What is an NDIS Plan Review?
An NDIS plan review is a crucial process that occurs at the end of a designated NDIS plan period, typically lasting 1-5 years, with the average being 3 years. A participant can also request a plan review at anytime, generally if their circumstances change.
During this review, participants or coordinators gather comprehensive information from their healthcare providers to inform the development of their future plan for the subsequent period.
For individuals who are long term orthotic users, like many of our clients at Orthotics Plus, this process is particularly important. Over time, orthotic devices may require replacement parts, adjustments, or even entirely new devices due to wear and tear, or changes in requirements. Therefore, incorporating this information into the plan review ensures that participants have adequate funding to meet their orthotic needs without any disruptions.
At Orthotics Plus, we understand the significance of plan reviews in ensuring continuous support and funding for our clients. By incorporating details about potential orthotic interventions and requirements into the plan review process, we strive to ensure that our clients never face funding shortages when they need it most.
Our goal is to empower individuals to navigate the NDIS plan review process with confidence, knowing that their orthotic needs are being addressed comprehensively and proactively.
Why Do NDIS Plans Have Varying Timelines?
The NDIS Plan duration guidance can be found on the NDIS website here – https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/your-plan-menu/creating-your-plan/plan-duration-guidance
NDIS plans have varying lengths to accommodate the diverse and evolving needs of participants across different age groups and circumstances. For individuals aged 7 and older, plan lengths typically range from 3 to 5 years, providing stability and continuity in support for those with stable living situations and support needs. This longer duration allows participants to establish routines and access ongoing services without the frequent disruption of plan reviews.
However, shorter plan durations, such as 1 year, are recommended for individuals facing unstable living situations or requiring significant Capacity Building supports. This ensures that participants can receive more frequent reassessments and adjustments to address their changing needs and circumstances. Additionally, shorter plan durations are advisable for those utilizing less than 20% of their NDIS funding, receiving compensation, or needing specific health or behavioral support. These shorter plans offer greater flexibility and responsiveness to address emerging needs effectively.
For children under 7 years old, shorter plan durations of 1 to 2 years are recommended due to the rapid changes and milestones experienced during early childhood. Exceptions may be made for up to 3-year plans if aligned with critical transition points. Regular check-ins throughout the plan duration allow for ongoing assessment and adjustment of support to ensure that children receive appropriate interventions as they grow and develop.
Overall, the varying lengths of NDIS plans reflect the commitment to individualized support and responsiveness to the unique circumstances and needs of participants at different stages of life and with diverse requirements.
Who is Involved in an NDIS Plan Review?
During an NDIS Plan review, several parties are involved in ensuring that the participant’s needs are accurately assessed and addressed. Firstly, the participants themselves play a crucial role in providing information about their current situation, goals, and any changes in their circumstances since the previous plan. Additionally, family members, friends, advocates, or other support persons can be involved in the review process to provide additional insight and support.
If a participant wishes to request a plan review on their behalf, they can do so through their plan nominee, guardian, or by giving consent for someone else, such as an advocate or family member, to initiate the review process. This can be done by filling out a consent form, sending a letter or email, or contacting the NDIS directly.
During the plan review, the NDIS assesses the participant’s eligibility for continued support and evaluates their current needs and goals. This may involve gathering assessments, reports, and other relevant information to inform the development of the new plan. The participant may obtain this information themselves or through the assistance of a support coordinator or provider.
As Orthotists, our role involves providing specific reports and assessments related to the participant’s orthotic needs. These reports are essential for the participant to take to their NDIS plan review, as they detail the individual’s orthotic requirements, any changes in their condition, and recommendations for ongoing support. By collaborating with the participant and other healthcare professionals, our Orthotists aim for accurate and comprehensive information provided to the NDIS, ultimately contributing to the development of a tailored plan that meets the participant’s orthotic needs effectively.
What are the Outcomes of a NDIS Plan Review for Orthotic Supports?
