We are often consulted by NDIS participants who have not been granted adequate support to cover the needs of their disability. We have assisted these clients in both the internal and external review process to obtain a fairer level of support.

A comment we often hear, and an experience we have had ourselves, is that dealing with the NDIS is not necessarily easy. Applicants and their family must be prepared to work hard to gather the evidence needed to ensure that all their requested supports refer to recommended medical, psychological and occupational therapist advice.

The brief list below gives an overview of some of the strategies we have found helpful in obtaining successful results for clients with the NDIS:

  • any medical or other reports must address not only the diagnostic aspects of the disability, but also its practical aspects. For example, any report should include detailed descriptions of the difficulties that the applicant has performing the daily tasks of living, such as eating, walking and showering.

 

  • medical and other treatment providers must specify the frequency of treatment that is needed by the client, and if possible, a justification for that frequency. For example, we have been consulted by clients in the past who have only been approved by the NDIS for monthly treatment sessions rather than the weekly treatment sessions that were clinically required. The NDIS often make their own assessment of the frequency of treatment that is required by the client. It can therefore be very helpful to supply evidence that not only outlines recommendations for the frequency of care, but which also canvases other possible treatment regimens and explains why they are not suitable for you.

 

  • ask the medical practitioner to send you a draft of their report before they finalise it, so you can also have input.

 

  • where possible, a medical report should include costings of proposed treatment and/or adaptive aids, and references to sources and providers to substantiate those costs. The NDIS is often inclined to be sceptical of any treatment recommendation as a default position. Its officers often allege that the suggested treatment is unnecessary. Therefore, it is important to provide the relevant evidence in the initial NDIS application.

How Can we Help?

When the support given under the NDIS is adequate and appropriate it can be life changing.

However, applying for the scheme and going through the process is not necessarily easy. Snedden Hall & Gallop has experience and expertise in this area and is available to assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact our team on 02 6285 8000 or by email.