Can NDIS Support Workers Attend Medical Appointments?
A support worker may assist a participant to attend an appointment when this is part of the participant’s agreed disability support.
What appointment support can include
NDIS information notes that support workers can help with transport and attending medical appointments as part of daily activity support. Depending on the participant’s needs, this may include getting ready, travelling safely, navigating the location, waiting with the participant or providing communication support.
The participant should decide what level of involvement they want during the appointment, subject to privacy, consent and any support requirements.
The worker is not the clinician
A support worker can provide practical assistance but should not diagnose, interpret clinical advice beyond their role or make medical decisions for the participant.
If the participant wants help remembering information, the worker can take notes or help communicate questions when this has been agreed. Clinical questions should be directed to the treating professional.
Privacy and consent matter
Health information is private. The participant should be supported to decide what the worker may hear, discuss or record. Providers should follow confidentiality, consent and record-keeping requirements.
Helpful related pages
Continue with the guide or service page that best matches the support question you are working through.
Official NDIS information used for this guide
NDIS rules and terminology can change. These official pages are useful for checking the latest position.
Important: This AIC Services guide is general information, not an NDIS funding decision, clinical advice or legal advice. Participants should check their current plan and official NDIS information for their circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Can the worker come into the consultation room?
Yes, if the participant wants this and the health service permits it. The participant can also ask the worker to wait outside for part or all of the appointment.
Can a support worker speak for me?
A worker can help communicate if that is what the participant wants, but should support the participant’s own voice and preferences rather than taking over decisions.
Can appointment transport be part of the shift?
Yes, it may be part of an agreed support shift. The provider should explain how worker time, transport and any additional costs are handled.
Contact AIC Services
AIC Services
54 Main Road
Moonah, TAS 7009
Phone:
1300 023 456
Email:
support@aicservices.com.au
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
54 Main Road, Moonah TAS 7009
To reduce unnecessary third-party requests, interactive mapping is available from our Contact page and Moonah office page.
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