The latest National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pricing has failed exercise physiology for the fifth consecutive year, overlooking a crucial support therapy for Australians with disability, according to Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
ESSA has also warned the five-year price freeze risks exercise physiologists exiting the workforce as they are unable to sustainably support some of society’s most vulnerable people.
The NDIS 2024-2025 Pricing Guide released on Friday sets the maximum prices exercise physiologists can charge when providing services to the scheme’s participants.
Despite years of continuous advocacy for price parity with similar allied health professions, exercise physiology has not seen a price increase since 2019 and continues to be undervalued by the NDIS in pricing and support arrangements.
Comparable government agencies such as the Medicare Benefits Scheme and Department of Veterans Affairs compensable schemes both announced 3.5 per cent fee indexation increases to commence 1 July.
ESSA Acting CEO Carmen Jenkinson said while recent budget announcements included cost of living relief, the NDIS failed to provide support for both its providers and participants.
“NDIS price limits must be set fairly and equitability across all allied health services,” Ms Jenkinson said.
“Yet the current GST-inclusive price arrangements for exercise physiology services set the unreasonable expectation that taxable providers must bear the costs,” she said.
“The decision puts the NDIS’ value of participant choice and control at significant risk, while all evidence of exercise physiology as a crucial therapy support for managing complex conditions and social prescription is overlooked.
“This latest blow to exercise physiology professionals could result in some providers being forced to exit the industry, leaving Australians with disability unable to access this vital service.
“We urge the NDIS to implement a 3.5 per cent fee indexation increase to ensure the crucial care that exercise physiology provides is not at risk as a result of unjustified and inequitable pricing.”