Speech Pathology By Design currently accepts clients who are:

NDIS plan managed
NDIS self managed
Private

Fees are based on clinician time. The hourly rate is $193.99 and applies to all services.

We offer 30 or 45 minute therapy sessions. Group therapy is offered depending on availability and the needs of clients.
All sessions include an additional component of billed indirect time to complete required documentation and follow up.
Time taken to conduct an assessment depends on the complexity of the client’s needs but typically takes between 2 and 4 hours, including time taken to complete a comprehensive report. This is charged at the hourly rate.
We are a private provider, which means we charge a fee for our service. However, eligible clients can claim a rebates through a number of funding initiatives.
Payment of fees is required at the time of service. EFTPOS/Credit card payments are accepted. Plan Managed NDIS clients can be billed via their plan manager.

Funding Options for Speech Pathology Services

Accessing speech pathology services can sometimes feel confusing. There are a number of funding pathways available that may help reduce the cost of assessment and therapy. Eligibility requirements differ for each funding option, and some families may be eligible for more than one pathway. Please click on the tabs below to find out more.

If you are unsure which funding pathway may be available to you or your child, please contact Speech Pathology By Design. We can discuss your circumstances and help you understand the referral and funding options that may be available.

Private Paying

Many families choose to access speech pathology services as private-paying clients without using Medicare, NDIS, or private health insurance funding.

Private-paying clients can access assessment and therapy services directly, without requiring a referral from a GP, paediatrician, or specialist.

Families pay the full session fee on the day of the appointment and will receive a receipt following payment.

Private funding provides flexibility and allows services to commence without waiting for funding approvals or referrals. It is often the simplest option for families who are not eligible for other funding pathways or who wish to begin support immediately.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for Australians with a permanent and significant disability that affects their everyday functioning.

Speech pathology services may be funded through the NDIS under categories such as:

Improved Daily Living
Capacity Building Supports
Early Childhood Supports (where applicable)

Who may be eligible?

Eligibility is determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and generally requires evidence that a person's disability substantially impacts their daily life.

How can Speech Pathology By Design help?

Speech Pathology By Design can:

Provide assessment and therapy services
Assist with gathering supporting evidence
Complete reports for NDIS reviews and access requests
Support plan reviews and goal development

How do I apply?

Contact the NDIA directly or speak with your GP, paediatrician, or other healthcare professional about whether an NDIS application may be appropriate.

Speech Pathology By Design supports clients who are self managed or plan managed.

Medicare Funding for Speech Pathology (M10 Eligible Disability Pathway) Parent Guide

Good News!

From 1 March 2026, Medicare expanded funding for some children and young adults (under 25 years of age) who have certain speech disorders.

If your child has:

Stuttering

A speech sound disorder (articulation or phonological disorder)

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

Dysarthria

Cleft lip and/or palate

they may be eligible for Medicare-funded speech pathology assessment and therapy through the M10 Eligible Disability Pathway. This pathway can be used additionally to the Medicare GPCCMP plan.

Step 1: See Your GP

Book a longer appointment with your GP and discuss your concerns about your child's speech.

Tell your GP that you would like to explore eligibility for the M10 Eligible Disability Pathway for speech pathology.

Examples of concerns may include:

Difficulty being understood by others

Stuttering

Difficulty producing speech sounds

Suspected Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Speech difficulties associated with cleft palate

Dysarthria or motor speech difficulties

Step 2: GP Referral for Speech Pathology Assessment

If the GP suspects your child may have an eligible disability, they can refer your child for Medicare-funded allied health assessment services.

Available Assessment Funding

Your child may access:

Up to 4 Medicare-funded assessment sessions initially

A further 4 assessment sessions if required

This gives a lifetime total of up to 8 Medicare-funded assessment services.

During these sessions, the speech pathologist will:

Complete assessments

Determine whether a qualifying diagnosis is present

Provide reports and recommendations

Send information back to your GP

Speech Pathology Assessment Item MBS Item 82005

Medicare rebate: $87.25 per eligible session

Maximum of 8 assessment services across a person's lifetime under this pathway
Note there will be a gap payment

Step 3: GP Reviews Assessment Results

Once assessment information has been received, the GP reviews the findings.

If the GP is satisfied that your child meets the criteria for an eligible disability, they can prepare a Medicare Treatment and Management Plan.

Important GP Item Number

The GP must complete:

MBS Item 139
(or telehealth equivalent Item 92142)

This is the key step that unlocks Medicare-funded therapy services.

Without Item 139 (or 92142), treatment services cannot be claimed under this pathway.

Step 4: Referral for Speech Pathology Therapy

Once the GP has completed the Treatment and Management Plan (Item 139), they can refer your child for therapy.

