According to the 2024 figures, there are over 16,000 NDIS registered service providers 154,000 unregistered providers out there in the various registration groups. Whether you’re choosing a provider from the thousands listed on the internet or from other sources including the ones recommended to you by your friends and family members, ensuring that you pick the right one is a gamble.

Consider the process of choosing a service provider to be like a job interview. You’re the recruiting manager while the provider is the candidate. The provider is seeking to service your needs while he/she gets paid from your NDIS plan budget.

You should want to know if the provider has the capacity to accommodate your needs. And furthermore, whether the provider has the capacity including the relevant qualification, accreditation, registration and experience appropriate for the service you’re seeking.

Some basic questions you need to ask to elicit information to get some clues as to the suitability of the provider to provide the service include:

• Are you an NDIS registered provider?

Though you can use a non NDIS registered provider if you are self or plan managed, the answer to this question may give some unexpected clues to your decision-making process.

• How will you help me achieve my goals?

This is to gauge their interest in you and your care.

• How much does your service cost?

The NDIS price guide stipulates how much should be paid/claimed per unit or hour of service. If the provider is quoting over those rates, you may have to think about out-off-pocket expenses.

• Can I choose which staff will work with me?

This gives you some clues as to whether you can exercise your choice and control rights over a flexible support to achieve your goals in accordance with the NDIS Act 2013, and the level of the provider’s capacity to respond to your needs.

• How can I make a complaint or resolve an issue?

It gives you an insight into the communication channel within the organisation, should you need it.

This article was brought to you courtesy of Optimum Plan Management, your number one ndis  plan managers in Australia. Register with us today and enjoy the optimum care we provide.