Who can make a referral?

Parents, teachers, doctors, psychologists and other therapists can make referrals for children to receive speech pathology. If you are unsure about whether you child requires therapy, feel free to call and receive some advice from one of our therapists.

A referral should be made when:

  • Family members or teachers have expressed concerns about your child’s speech or language
  • Your child has difficulty understanding what is said
  • Your child has difficulty following instructions
  • Your child becomes frustrated when trying to communicate
  • Your child has difficulty learning to read or spell
  • Your child is not using single words by 18 months of age
  • Your child is not using 2 word sentences by 2.5 years of age
  • Your child’s play or social interaction appears inappropriate

 

Funding

Enhanced Primary Care Plan – Item no. 10970

This program can be accessed through your GP. Under this program you are eligible for 5 reabated services per calendar year and the rebate is $53 per session.

Item number – 82005 – Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

This program can be accessed through your pediatrician who will provide you with a written referral if your child:

  • is under 13 years
  • The child is referred for an ASD diagnostic assessment
  • These items are limited to a maximum of four services per patient. Benefit = $74.80

Item number – 82020 – Treatment of an Autism Spectrum Disorder

This program can be accessed through your pediatrician who will provide you with a written referral if your child:

  • is under 15 years
  • has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and requires treatment
  • The child has received an ASD treatment plan (while aged under 13 years) as prepared by an eligible practitioner

These items are limited to a maximum of 20 services per patient. Benefit = $74.80.
Providers at De Silva Speech pathology are registered with Medicare under this scheme.