Available Therapy Funding

Your child may access:

Up to 10 Medicare-funded therapy sessions per referral

Up to 20 Medicare-funded therapy sessions in total over their lifetime

Speech Pathology Therapy Item

Therapy services are claimed using: MBS Item 82020

Medicare rebate: $87.25 per eligible session

Maximum of 20 treatment services across a person's lifetime under this pathway

These sessions can be used with eligible allied health providers, including:

Speech Pathologists

Occupational Therapists

Psychologists

Physiotherapists

Audiologists

Dietitians

Exercise Physiologists

Optometrists

Orthoptists

The GP decides how many sessions are allocated and which professionals are involved.

What Should I Ask My GP?

At the First Appointment

You may wish to say:

"My child has speech difficulties and I understand Medicare now provides funding under the M10 Eligible Disability Pathway. Can you assess whether my child may be eligible and arrange a referral for speech pathology assessment services?"

After the Assessment

Once the Speech Pathologist has completed the assessment and sent a summary report to your GP, you may wish to say:

"Can you review the speech pathology assessment and, if appropriate, complete an Eligible Disability Treatment and Management Plan using MBS Item 139 so my child can access Medicare-funded speech pathology therapy services?"

Claiming Your Medicare Rebate

Speech Pathology By Design is not a bulk-billing service.

Families are required to:

Pay the full session fee on the day of the appointment.
Receive a paid invoice/receipt from Speech Pathology By Design.
Submit the receipt to Medicare to claim their rebate of $87.25.

*Medicare rebate amounts are current at the time of writing and may change in the future.

Gap Payment

The Medicare rebate does not cover the full cost of the speech pathology service.

This means there will be an out-of-pocket cost (gap payment) between the session fee and the Medicare rebate received.

For example:

Session fee charged by Speech Pathology By Design

Medicare rebate claimed by the family

Remaining balance = gap payment

The exact gap amount will depend on the current Speech Pathology By Design fee schedule.

If you have questions about fees or rebates, please contact Speech Pathology By Design before your appointment.

Important Things to Know

Your child must be under 25 years of age.

The speech difficulty must fall within one of the eligible disability categories.

Assessment reports are usually required before the GP can confirm a diagnosis.

Medicare funding is limited to lifetime caps:

- Up to 8 assessment services (Item 82005)

- Up to 20 treatment services (Item 82020)

This pathway is separate from Chronic Condition Management (CCM) plans and uses different Medicare rules.

Medicare rebates are paid directly to the family after the claim is processed.

Families are responsible for any gap payment not covered by Medicare.

How Speech Pathology By Design Can Help

Speech Pathology By Design can:

Complete speech pathology assessments

Provide reports and recommendations for your GP

Assist with identifying eligible diagnoses

Deliver therapy once GP approval and referrals are in place

Help families understand the Medicare process

Simple Process Overview

GP suspects eligible condition → Speech Pathology Assessment (82005) → Report sent to GP → GP completes Item 139 → Speech Pathology Therapy (82020) → Medicare rebate of $87.25 per session

If you would like to explore whether your child may be eligible, please contact Speech Pathology By Design to arrange an assessment.

Medicare Follow-Up Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

What are Follow-Up Allied Health Services?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may be eligible for additional Medicare-funded allied health services through the Follow-Up Allied Health Services Program.

These services are designed to support ongoing healthcare needs following an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessment.

What may be available?

Eligible individuals may access:

Up to 5 additional Medicare-rebated allied health services per calendar year.

These services may be used alongside other Medicare funding pathways where appropriate.

How do I access this funding?

Speak with your:

GP
Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS)
Aboriginal Health Worker
Healthcare team

They can advise whether you are eligible and arrange the necessary referrals.

Important to know

Families pay the full session fee on the day.
Medicare rebates are claimed after payment using the receipt provided.
The Medicare rebate does not cover the full session fee.
A gap payment will apply.

Private Health Insurance

What is Private Health Insurance Funding?

Many private health insurance funds provide rebates for speech pathology services through extras cover.

The amount you receive will depend on:

Your health fund
Your level of cover
Annual limits and waiting periods

How does claiming work?

You:

Pay the full session fee on the day.
Receive a receipt from Speech Pathology By Design.
Submit the receipt to your private health insurer for reimbursement.

Important to know

Rebates vary significantly between funds.
There is usually a gap payment.
Annual limits may apply.

We recommend contacting your health fund directly to confirm your level of cover before commencing services.

GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) - previously called EPC

GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP)

What is a GPCCMP?

A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan is a Medicare-funded program that may assist people with chronic or ongoing health conditions.

Eligible individuals may access:

Up to 5 Medicare-rebated allied health services per calendar year.

Speech pathology may be included as one of these allied health services if your GP considers it clinically appropriate.

How do I access this funding?

Make an appointment with your GP.
Discuss your concerns and whether you may be eligible for a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.
If approved, your GP will provide a referral for speech pathology services.

Medicare Rebate

A Medicare rebate is available for eligible services under this pathway.

Important to know

The Medicare rebate does not cover the full session fee.
Families pay the full fee on the day and claim the rebate from Medicare using the receipt provided.
A gap payment will apply.