What's the Difference Between NDIS-Registered and Non-Registered Providers?
NDIS providers are central to your plan. Without the right providers in place for your needs, reaching NDIS goals can be a challenge. If you are a plan-managed client, you have the flexibility to choose any provider - registered or non-registered. Here we’ll look at the differences between the two and the benefits of having full flexibility.
Registered and non-registered providers
Simply put, registered providers are NDIS-approved individuals who provide services, while non-registered providers are not registered with the NDIS as approved providers. Providers can be any type of professional or caregiver with an ABN number.
As a broad category, this encompasses highly-specialised individuals such as doctors or therapists, and more general roles like caregivers, cleaners, or drivers. It’s especially common for people in general roles to not be registered with the NDIS since participants make up a small part of their customer base. Some NDIS providers in specialised roles choose not to be registered, either - ultimately, it’s up to the individual provider.
Registered providers agree to a certain set of government rules and have to meet minimum standards for care, training, and education. Non-registered individuals may reach many of the same standards but have not been through a registration and audit process.
When your plan is NDIA-managed, you’re limited to registered providers only. This can affect wait times and restrict your options. On the other hand, self-managed or plan-managed participants can choose their own providers without any limitations. This gives you flexibility as you evaluate different options and find the right provider for your needs.
The benefits of having flexibility with providers
Having the flexibility to use both registered and non-registered NDIS providers is invaluable. A few advantages to consider include:
- More bang for your buck: Registered providers may cost more to use than non-registered ones. For example, an NDIS cleaner might charge $49/hour while a comparable cleaner from your neighbourhood could cost $30/hour. This means that in some cases, your plan dollars can go further by using non-registered providers.
- Additional control: Finding the right provider isn’t just about selecting a person who can do their job well - they should be a fit all-around for your personality, priorities, and needs. It’s tougher to find the right match when your choices are limited.
- Better outcomes: With great providers in place, you’ll be in the best position to reach your NDIS goals. The extra support and confidence from great providers will go a long way toward helping you make the most of your NDIS funding.
Proper invoicing: Essential for participants and providers
It’s important to remember that invoicing responsibilities will change depending on how your plan is managed.
As a participant, if you have a plan manager, like All Disability Plan Management, they will take care of the invoices for you. For example, your provider could send the invoice directly to us as your plan manager, and we would make sure it was claimed and paid quickly on your behalf.
If you are self-managed you will need to make sure these invoices were paid on time by dealing with the provider directly.
If you are NDIA-managed, you can only use registered providers, and your provider will need to submit a payment request to the NDIA to receive payment.
As a provider, it’s equally important for you to familiarise yourself with the elements of a good invoice so that you can properly set these up to get paid quickly. Invoices need to include:
- General information, such as your name, address, and phone number.
- NDIS service information, such as the service code, units or hours of service, price per unit, and grand totals.
- Details for remitting payment, such as bank account numbers or a number to call for card payments.
If you are a provider and need help setting up invoices you can view our helpful template and invoicing guide on our website.
Switch to plan management for more flexibility
Plan management is the sweet spot between agency-managed and self-managed options. Unlike agency management, you’re not restricted to registered providers - you have complete freedom to choose who you’d like to work with. And unlike self-management, you don’t have to juggle finances, invoicing, compliance, and understanding how NDIS works all on your own.
There are also other benefits to plan management - you don’t have to pay anything for a plan manager since the funds for this service are included in your plan, and you’ll have a reliable, knowledgeable plan manager (who is an NDIS expert) to rely on.
To make the switch to a plan-managed account, contact the NDIA directly to request a change to plan management. All Disability offers plan management services to all NDIS participants and can also help NDIS providers with invoicing and other NDIS-related tasks. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
