Fees & Rebates

At Lifeworks Occupational Therapy, we believe in transparent pricing. This guide outlines our fee structure and available rebate options. Please note that fees may change over time, so we encourage you to contact us for the most current information specific to your needs.

Occupational Therapy Consultations

Our fees vary based on the therapist's experience level and the type of service provided. On referral you will be allocated to the therapist most suited to your needs. Here's a breakdown:

Principal Occupational Therapist

• Hourly Rate: $258.70 

• Initial Assessment: $388.05 

Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist

• Hourly Rate: $237.30 

• Initial Assessment: $355.95

Senior Occupational Therapist

• Hourly Rate: $228.90

• Initial Assessment: $343.35

Occupational Therapist

• Hourly Rate: $193.99 

• Initial Assessment: $290.99

Therapy Assistant

• Hourly Rate: $86.79
  
  

Notes:

• Consultations are generally 50 minutes long. The full hour is billed to include documentation and follow-up.

• After-hours consultations (weekdays after 5pm and Saturdays) incur an additional $20 fee.

NDIS Access Application 

We offer services to support your NDIS access application:

OT Assessment for NDIS Access

• Cost: 10 hours at the relevant clinician rate (Medicare Chronic Disease Management rebates may apply)

• Includes: Full Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) and comprehensive OT Recommendations

• You'll Receive: Full FCA report

• Payment Plan: Payment in three instalments is available

Note: Prepayment of all instalments is due prior to each appointment. Reports will not be released until payment is received in full.

Disability Support Pension Application

Our OT Assessment for DSP Application includes:

• Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) based on Centrelink's Impairment Table list

• A letter of support

• Cost: $1,357.93 (flat fee, no Medicare/insurance rebates apply)

• Payment Plan: Payment in three instalments is available

Note: Prepayment of the first instalment is due prior to the initial appointment. Reports will not be released until payment is received in full.

Other Services

APA Pain Physiotherapy

• 1 hour: $224.00 

• 45 minutes: $168.00 

• 30 minutes: $112.00 

Psychology

• Initial Consult 50+ minutes: $234.00

• Subsequent Consult 50+ minutes: $220.00

Scrambler Therapy

• 60 minutes: $400 per session 

Non-Face-to-Face Services

• Travel costs for home/community appointments are billed at the therapist's hourly rate.

• Mileage for home/community appointments: $1.00 per kilometre.

• Report writing, phone calls, emails, and other out-of-appointment work are billed at the therapist's hourly rate.

• Assessment costs will be discussed with you prior to conducting the assessment.

Cancellation Policy

• Two business days' notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling.

• Late cancellations (within two business days) or non-attendance will incur the full consultation fee.

Rebate Options

Private Health Insurance

Many private health funds offer rebates for our services. Please check with your provider for eligibility.

Medicare Rebates

Two Medicare programs may offer rebates for Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Psychology services:

Chronic Disease Management Program

• $60.35 rebate for home visits, clinic appointments, and telehealth

• Requires GP referral and Chronic Disease Management Plan

• Limited to 5 allied health sessions annually

Better Access to Mental Health Program

For Occupational Therapy: 

• $109.75 for home visits

• $89.55 for clinic/telehealth appointments

For Psychology: 

• 50+ minute sessions: $121.35 (home visits) or $96.65 (clinic/telehealth)

• 20-50 minute sessions: $93.15 (home visits) or $68.50 (clinic/telehealth)

Note: The Better Access to Mental Health Program requires GP or Psychiatrist referral and is limited to 10 sessions annually.

NDIS Funding Options

We offer services for Plan-managed and Self-Managed NDIS plans. Please contact us for detailed information about billing under each plan type.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why the tiered fees structure?
   We have implemented a tiered fees structure to ensure that we can continue to provide high-quality services to as many people as possible, while also maintaining the financial viability of our practice. Our pricing tiers reflect the skill, experience, and expertise of our therapists. More experienced therapists can better understand your unique needs and provide the most effective assessments and interventions, drawing from their extensive knowledge and experience. Our priority is to provide top-notch healthcare, focusing on quality rather than quantity, and we believe this pricing structure helps us achieve that goal.
   
   

2. How do I know which Occupational Therapist to see?
   Our Occupational Therapists have expertise in different areas. You can review the services offered by each level of therapist in the Consultation Fees section above. If you’re unsure, please contact us, and we’ll help you find the right therapist for your needs.
   
   

3. Why charge late-cancellation and non-attendance fees?
   We understand that charging late-cancellation and non-attendance fees may be an inconvenience, but it’s a necessary measure to ensure the smooth operation of our practice and to help as many clients as possible. When you schedule an appointment, our therapists reserve their time specifically for you and prepare for the session by reviewing referrals, reports, and planning activities. If you cancel at the last minute or fail to attend the appointment, it not only affects your therapist’s schedule but also prevents other clients from using that time slot to get the help they need. By providing advance notice, we can offer the appointment to someone else in need. To help you manage your appointments and cancellations, we send reminder emails and text messages. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
   
   

4. How do I know if I'm eligible for Medicare rebates?
   You can discuss your eligibility for Medicare rebates with your GP, who can provide a referral and a Chronic Disease Management Plan or Mental Health Care Plan if appropriate