Why plan reviews matter
Your NDIS plan review determines your funding for the next 12 months. The NDIA assesses whether your current supports are working, whether your goals have changed, and whether your funding levels match your actual needs. A well-prepared review can mean the difference between a plan that genuinely supports you and one that leaves you short.
Many participants go into their review without adequate evidence — relying on general statements rather than the kind of specific, measurable documentation the NDIA responds to. This is where your exercise physiologist becomes a valuable ally.
Timing matters: Start preparing for your plan review at least 6-8 weeks before it's due. This gives your exercise physiologist enough time to compile a meaningful progress report, and gives you time to review it and discuss it with your support coordinator if you have one.
What your exercise physiologist provides for your review
- Baseline vs current capacity — documenting your functional capacity at the start of your plan period compared to now, with objective measures wherever possible
- Progress against NDIS goals — direct evidence of how exercise physiology has supported the specific goals in your plan
- Session attendance and engagement — demonstrating that funded supports have actually been used and are producing outcomes
- Recommended funding levels — a clinical opinion on the hours and frequency needed for the next plan period, with rationale
- Identification of new needs — if your situation has changed, your EP can document new or increased support needs
How to prepare for the conversation with your EP
Before your progress report is written, it helps to reflect on a few things and share them with your exercise physiologist:
- What has genuinely changed for you since your last plan — physically, functionally, in daily life?
- Are there new goals you want to pursue that weren't in your last plan?
- Has anything gotten harder, or have new challenges emerged?
- Do you feel your current funding levels are enough, too much, or not enough?
This conversation helps your EP write a report that reflects your actual lived experience — not just clinical measurements.
Book your review appointment early: If your review is coming up, contact Exercare at least 6-8 weeks ahead so we can schedule a dedicated review-preparation session and have your progress report ready in time. This isn't a rushed add-on — a good report takes time to write properly.
What if your funding request is declined or reduced?
If the NDIA reduces your funding or declines a request, you have the right to ask for an internal review of that decision. Your exercise physiologist's report is often central evidence in this process — a clear, well-documented report from the outset reduces the likelihood of needing to appeal at all.
Have a plan review coming up?
Contact Exercare to book a review-preparation session with your exercise physiologist. We provide detailed progress reports for NDIS plan reviews at no additional charge.
Written by the Exercare team. Exercare provides mobile NDIS exercise physiology and plan review support across south-east Melbourne. Learn more about our NDIS services →