In Australia, a medical referral is generally not required to contact an occupational therapist privately. However, the documents and approvals needed can be different when a government program, insurer, employer or another organisation will pay for the service.
At a glance
Key points
- 01You can contact AccessPath Health directly or ask someone you trust to make a referral.
- 02A funding arrangement may have its own referral, approval or budget requirements.
- 03Service suitability, scope, fees and funding should be confirmed before assessment begins.
Who can make a referral?
AccessPath Health welcomes referrals from participants and private clients, family members, Support Coordinators, Case Managers, health professionals, aged care providers and other support services.
If another person submits information, they should have appropriate permission or authority. The person receiving the service should be involved in decisions wherever possible.
When might extra paperwork be needed?
A GP or other professional referral may be needed for some government, insurance, compensation or organisational funding pathways. NDIS participants may also need to confirm that the requested service fits their plan, available funding and plan-management arrangements.
If you are unsure, submit the everyday concern and any funding details you already have. The referral can be reviewed before an appointment is arranged.
What should I include?
You do not need to choose the perfect service name. Explain what is difficult in daily life, what question the assessment should answer, who needs the report and whether there is an important date.
Existing reports can be helpful, but a referral can still be submitted when some information is not yet available.
Sources and further reading
Official guidance may change. Check the linked source for the most current information.