FAQs
Do I need a referral?
No. You do not need a referral to see a speech pathologist, however you may be referred by your GP through a Medicare health plan.
I don’t want a report, just an initial consultation/opinion. Is this an option?
All initial consultations come with a written summary report. This report summarises the assessments undertaken and any clinical observations, alongside recommendations, goals and a suggested therapy plan. The written report is valuable to record baseline data and to share with relevant stakeholders (e.g. teachers, allied health professionals, paediatricians).
Do you conduct formal, standardised assessments in the initial consultation?
Unless clearly specified at the time of referral, all initial consultations will ‘screen’ your child’s development in particular areas. Your speech pathologist may then recommend further assessment following the initial consultation. For example, if the speech pathologist observed some presenting language difficulties within the initial consultation, they may recommend a formal assessment be completed (such as a CELF-P3 or CELF-5).
How long do therapy sessions go for?
Therapy sessions are billed hourly, however go for approximately 45 minutes. The remaining time is used to write session notes, collate any resources for home practice, send relevant emails etc. All session notes are emailed to the family and can also be emailed to the child’s teacher with consent.
How do you measure progress?
The speech pathologist will record data each session and note down any progress that aligns to the child’s goals. We also regularly check in and score speech pathology goals following each block of therapy with the parents.
Fees & Rebates
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Wonder Words Speech Pathology can accept National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) clients who have self-managed or plan-managed NDIS funds. We can provide various speech pathology support to work towards your child’s NDIS therapy goals. If your child is getting ready for the NDIS, we can help you with your planning needs and provide a forecast report.
Medicare /Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP)
Medicare provides a rebate of $55.10 for up to five allied health sessions per calendar year for individuals with ongoing conditions that require treatment from several health professionals. These rebates can be allocated entirely for speech pathology services, or can be shared between a combination of medical and allied health services, including Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology and Audiology. For more information and to determine if your child is eligible for this rebate, please contact your GP.
Private Health Insurance
Under private health extras cover, you can claim assessments and therapy sessions. The rebate amount depends on the individual level of cover. Please contact your health fund provider for further information regarding your level of cover.
Initial assessment - item number 320
Therapy session - item number 350