1. Do you work with people like me?
Ask about experience with your condition, age group and goals. An OT who regularly works with people in your situation will know what the NDIA looks for and what practical solutions tend to work.
2. How soon can we start?
Waitlists for occupational therapy can be long. Ask for the date of the first visit and how long reports usually take. At Exercare there is no waitlist, and FCA reports are usually ready within 2 weeks.
3. Do you come to me?
Seeing someone at home shows the OT how you really live, and removes the stress of travel. Ask whether home visits are standard, how travel is charged and whether evening appointments are available. Read more about mobile versus clinic-based OT.
4. What does it cost and how is it billed?
- What is the hourly rate, and is it at or below the NDIS price limit of $193.99?
- How is travel charged?
- Will I get a written estimate for assessments and reports?
- What is the cancellation policy?
See our guide to 2026–27 price limits.
5. Are you registered with the NDIS?
Check whether the provider is NDIS-registered, which matters if you are NDIA-managed, and ask about their service agreement. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers.
6. How will reports be written?
Ask for an example or outline. Good reports are specific, explain the reasoning and link your needs to the supports requested. Ask which assessment tools are used, such as the WHODAS 2.0, LSP-16 and COPM.
7. How will we communicate?
Find out who your main contact is, how quickly they reply and whether they will speak with your support coordinator or family. Good communication saves time and stress.
Trust your gut. A good OT listens, explains in plain language, respects your choices and sets realistic goals with you. If you do not feel heard in the first conversation, it is fine to look elsewhere.
Talk to an Exercare OT
Exercare's occupational therapists visit you at home across Melbourne, with no waitlist. One NDIS intake form gets you started.
Where we visit
Our occupational therapists visit homes across Melbourne, including Templestowe, Lower Templestowe, Doncaster and Bulleen. See occupational therapy across the City of Manningham or the pages for Templestowe and Lower Templestowe.
Funding
Under the NDIS, occupational therapy is usually funded from Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills (Category 15). Equipment is funded from Capital – Assistive Technology (Category 05) and home modifications from Capital – Home Modifications (Category 06). Self-funded OT is limited to functional capacity assessments for people applying for the NDIS. You have a right to choose your provider, so take the time to find the right fit. Our first visit guide shows what to expect.
Evidence referenced in this article
- National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA): information for participants and providers.
- Occupational Therapy Australia.
Written by the Exercare allied health team. This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Exercare provides mobile exercise physiology and NDIS occupational therapy across south-east and eastern Melbourne.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find an NDIS occupational therapist?
Ask your support coordinator, search provider lists and ask about wait times, home visits and report experience. You can also contact us directly.
Can I change OT if it is not working?
Yes. You have the right to choose and change providers. Talk to your plan manager or support coordinator if needed.
Does the OT need to be NDIS registered?
Only if you are NDIA-managed. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can use unregistered providers.
What should a service agreement include?
The supports, prices, travel charges, cancellation rules and how either party can end the agreement.
Can I meet the OT before I commit?
Often yes. Ask for a short call to talk through goals and see if the fit feels right.