Occupational Therapists
What does an Occupational Therapist do?
Occupational therapists assist people of all ages to overcome limitations caused by injury or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, developmental delay or the effects of ageing. They assist people to move from dependence to independence, maximising personal capability. Occupational therapists often work in a multidisciplinary team, assisting people to overcome a wide range of conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Arthritis
- Neurological conditions
- Stress
Services
Occupational therapists can assist with:
- Home modification
- Physical rehabilitation
- Social and emotional wellbeing
- Driver assessment and rehabilitation
- Equipment prescription, such as wheelchairs
Patients could be referred to an occupational therapist if they have difficulties with everyday activities such as dressing and mobility.
Medicare Eligibility
To be eligible to provide services under Medicare’s chronic disease management items, occupational therapists in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory must be registered with the Occupational Therapists Board in the State or Territory in which they are practising. Elsewhere, they must be full-time or part-time members of Occupational Therapy Australia, the national body of the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists.
Most private health insurers provide rebates.