Your GP and treating specialists play a crucial role in your NDIS journey. Their reports and letters are often the primary evidence used in access requests and plan reviews. Here’s how to make the most of your appointments.
Be Specific About Your Functional Impact
Don’t just tell your doctor what your diagnosis is — describe how it affects your day-to-day life. “I can’t stand for more than 10 minutes without pain” is much more useful for NDIS purposes than “I have chronic pain.”
Ask for a Functional Impact Report
For NDIS access requests and reviews, a functional impact report from your GP or specialist carries significant weight. Ask your doctor specifically to describe how your disability affects your ability to perform activities of daily living.
Bring a List
Medical appointments are short. Prepare a written list of the impacts you want documented before you go. Include morning routine, mobility, communication, social participation, and self-care.
Don’t Minimise
Many people instinctively downplay their difficulties when speaking to health professionals. For NDIS purposes, describe your worst days, not your best. If your condition fluctuates, make sure that’s documented.
Request Copies of All Reports
You are entitled to copies of your own medical reports. Keep a folder of all reports relevant to your NDIS — they will be needed at every plan review.