How the NDIA Independent Pricing Review will affect the quality of care provided to disabled people
The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) expressed its strong opposition to the National Disability Insurance Agency acceptance of the Independent Pricing Review from McKinsey & Company.
The APA believes that if implemented, the 25 recommendations listed in the report will negatively affect the quality of care provided to people with disabilities. Among the recommendations, APA’s major concerns are:
- The reform of the price-setting methodology
- The definition of complexity and the role of specialist planning teams
- The way that travel is treated within the scheme
APA National President Phil Calvert said, “The APA and other health organisations whose NDIS participants will be adversely affected by these recommendations were not given the opportunity to discuss them before they were made.”
“Our members are justifiably concerned that the quality of treatment services for people living with a range of disabilities will in fact be reduced by this reformed price structure that is based on the flawed structures of some compensable schemes.”
He also mentioned the idea of a boycott from NDIS providers saying, “I have the utmost respect for the NDIS and the opportunity it offers participants to make a positive difference in their lives, but there is a real risk that it could have the opposite effect if these recommendations are implemented. Many of our members are already considering their position, with some suggesting they will deregister as NDIS providers if the recommendations are implemented without further consultation.”
“I strongly urge the NDIA to pull back on the speed of its implementation strategy and consult more widely with the key health bodies so that a more workable solution can be secured.”, he said.
In defence of the NDIA, CEO Rob De Luca has this to say, “The NDIA is mindful of the pressures faced by some providers who are challenged by the complexity and pace of the roll-out of the Scheme. We are committed to working with them to ensure a vibrant market for disability supports that enables participants to achieve better outcomes. A vibrant and financially viable provider market is essential to the longer-term sustainability of the Scheme. The IPR recommendations will help achieve those objectives.”
“Participants will benefit from having service levels and expertise more tailored to their needs. Participants with complex and psycho-social disabilities, along with those in rural and remote areas should gain greater access to the services and level of support they require. If providers are stronger, all participants will benefit.”, he added.
Dr Helen Nugent, Chairman of the NDIA also argued that “Equally we recognize the need for the recommendations to be consistent with maintaining the Scheme’s financial sustainability to ensure the NDIS is in place for generations to come. Longer term financial sustainability depends on having a vibrant provider market and ultimately moving to deregulation. The Board considers that the IPR recommendations, of themselves, will not adversely impact the Scheme’s longer-term financial sustainability.”
Dr Nugent highlighted that, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) “is a once in a generation reform which, by focusing on improving outcomes for participants, requires many providers to undergo significant change”.
Occupational Therapy Australia and Reform APS did not respond to our invitation for comment.
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