Understanding NDIS Providers: Registered vs Unregistered

Published at 31-03-2025 14:30:50

Tags: #ForParticipants

Once your NDIS plan is approved, one of your next steps will be choosing how to manage your plan and deciding on the providers you'd like to work with to achieve your goals. Let's break down what it means to choose between registered and unregistered NDIS service providers.

What is a Service Provider?

Service providers are individuals or businesses that deliver specific services or therapies. These can range from large organizations to small, family-run businesses or even individual practitioners. Here are a few examples:

• Physiotherapists
• Disability support workers
• Wheelchair manufacturers
• Occupational therapists
• Support coordinators

Registered vs Unregistered Providers: What's the Difference?

Registered Providers

• What Does NDIS Registered Mean? A registered service provider has completed a registration process with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to deliver NDIS-funded services. This process involves meeting certain criteria and agreeing to adhere to specific rules and regulations.
• Benefits: Registered providers have passed the NDIA's quality and safety evaluations, ensuring they meet a recognized standard. They can directly bill the NDIA, adhere to set price caps, and offer certain services that unregistered providers can't, such as Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL).
• Potential Downsides: If you're agency-managed and there are no suitable registered providers near you, you might face challenges like having to travel further or encountering full bookings.

Unregistered Providers

• What is an Unregistered Provider? These providers have chosen not to undergo the NDIA's official registration process. This does not necessarily reflect on their quality or professionalism; they simply opt out due to the cost or complexity of the registration process.
• Benefits: Greater flexibility in choosing providers, potentially wider selection, and the ability to continue working with a provider you know and trust who may not be registered.
• Potential Downsides: If you manage your NDIS funds yourself, using unregistered providers means more administrative work for you, as you'll need to handle invoices and claims manually. They also aren't required to undergo the same rigorous audits as registered providers.

How to Choose Your Providers

The choice between registered and unregistered providers depends largely on how you manage your NDIS plan:

• Self-Managed: You have complete freedom to choose either registered or unregistered providers. You handle the paperwork and claims yourself.
• Plan-Managed: Your plan manager can handle payments to both registered and unregistered providers, giving you a broad choice without the administrative hassle.
• Agency-Managed: You are limited to using registered providers only, as the NDIA will not reimburse services from unregistered providers.

Making Your Decision

When making your decision, consider what services you need, which providers are available in your area, and how much administrative work you're willing to take on. Whether you go with a registered or unregistered provider, the most important thing is that they can meet your needs and help you achieve your goals under the NDIS.

No matter which type of provider you choose, it's crucial to ensure they adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct and deliver high-quality, effective services to support your health and wellbeing.