The aim of this statement is to ensure the community is met with the right access to osteopaths for the improvement of the quality of care provided to those with disabilities.
What is Osteopathy Australia advocating for?
Osteopathy Australia has been tirelessly advocating for formal recognition and an individual line item for osteopathy in the NDIS framework. Despite multiple meetings with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and changes to NDIS legislation, the continued response to our application has been that it is ‘in progress’. Without a clear answer about the status of osteopathy in the NDIS, osteopaths are left confused about whether they can practice under the scheme.
Why this benefits Australians
- NDIS participants can receive beneficial care that works for them.
- NDIS participants are empowered with choice and control for therapy support treatments that suit their needs.
- Reduces the impact of current workforce shortages across Australia.
- Improves access and equity for Australians.
Policy issues and barriers
- Osteopathy as an appropriate form of delivering therapy supports is misunderstood by NDIA delegates and disability intermediaries, limiting potentially beneficial treatment to NDIS participants.
- There is no line item for osteopaths in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Instead, osteopaths providing services to self- and plan-managed participants must bill using the ‘Other Professional’ line item.
- The lack of formal recognition of osteopathy limits access for National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) managed participants
- Osteopaths are a willing workforce, available to service NDIS participants and help address areas of workforce shortages.
The current status of osteopathy’s capability to work under the NDIS
While we have received confirmation from the NDIA that osteopaths are able to provide NDIS services under the ‘other professionals’ line item, many osteopaths are still finding that their NDIS participants have their plans rejected. Resulting in the current osteopathic workforce being in limbo about working with NDIS participants. The provision of an individual line item for osteopathy in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, will solidify the position of profession for NDIS participants.