
26/02/2025
Today, our team of FCA specialists underwent a training session to enhance our expertise in conducting Functional Capacity Assessments to the highest standard. We are committed to continuously expanding our knowledge to ensure you receive the exceptional service you deserve.
It has been a longstanding myth that FCAs can only be completed by OTs but in fact the NDIS guidelines stipulates that any suitably trained therapists can complete FCAs. If anyone, including NDIS planners, tell you that only OTs can do the job, perhaps ask them to provide proof supporting their claim. It’s unlikely that they’ll find such a restriction in the NDIS guidelines. If the FCA requires input from other health professionals, such as an OT, their input would be included in the report. There is no rule stating that only one therapist can complete the report—it can be a joint effort.
A participant is assessed in 6 life skill areas during a FCA. These areas are mobility, communication, social interaction, learning, self-care and self management. As you may be aware, OTs specialise in only 3 of the 6 areas whereas Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists are mobility experts while Speech Pathologists specialise in communication, social interaction and learning.
So, why is it that it is of the belief that only OTs can do FCAs when the other 3 life skill areas are not within their speciality? The truth is allied health professionals are well aware of each others' expertise and have the knowledge to recognise impairments in any of these life skill areas. Once these impairments are detected, we then refer them on to the relevant allied health discipline (e.g. OTs recommend physiotherapy input when there is a mobility issue). This practice isn't new and has been ongoing for decades in the hospital setting within a multidisciplinary team.
With more therapists able to do FCAs, regardless of whether they are OTs, Physios or EPs, we are able to provide immediate availability which we know is essential!
Call us at 0492 927 327 or email at admin@healthjpartner.com to make a booking!