy Gym
Our state-of-the-art sensory room and kids therapy gym are designed to provide sensory integration therapy and gross motor development in a fun and safe environment. These spaces are equipped with a trampoline, climbing frames, swings, and other tools to help children and adults with sensory processing challenges or developmental delays.

Why Choose Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health for Occupational Therapy?

• Qualified and experienced occupational therapists with a passion for helping people

• State-of-the-art facilities, including sensory rooms and rehabilitation gyms

• Tailored therapy plans for all ages and abilities

• NDIS provider offering individual and group sessions (plan and self managed participants)

• Multidisciplinary team working alongside physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and speech therapists

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Occupational Therapy

Q: What does an occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist helps individuals develop, recover, or improve the skills needed for daily living and working. This includes fine motor skills, sensory processing, and activities like dressing, bathing, or working.

Q: How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?
If your child shows signs of developmental delays, struggles with fine motor skills, has trouble with daily tasks like dressing, or experiences sensory processing issues, it may be beneficial to see an occupational therapist. Our team at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health specialises in paediatric occupational therapy to support these needs.

Q: What conditions can occupational therapy treat?
Occupational therapy can assist with a variety of conditions, including:

• Developmental delays

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

• Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Q: Is occupational therapy covered by NDIS?
Yes, occupational therapy is covered under the NDIS. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health is are not registered NDIS provider as yet, so we can see plan and self-managed participants, and we offer tailored therapy plans to suit your individual goals.

Q: Can occupational therapy help with sensory processing issues?
Yes, occupational therapy can help individuals who experience sensory processing difficulties. We use tools like our sensory room to provide a safe environment for sensory integration therapy.

Q: Do you offer group therapy sessions?
Yes, we offer both individual and group therapy sessions, depending on the needs of our clients. Group therapy can be a great way for children to develop social skills and learn from peers. For Adults learn more here. For Children learn more here.

Conditions and Disabilities Occupational Therapists Can Assist With

Head to this page to see the different conditions that we can help with, and get you the best life and function you deserve!!

Useful Links

NDIS

NDIS

NDIS Guidelines

Aged Care

My Aged Care

Department of Veterans Affairs

Chronic Disease

GP Management Plans

Type 2 Diabetes Plans

Referral Form for Medicare Care Plans

Referral Form for Type 2 Diabetes Care Plans