How telehealth services can support you to reach your NDIS goals
It’s more important than ever to offer flexibility in how you access support under the NDIS. At Ability Action Australia, telehealth is a vital component of our modern mix of services, giving you greater healthcare choice and keeping you safe.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is an alternative way of delivering evidence-based therapeutic, positive behaviour and employment services via digital technology. This service allows you to access essential NDIS supports from the convenience of your home by using a smartphone, tablet, laptop or a computer.
It is just like a normal appointment, except you will be hearing and seeing your clinician via video link. This delivery method is particularly beneficial when you are unable to attend an appointment in person due to health, safety, distance or travel reasons.
Rapid telehealth growth means it is now the preferred method of supporting continuous service delivery, while ensuring the health and safety of our clients, families, carers and staff. Effectively, it’s the same appointment, just in a different setting.
Learn more about telehealth services.
Is telehealth effective?
There is strong evidence to show that telehealth can be as effective as face-to-face appointments in achieving improved health outcomes. While it may not be appropriate in every circumstance, our team delivers the same level of clinical care and safe quality supports during telehealth appointments.
Ability Action Australia recently went through an independent review of our NDIS telehealth services which concluded that we deliver high quality therapy outcomes for our participants by incorporating telehealth.
How can I access telehealth?
Your appointment can be carried out at any location where you have access to:
- The internet (with reliable connectivity)
- A webcam and microphone on a computer, laptop/tablet or mobile phone
- A quiet room for privacy
We perform our telehealth consultations through online software such as MS Teams or Zoom.
You will be emailed an invitation link before your appointment which you simply need to click. This will take you through to a virtual room where we can directly interact with you and provide consultations and therapy. We offer a quick introductory session (free of charge!) to help with the set-up process as well as answer any questions you may have.
If you do not have access to an electronic device, telehealth can also be conducted over the telephone. Our clinicians will still be able to provide you with the same level of expert care and support.
Who can access the telehealth service?
All registered Ability Action Australia clients are eligible for our telehealth service.
If you are an existing client who is interested in accessing your service via the convenience of telehealth, simply let your clinician or the concierge service know you would like your next appointment to be via telehealth.
New clients who wish to access support via telehealth can chat to our friendly concierge team on 1800 238 958 or by email hello@abilityactionaustralia.com.au.
Can I access both telehealth and in-person services?
Yes —you can have your supports delivered in a combination of ways depending on what is most convenient for you. This might include:
- In-person only
- Telehealth only
- A mix of both
What are the benefits of using NDIS telehealth services?
Sometimes face-to-face appointments are inconvenient, or in-person services are disrupted because of COVID-19-related restrictions. But there are other benefits to telehealth too, including:
- Improved access to services, by providing you with flexibility and more options
- Reduced travel and travel-related costs
- Improved continuity of care in times when face-to-face services are disrupted
- Reduced exposure to disease
- Increased choice of service providers if located in a remote region
Don’t forget that telehealth also comes with new challenges. You’ll need to account for these differences to get the most out of your ongoing appointments. Click here to learn how to prepare for your telehealth appointment.
What NDIS services can I access via telehealth?
Telehealth gives you more choice and control over how you access NDIS services. Through Ability Action Australia’s national telehealth service, we can offer you convenient access to all our services, including:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Exercise Physiology
- Psychology
- Speech Pathology
- Positive Behaviour Support
- School Leaver Employment Support
- Employment-related Assessment and Counselling
Just like face-to-face appointments, telehealth allows you to develop a relationship with your clinician and build rapport. Often, telehealth can be an even better method for getting to know each other, as it is easy and convenient for both parties, removes travel expenses from your NDIS plan and can result in increased frequency of contact as well as continuity of your sessions together.
Are you remote or rural?
If you live in a rural, regional or remote community, you may not have NDIS service providers in your area. Having access to telehealth opens a world of opportunities for you. Instead of travelling far and wide to access services, you can instead have supports delivered in your own home, via your chosen device.
Ability Action Australia aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for NDIS participants throughout Australia regardless of location, by making quality clinical care more accessible.
Whether you are just getting started with an NDIS plan, evaluating your therapy options, or want to know more about reaching your goals through telehealth, contact our concierge service on 1800 238 958 or email hello@abilityactionaustralia.com.au
