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
-
What conditions qualify for Medicare-funded speech pathology?
A speech pathologist diagnoses and supports individuals with various communication needs. They work with individuals of all ages to develop speech clarity, language skills, fluency and/or play abilities promoting effective communication and enhancing overall quality of life.
We listen to our clients' voices and combine their thoughts with assessment data to create a tailored plan to target specific communication goals.
-
How much is the Medicare rebate for speech pathology?
Yes, Speech Pathology is supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia.
NDIS participants can use their funding to access speech pathology services to diagnose, treat, and manage communication difficulties.
-
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Yes, many private health insurance plans in Australia offer coverage for speech pathology services. However, coverage varies depending on the specific insurance provider and policy.
It's recommended to check with your health insurance provider to determine the coverage available for speech pathology services and whether any conditions or limitations apply.
Additionally, some patients may be eligible for Medicare rebates or access to speech pathology services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which we just mentioned in the question above.
-
What can I realistically expect from 5 Medicare sessions?
What can I realistically expect from 5 Medicare sessions?
-
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?
Our bulk-billed screening includes a brief assessment of communication or swallowing skills, a written summary report for your GP or school, and recommendations about whether ongoing therapy is required. This is perfect for families unsure about their next steps.
-
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.
OUR PARTNERS
mAKE your BOOKING
You don't have to navigate communication challenges alone.
Contact Us
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
