To make an expression of interest to access speech pathology, please use the Expression of Interest link below. The information you provide via this link will remain confidential. Although Natalie will try to see people as quickly as possible, please bear in mind that an Expression of Interest does not automatically result in an appointment being made. A high demand for services may result in significant waiting times. People are encouraged to continue to seek speech pathology services elsewhere in the meantime. Natalie will contact families/clients as appointments become available.
A referral is not necessary, although if you have one please bring it with you.
Locations
Clients can be seen for appointments in the clinic room at 1 Barkly Street, Warragul, Victoria.
Home visits can also be made. Home visits may attract an additional cost for the time taken in travel.
Natalie can also attend community places, such as kinders, schools, not for profit organisations etc, as agreed and appropriate, to provide assessment, therapy, consultation, support, or to attend planning meetings etc. Again, time spent in travel will also attract a fee.
Information and training sessions are available in West Gippsland and surrounding areas.
Frequency of appointments
The frequency of intervention depends on the client's needs, and best-practice guidelines for intervention, but also considers the needs of the family. This is decided completely on a case by case basis. It may be multiple times a week, to weekly, or fortnightly, monthly, or even six monthly to yearly! Natalie will discuss this with you.
Further speech pathology sessions are only ever recommended when they are needed, and only after discussion with you regarding your options for further assessment or therapy. Clients always remain in control of their own participation in speech therapy.
Fees
An hourly rate is applied. The current hourly rate is $193.99.
There may be some ways to assist with the cost of speech pathology sessions.
Medicare
Some Medicare items enable clients to access a rebate for seeing a speech pathologist. A referral from your GP, for a Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly referred to as an Enhanced Primary Care Plan [EPC plan]), will allow clients to claim a rebate for up to 5 Allied Health sessions (e.g. speech pathology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy) per calendar year. This referral for an EPC plan must be written-out with the specific speech pathologist's name, and provided to them prior to, or at the first session.
Please be aware that in most cases there will remain a 'gap' between the rebate paid, and what the session will cost overall, i.e. the Medicare rebate will cover a certain amount of the overall fee.
A paediatrician may also complete a referral form for speech pathology assistance with Autism diagnosis and intervention. Please see https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/autism-children
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme aims to provide people with a certain level of delayed development, or disability, with funding to access the services and resources that they need. When discussing their needs with an NDIS Planner, a person can indicate that they wish to allocate a portion of funds towards accessing speech pathology. To establish eligibility for accessing the NDIS, please visit https://www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-access-checklist
Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance, you may have some speech pathology cover, as part of your 'extras' cover. Please contact your health fund to find out if speech pathology is included in your cover.
Requirements
Session fees are to be paid prior to attending the next session.
If you are unable to attend a session, please advise 24 hours in advance. Missed sessions without adequate notice will incur a cancellation fee.
