Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a referral?
What is the cost of your service?
How can I fund my treatment?
Is there a cost for travel?
How long will treatment take?
Where do you travel to?
Why do you come to my home?
How soon can you see me/my client?
What does “neuro” mean, why do I need a specialist?
Why do I need 2 hours for a simple assessment?
Can I choose my own clinician?
Why do I have to have a driving assessment?
What does a driving assessment involve?
Referrals are made by either calling our office on 03 9885 2533 or faxing or emailing a referral form to us. A referral form can be downloaded here and more information can be found on our Referral Information or Make a Referral Pages.
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What is the cost of your service?
See our private rates here. We endeavour to keep them as low as possible while still maintaining our high level of service.
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Can I claim through my private health fund?
Every health fund and level of cover is different so please contact your fund to find out what out of pocket expenses you may incur. You are responsible for reimbursement from your health fund.
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How can I fund my treatment?
Independent Rehabilitation Services works with a number of funding organisations and bodies that subsidise allied health services. These include:
- Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
- WorkCover (VWA)
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- Enhanced Primary Care (EPC)
If you think you may be eligible for funding through any of these bodies, speak to them directly or talk to your Case Manager, Support Coordinator or General Practitioner.
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Is there a cost for travel?
Depending on your location, there may be a small cost for travel. Please call (03 9885 2533) or email (info@independent-rehab.com.au) our office to find out if there will be any charge for travel for our services.
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How long will treatment take?
Every client and treatment program is different. Once you have been referred to us, one of our clinicians will discuss and assess your needs with you and your significant others. They will then make recommendations as to how many treatment sessions they believe will be required to achieve your goals. This can be reviewed/modified/ceased by you at any stage in your rehabilitation process.
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Where do you travel to?
We travel across Greater Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula – see our service areas here. Please call (03 9885 2533) or email (help@independent-rehab.com.au) our office if you have any queries.
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Why do you come to my home?
Independent Rehabilitation Services believes that the best rehabilitation / independence goals are achieved at home practicing the skills you need in your own environment and community. For more information, see our Community Rehabilitation page.
If you would rather come to us, some appointments are also available in our treatment rooms in Carnegie.
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How soon can you see me/my client?
Clients referred for urgent swallowing assessments, will be seen by a Speech Pathologist the next working day.
All other referrals will be processed within 24 working hours and then, if funding is approved, the allocated clinician will contact you to make a mutually convenient appointment time. This may be during the week of the referral or the following week.
There may be times when we have a waiting list for some services. If this is the case, you will be notified at the time of referral and options explained to you.
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What does neuro mean and why do I need an expert in the area?
Neuro is short for neurological and refers to anything to do with the nervous system which includes the brain, spinal cord or other nerves. Neurological rehabilitation can be complex and clinicians working in this area usually have many years experience or have undertaken further study. Independent Rehabilitation Services prides itself in having staff with expertise in the area of neurological rehabilitation to better serve the clients they see.
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Why do I need 2 – 3 hours for a simple assessment?
Clinicians at Independent Rehabilitation Services allow up to 2 hours for an assessment to allow for the identification of complex issues, liaison with external stakeholders and report writing all of which is seen as a duty of care to our clients.
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Can I choose my own clinician?
Specific clinicians can be requested at the time of referral or during treatment. Every effort will be made to allocate that clinician to you however there may be times when this is not possible, usually due to geographical location. In this circumstance, another clinician will be allocated to you. All our staff are highly experienced and competent in the area of neurological and general rehabilitation.
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Why do I have to have a driving assessment?
There are many different reasons why you may have been asked to have an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment. After an accident or illness or as we age, the skills we need to drive safely may be compromised. Vic Roads, on behalf of your GP, healthcare professional, friend or family member may request you undertake an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment to determine if any medical condition(s) and/or disabilities impact on your fitness to drive.
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What does a driving assessment involve?
An Occupational Therapy driving assessment has two stages – an off-road assessment and, on a different day, an on-road assessment in a dual-control vehicle with a driving instructor (up to 1 hour).
An Occupational Therapist will assess your ability to drive safely including physical ability, understanding of safe driving, judgement, reaction time and abiding with road laws.
Their recommendations are sent to VicRoads who make the final decision regarding driving capability.
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