When someone undergoes a plan review, the outcomes may not always immediately impact their orthotic interventions. Generally, there are two main scenarios we encounter.
1. Firstly, some individuals may approach us for orthotic support for the first time, urgently requiring a device. In such cases, our documentation for the plan review is tailored specifically to address their needs, whether it’s an AFO or any other orthotic device. We have a clear understanding of their requirements and ensure that these are detailed in the plan.
2. Secondly, we support the ongoing management of existing orthotics provided by us. This involves considerations such as the replacement of parts, scheduled reviews, and adherence to warranty periods. We assess the need for replacements based on factors like wear and tear over time, ensuring that such requirements are accounted for in the plan. This dual approach ensures that whether it’s initiating new orthotic interventions or maintaining existing ones, the participant’s orthotic needs are comprehensively addressed within the framework of the plan review.
How Do Orthotic Supports Relate to NDIS Goals?
During a plan review, discussions typically revolve around funding for supports, including orthotics, and the alignment of these supports with the participant’s NDIS goals. It’s crucial that the orthotic device recommended is directly linked to the client’s goals, a requirement stipulated by the NDIS.
However, beyond meeting NDIS criteria, it’s essential for the participant to understand and endorse the proposed plan. At Orthotics Plus, we prioritize collaborative decision-making, ensuring that our recommendations are not only clinically sound but also resonate with the participant’s objectives. This approach ensures that discussions with the NDIS are centered not only on clinical needs but also on the participant’s preferences and aspirations.
Regarding funding streams, there are distinct categories such as capacity building (i.e. orthotist consultation fees), consumables (i.e. foot orthotics, stockings) and assistive technology (i.e. complex devices).
Our approach at Orthotics Plus involves itemizing the funding requirements in our quotations for plan reviews, clearly outlining the allocation for each category.
This transparent documentation allows flexibility for participants, plan managers, and the NDIA to tailor funding distribution according to individual needs and preferences, ensuring that the participant’s orthotic requirements are adequately supported within the plan framework.
Preparing for a NDIS Review: Orthotic Support
When preparing for an NDIS plan review (with Orthotics Plus as the chosen provider of orthotic supports), participants or coordinators typically initiate contact with us.
They may reach out directly or through their support coordinator to inform us of an upcoming review, usually scheduled within two to three months.
As part of our preparation process, if it’s been some time since the participant’s last visit, we prioritize scheduling an appointment for a comprehensive assessment. This allows us to understand any changes in their condition or requirements, ensuring our recommendations align with their current needs.
Whether maintaining existing orthotics or exploring new options, we engage in thorough discussions with the participant, considering factors like condition progression or specific medical needs like MS or MND, to determine the most appropriate devices and costs.
Throughout the process, we document all discussions and assessments into a report, which can be used during their upcoming NDIS plan review.
Contents of a Report
In an NDIS report, we utilize concise dot points to streamline information and ensure clarity. By avoiding excessive wording, we focus on highlighting the patient’s condition and its impact, such as foot drop or knee instability.
We then outline the goals of orthotic management, aligning them with the patient’s objectives submitted to the NDIS. These aims often include enhancing mobility and stability, facilitating activities like walking and attending physiotherapy sessions.
Next, we detail the specific orthotic devices required, such as AFOs or compression stockings, along with their features and specifications.
Finally, we present a summarized table outlining the costs of each component and the corresponding funding categories. This structured approach ensures comprehensive documentation for effective NDIS plan review and decision-making. This report is provided to the participant and/or their consented support coordinators.
Questions About Our NDIS Services?
Orthotics Plus has been a NDIS registered provider for many years.
- We advocate for choice and control
- We have multiple locations throughout Melbourne
- We are experienced providing assessments and reports under the NDIS
- We can communicate with your support coordinator or healthcare team with your consent
If you are seeking an NDIS registered Orthotist, or have questions about our involvement with NDIS plan reviews, please contact us.
Contact Us Call (03) 9077 6414
