Speech Pathology Balwyn North - Medicare Support for Communication & Swallowing
Get Medicare-funded speech pathology sessions for chronic conditions. Our expert speech pathologists help children and adults communicate clearly and swallow safely with up to 5 subsidised sessions per year.
SPEECH PATHOLOGY
Supporting communication for life with Medicare-funded speech pathology.
At Activate Allied Health, our Speech Pathologists work with children and adults with chronic health conditions, supporting their communication, social interaction, and safe swallowing. Through Medicare's Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP), eligible individuals can access individualised, evidence-based speech therapy to improve their quality of life and independence.
Social Communication & Confidence
Building confidence in conversations and social interactions is crucial for quality of life. We work on practical communication skills that help you connect meaningfully with others in everyday situations.
Language Development & Support
We help children understand and use words more effectively, while supporting adults who may be experiencing word-finding difficulties or language changes due to conditions like dementia or brain injury.
Speech Clarity & Articulation Support
Whether you're a child developing speech sounds or an adult managing changes from stroke or neurological conditions, we provide targeted therapy to help you speak more clearly and be understood by family and friends.
Safe Swallowing & Mealtime Management
Swallowing difficulties can be serious and isolating. We assess swallowing function and provide strategies to help you enjoy food and drinks safely, reducing anxiety around mealtimes.
Bulk-Billed Communication Screening
For families unsure whether ongoing speech pathology is needed, we offer a bulk-billed screening assessment including a written report for your GP and recommendations about whether therapy is required.
Neurological Communication Support
For conditions like stroke, Parkinson's disease, or acquired brain injury that affect communication, we provide specialised therapy designed to maximise your communication potential and adapt to changes.
We work closely with our patients to provide world-class speech therapy, which enables people to communicate with the confidence we often take for granted.
ABOUT US
As qualified Speech Pathologists, we specialise in using evidence-based therapy to support people with chronic health conditions that affect communication and swallowing.
The Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) — also known as an Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC Plan) — is a Medicare-funded program that enables people with long-term health conditions to access allied health services like Speech Pathology. This program helps individuals manage the impact of their chronic condition on communication, swallowing, and daily participation.
We work closely with your GP and healthcare team to ensure your speech pathology goals align with your overall health management, providing regular updates on your progress and celebrating your achievements together.
FAQs
Common questions we get about Speech Pathology
I'm worried about my child - how do I know if they need help?
Trust your instincts. If you've noticed your child struggling to be understood, avoiding talking, getting frustrated when trying to communicate, or if teachers have mentioned concerns, these are all valid reasons to seek support. There's no "too early" to get help - early intervention often leads to the best outcomes.
How much is the Medicare rebate for speech pathology?
As of 2024, the Medicare rebate is $61.80 per session. Our session fee is $193.99 per hour, so your out-of-pocket cost would be $132.19 per session. We understand this is still a significant investment, but Medicare's support means you're getting professional, specialised care at about a third of the full cost. Many families find that even a few targeted sessions can make a meaningful difference.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Yes, you need a valid Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) referral from your GP before your first appointment. Your GP assesses eligibility and completes the referral paperwork as part of the new Medicare framework introduced in July 2025.
What can I realistically expect from 5 Medicare sessions?
While every person's journey is unique, 5 sessions can often provide a solid foundation. You'll gain a clear understanding of the challenges, learn practical strategies you can use daily, and see some initial progress. Many clients find these sessions give them the confidence and tools to continue improving independently. If more support is needed, you can access another 5 sessions the following calendar year.
Is autism automatically eligible for Medicare speech pathology?
Yes, Autism Spectrum Disorder is considered a chronic condition, making individuals automatically eligible for the CDMP. Additionally, children under 15 with autism may access up to 20 sessions through a special Medicare item (135) with paediatrician or psychiatrist referral.
What's included in the bulk-billed communication screener?
We don't currently offer bulk-billed screening assessments as comprehensive communication and swallowing assessments typically require around 2 hours to complete properly. However, we're always happy to discuss whether Medicare-funded speech pathology would be right for your situation during an initial consultation.
Can my family get support too?
Yes, if you're a parent experiencing anxiety or depression related to your child's communication challenges, your GP can create a separate CDMP for you to access psychological support, recognising the impact on the whole family.
Where do you provide speech pathology services?
We offer flexible service delivery to meet your needs - whether that's in our Balwyn North clinic, in your home, or via telehealth. We'll work with you to determine what environment will be most beneficial for your progress and convenient for your situation.
Yes, these are the exact FAQs from earlier in our conversation for the Medicare Speech Pathology page.
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