Referral Pathways

The referral process for allied health professionals can be initiated by several people:

1. General Practitioners (GPs): GPs can identify the need for allied health services in routine appointments.
   A Referral Form for chronic disease allied health services under Medicare can be used.
2. Allied health professionals: They can refer to each other, with the older person’s permission, where another health care professional may be useful.
3. Aged care staff: Nurses and care coordinators can help facilitate referrals and ensure the older person receives the necessary services.
4. Family members: They can advocate for the older person and initiate the referral to a private provider if needed.
5. Older people: They are at the centre of the process, and their preferences and needs guide the referral. This can be initiated by them at any time.

Access to allied health professionals will vary depending on where aged care services are being delivered.

• Community-based allied health services may be available through publicly funded community health services. However, services are more often available through practitioners operating in private practices.
• In a residential aged care home, allied health services may regularly visit based on identified need. Alternatively, they can be requested by the individual or the family.

Allied health services can be funded in several ways. Some services can be billed to Medicare or an aged care funded program, or privately funded e.g. private health insurance.