Does NDIS Funding Cover Chiropractic Care?

If you're an NDIS participant, you may be eligible to access free chiropractic care if the treatment relates to your disability and NDIS goals.

People with disability can often develop spinal and musculoskeletal issues - chronic back pain from prolonged sitting or lying down, scoliosis, herniated discs, multiple sclerosis (MS), and spinal stenosis are some of the most common conditions.

Receiving professional chiropractic care can provide effective pain relief, improve the way your body functions and moves, and enhance your quality of life.

Are NDIS Chiropractic Treatments Available for All Participants?

NDIS participants are not automatically covered for chiropractic care.

When making funding decisions for chiropractic care, the NDIS considers whether treatment is “reasonable and necessary”. So, the key question is: "Will chiropractic care help in managing your disability?".

If the answer is yes, it's likely that you can apply for NDIS-funded chiro treatment. Usually, the full cost will be covered (with no gap cost to you) when the NDIS deems the treatment is appropriate for managing your disability.

What Chiropractic Services Are Covered Under NDIS?

Once approved, the NDIS will typically cover the cost of all chiropractic services including:

• Manual therapy, such as spinal adjustments, static and motion palpation
• X-ray imaging services
• Advice for pain management and recovery
• Consultation and diagnosis fees

How Is NDIS Funding for Chiropractic Care Managed? 

There are three options for managing NDIS-funded chiropractic care - self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA-managed. 

With self-management, you will be given full control over the funds for chiropractic care. You will have the freedom to pick your own provider with no limits on fees. However, the funds are shared with access to other NDIS services, so you need to decide how much to allocate to chiropractic treatment. You will also need to handle all invoices, payments, and records.

Plan-managed funding is overseen by a plan manager who does the administrative work for payments and records. You retain the freedom to choose service providers like chiropractors. 

NDIA management means that your funds are fully controlled by the NDIS, and you will only be able to choose from registered providers, which limits your options. This is the most hands-free option as everything is handled by the NDIS. 

How To Access Chiropractic Care With NDIS Funding

Review your NDIS goals

The NDIS won't fund chiropractic for general health. It must directly relate to your disability. Ensure your plan includes goals like: "Improving my physical coordination and posture." or "Managing pain to better participate in community activities."

Obtain supporting evidence

You will need a letter of recommendation from your GP or an Allied Health professional stating that chiropractic care is necessary or will be beneficial to managing your disability.

You will also need a support letter from your chosen chiropractor detailing how treatment will assist in managing your disability or improving functional limitations.

Plan Review

NDIS participants do not need to reapply to the scheme - you can request a plan review to add new therapy supports, or discuss the possibility of chiropractic care at an upcoming plan meeting. You should have the letters from the GP and chiropractors on hand to provide supporting evidence.

You can start treatment as soon as your plan is approved to include chiropractic care.

Spinal Works Chiropractic provides chiropractic services in Townsville and Cairns - we are registered under the Australian Chiropractic Board and can help NDIS participants address a range of spinal-related conditions. Start your journey towards pain-free living with us!