Medicare and other funding
In an ideal world, assessment and diagnosis would be rapid, professional and free.
There are many state-funded services which do provide diagnosis and some people are able access these without a long wait and without having to travel too far.
However, most state-funded assessment services have very long waiting lists and families can be left waiting for up to 12 months for an appointment. You may need or choose to use private professionals to do an assessment of your son or daughter. There are some funding options that can help.
Your GP can refer you to a paediatrician or psychologist / psychiatrist for diagnosis, and there is a Medicare item number which can be claimed to pay for part of this cost.
The paediatrician or psychologist / psychiatrist can then give you referrals to see up to another four professionals for diagnostic services such as audiologists, occupational therapists, optometrists, physiotherapists, psychologists and speech pathologists.
