Using an unregistered physio with a self- or plan-managed NDIS plan: what to check

If your NDIS plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can choose a physiotherapist who is not a registered NDIS provider. Many small, local practices are unregistered. This guide explains what that means, what the rules are, and a simple checklist you can use with any physio, whoever you choose.

Registered vs unregistered: what's the difference?

Providers can apply to be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (the NDIS Commission). The NDIA explains that registered providers "must meet strict conditions for the quality and safety of their services", while unregistered providers "aren't registered with or regulated by the NDIS Commission" [1].

The NDIA also describes unregistered providers as "often small, local operators that also provide non-disability services" [2].

Being unregistered with the NDIS is not the same as being an unregistered physiotherapist. Every physiotherapist practising in Australia must be registered with Ahpra, the national health practitioner regulator, whether or not their business is NDIS-registered [5].

Who can use an unregistered provider?

It depends on how your funding is managed [1][2]:

  • Self-managed: you can choose registered or unregistered providers.

  • Plan-managed: you can choose registered or unregistered providers when you use a registered plan manager.

  • NDIA-managed (agency-managed): you must use registered providers.

Some services must always come from a registered provider, including plan management, regulated services like behaviour support, specialist disability accommodation (SDA) and supported independent living (SIL) [1]. Physiotherapy is not one of them.

What about fees?

  • The NDIA says registered providers can't charge more than the NDIS price limits, while unregistered providers "can choose to charge above or below the price limits" [1].

  • However, plan managers "cannot pay invoices where the price is more the NDIS price limit", whether the provider is registered or unregistered [4].

So if you are plan-managed, your physio's fees need to be within the NDIS price limits. If you self-manage, ask how fees compare with the NDIS price limits and whether they're good value for your budget.

Thrive's fees are in line with standard NDIS pricing limits.

Your checklist before you start

These checks are worth doing with any physio, registered or not.

1. Look them up on the Ahpra register. Ahpra keeps a public "Register of practitioners". If a practitioner's name appears, "you know that they are allowed to practise". The register also shows any conditions that limit what they can do [5]. If you can't find them, ask for their registration number and search by that [5].

2. Ask about insurance. Ask whether the provider holds professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and ask to see a current certificate. The NDIS Commission's registration requirements include certificates of currency for insurance [8]. Unregistered providers don't go through that audit, so it is reasonable for you to ask directly.

3. Ask about worker screening. Unregistered providers "aren't legally required" to have NDIS worker screening clearances, but the NDIS Commission recommends it, and self- and plan-managed participants "can decide if the workers that support them must have a worker screening clearance" [9].

4. Ask about the NDIS Code of Conduct. Both registered and unregistered providers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct [1][7]. Ask how they handle concerns or complaints.

5. Agree things in writing. Before the first visit, get a written agreement or quote that covers fees, travel charges, cancellations, how often you'll be invoiced, and how to end the arrangement.

6. Check the invoices. For plan-managed participants, invoices go to your plan manager. The NDIA says travel time and therapy time should be shown separately on invoices [4]. If you self-manage, you must keep records of how you spend your funds [2].

7. Check the fit. Ask about their experience with people in similar situations to yours, whether they visit your area, and how quickly they respond.

If something goes wrong

Raise it with the provider first. Providers "must not threaten you for raising a concern or complaint" [7]. If that doesn't resolve it, or you're concerned about a breach of the Code of Conduct, you can report it to the NDIS Commission, which takes complaints about registered and unregistered providers [7]. Concerns about a physiotherapist's practice can be raised with Ahpra on 1300 419 495 [5]. The NDIA says participants can call the NDIS Contact Centre on 1800 800 110 [4].

Will these rules change?

The NDIS is going through legislative change, and the NDIA notes it is updating its website to match [1]. Check the official pages, or ask your plan manager or support coordinator, before you make decisions.

About Thrive United Physio: we provide home-visit physiotherapy for adults with NDIS plans in Melbourne's south-east, inner south and west, and right across Melbourne, and we're currently taking new referrals. We are not a registered NDIS provider (registration is in progress), so we can only see self-managed and plan-managed participants. Visits are delivered by an Ahpra-registered physiotherapist.

To ask about a referral, use the form at thriveunitedphysio.com.au or call 0426 207 796. We reply within 48 hours.

This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Check with your plan manager, support coordinator or the NDIA about your situation.

Sources

  1. NDIS. What is a provider. https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/working-providers/get-know-your-providers/what-provider

  2. NDIS. Guide to working with providers. https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/working-providers/get-know-your-providers/guide-working-providers

  3. NDIS. Pricing arrangements. https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-and-payments/pricing/pricing-arrangements

  4. NDIS. Travel claiming rules, gap fees and other costs (23 July 2025). https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10827-travel-claiming-rules-gap-fees-and-other-costs

  5. Ahpra. Register of practitioners. https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practitioners.aspx

  6. NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. NDIS Code of Conduct. https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-code-conduct

  7. NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Verification module: required documentation. https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-05/ndis-verification-module-required-documentation.pdf

  8. NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Worker screening for unregistered providers. https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/workforce/worker-screening/worker-screening-unregistered-providers

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