FAQs
PARTICIPANTS & PATIENTS
Which participants/patients or communication disorders do you work with?
Primarily adult patients with a previous neurological event or illness, such as stroke, acquired brain injuries, brain tumours, etc.
These diagnoses often result in communcation disorders, such as Aphasia, Apraxia of Speech and Dysarthria.
Do you work with children? (paediatrics)
Traditionally, EL Speech Pathology does not see children for Speech Therapy. However, if you have any difficulties locating a paediatric Speech Pathologist, please check out the link below from Speech Pathology Australia (SPA):
Alternatively, EL Speech Pathology may be able to assist in directing Melbourne/Victoria-based families to local, recommended Speech Pathologists. Please do not hesitate to contact us for support.
FUNDING
Do you work with NDIS participants?
Yes! EL Speech Pathology primarily services NDIS participants.
Do you work with My Aged Care (MAC)/Home Care Package (HCP), Medicare/Chronic Disease Management (CDM) or Privately funded clients?
Yes! We also work with MAC/HCP, CDM or private paying clients.
I do not have NDIS funding yet but I think I may be eligible, where can I get support to apply?
Your local NDIS partner should be able to support your application. These are your Early Childhood (EC) partners (supporting children under 9 years of age and their families) or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) partners (most people over 9 years of age to adulthood and their families). Please see the NDIS links below to find your local EC or LAC partners:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/contact/locations
REFERRAL & PROCESS
I am a participant/patient, or a healthcare provider/NDIS Support Coordinator/family member/friend wanting to send a referral on behalf of the participant/patient. What is the process?
There is no GP or hospital referral required to access EL Speech Pathology. Simply contact us with the initial expression of interest to make a referral. Please include approximate age, diagnosis, goals, local government area or suburb. If appropriate, EL Speech Pathology will send a referral form to the referrer for intake purposes. This will be followed by an initial screening phone call.
What does the intake & therapy process look like?
1. Initial screening phone call, to discuss client goals, funding, current abilities, logistics, etc. Confirm intake information and suitability of service for participant/patient.
2. Begin assessment process.
3. Complete assessment process with report.
4. Begin therapy & intervention, including Care Team Meetings, liaison with Support Coordinators, advocacy for AAC/AT, etc.
5. If NDIS funded, support of NDIS plan reviews.
When is a participant/patient discharged from the service?
A participant/patient may be discharged from the service at any time. Discharge is usually based on achievement of goals or if the participant/patient feels they no longer require services or support. EL Speech Pathology is happy to support participants/patients for as long as they need and will support their discharge at any point in time.
What is the frequency of Speech Therapy?
A participant/patient may decide what is most suitable for them. Depending on diagnosis, symptoms and abilities, preferences will vary. Some participants/patients enjoy weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Other frequencies may be discussed based on the needs and goals of the participant/patient.
What are the costs and fees for therapy?
For our costs and fees, please contact us via email or send us a message via the web form on our Contact page. This information is usually discussed in further detail after the initial screening phone call.
I have a general question about Speech Pathology or NDIS, who can I ask?
EL Speech Pathology is happy to chat through any questions, confusions or challenges people in the community may have about Speech Pathology or the NDIS in general. Please do not hesitate to contact us via email or the web form found on our Contact page.