Short answer: Chiropractic isn't named as a funded support on the NDIS supports lists. The NDIS funds disability-related supports, and the clinical treatment of health conditions, including ongoing ones, is listed as something the health system funds instead. So an NDIS chiropractor visit usually isn't covered. Call us to talk about other ways to pay.
Is chiropractic covered under the NDIS? What the rules say
The NDIS now has two official lists: one of the categories that are NDIS supports, and one of the categories that are not. A support has to fit one of the approved categories to be funded. You can read about both lists on the NDIS website.
Chiropractic isn't named on either list. But two parts of the rules are relevant:
- Health is listed as "not an NDIS support". That category includes the diagnosis, early intervention and clinical treatment of health conditions, including ongoing or chronic health conditions. Those are seen as the health system's job.
- "Therapeutic supports" are an NDIS support. That category covers evidence-based therapy that helps a participant improve or maintain their functional capacity, in areas such as mobility, personal care and communication, related to their disability.
Most people see a chiropractor for back pain, neck pain, headaches and similar problems. That kind of care generally falls under treating a health condition, which is why it usually isn't something the NDIS funds. Whether anything in your particular plan could apply is a question for the NDIA or your plan manager, not something we can decide.
NDIS chiropractor: registered and unregistered providers
The NDIS explains that participants who self-manage their funding, or who use a registered plan manager, can choose unregistered providers. Participants whose funding is managed by the NDIA must use registered providers.
That's general information about how the scheme works. It doesn't mean a particular service is funded. The support itself still has to fit the rules and your plan.
If you're unsure how your plan is managed, or what your plan includes, your plan manager, support coordinator or the NDIA can tell you. We can't make NDIS funding decisions, and we don't want you caught out by an unexpected bill.
Other ways to cover chiropractic care
| Option | How it works at MPCC |
|---|---|
| Medicare GP care plan | With a GP chronic condition management plan and referral, Medicare pays $63.40 per eligible visit, up to 5 allied health visits a calendar year. You pay on the day and claim it back. |
| Private health extras | Claim on the spot with HICAPS and pay the gap. Your rebate depends on your cover. |
| DVA | Gold Card holders, and White Card holders for accepted conditions, with a GP referral. We bill DVA directly. |
| WorkSafe or TAC | Come in under your claim. You pay us on the day and claim it back from your scheme. |
A GP care plan is often the most useful option for people with an ongoing condition. Read can I claim a chiropractor on Medicare? or see our Medicare care plans page. All our fees and funding options are on the fees and health funds page.
How we approach this at MPCC
If you're an NDIS participant, or you care for one, call us on 03 9787 8518 before you book. Michelle or Mercedes will talk you through how you'd pay, so there are no surprises.
Your care starts the same way as everyone else's. Your first visit is a new patient appointment: your story, posture pictures, and a thorough chiropractic, orthopaedic and neurological check of your spine, joints and nerves, taking 30 to 40 minutes. Whether you're adjusted on the first visit is up to the clinical judgement of your chiropractor. Often more testing comes first.
At your report of findings appointment, we explain what we found in plain English and whether we can help. If we can't, we'll tell you straight.
Our fees: new patient appointment $195, or $125 when booked online through our website (new practice members only, one per person). Report of findings and standard appointments are $95. We have free parking at the door and an accessible entrance at 12/1140 Nepean Hwy, Mornington.