What is a service provider?

A Service Provider is a person, organisation or business that delivers services, with different levels of experience and expertise. Examples of providers include large companies, charities, not-for-profits, or sole traders. Services they can provide include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology. 

Service Providers can also register with the NDIS. They are known as ‘NDIS registered providers’. This means that they have met strict Government safety and quality requirements to become a provider. 

If your NDIS funding is agency-managed, only NDIS registered providers can be used to deliver your services. If your NDIS funding is plan-managed or self-managed, you can use both registered providers and non-registered providers.

Where can I find a service provider?

There are many ways that you can find a service provider which can meet your needs and required support. The NDIS website has a Provider Finder which can be used to locate NDIS registered providers. You can filter out your findings by state, name, and group. 

Another similar Provider Finder site shows both NDIS-registered and non-registered service  providers. The search feature allows for you to filter results by postcode, Registration Group, and key terms. 

If you have Support Coordination funded in your NDIS plan, your Support Coordinator can also help you in looking for Service Providers. Your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can do the same as well. 

Why would I need to switch my service provider?

There are a number of reasons you may need to change your Service Provider. For one, you may not be satisfied with the services you are receiving and you may feel as though it isn’t the right fit for you. There may be nothing wrong with the services you are receiving, but they aren’t well suited to your personal needs.

Another reason you may want to switch Service Providers is because of the cost. Some Service Providers charge more than others, and this may take a lot more away from your NDIS budget then you would like. If this is the case, it may be worth searching for a Service Provider with lower costs providing the same service.

A third reason you may need to switch Service Providers is because you are moving houses, and will live in an area where the Service Provider doesn’t contain any capacity to provide you with support. If this is the case, finding a service provider in close proximity to your place of residence would be suitable. 

What do I have to do if I need to switch service providers?

You will need to check your providers Terms & Conditions in order to switch - this is usually located on your signed Service Agreement. Most providers have a particular notice period that is required when leaving their services. Focus Care, for example, requires a month's written notice from both involved parties. 

If you have Support Coordination funded in your NDIS plan, your Support Coordinator can help with the process of switching service providers. A family member or trusted friend can also do this. 

How can Focus Care help?

Focus Care is a registered NDIS Service Provider, committed to providing you with support that is tailored to your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a service provider to assist you with Support Coordination, personal care, transport, and more, contact us today.