Can a Functional Capacity Assessment Be Done by Telehealth?
Parts of a functional capacity assessment can often be done by telehealth, such as interviews, questionnaires and talking with family or other professionals. Watching everyday tasks is usually best done in person. Under NDIS rules telehealth can be claimed when it's appropriate for the support and the participant has agreed to it in advance, usually in the service agreement.
Which Parts of an FCA Work Well Online?
The parts that are mostly conversation.
- The initial interview about goals, routines and what help is in place
- Standardised questionnaires that are completed with the person or a carer
- Talking with family, support workers, teachers or other professionals
- Going through the draft report and recommendations
What Usually Needs an In-Person Visit?
Seeing how the person manages real tasks in their real environment.
Things like transfers, showering set-up, moving around the home, using equipment or getting out into the community are hard to judge well on a screen. A common approach is to mix the two: a telehealth interview, then a visit for observation. For some people, especially in regional and remote areas, a video call with a carer holding the camera is a practical option. Ask the practice what they recommend for what the FCA is for.
Need a Functional Capacity Assessment?
We'll connect you with an occupational therapy practice that does FCAs and may have space.
What Are the NDIS Rules for Telehealth?
Telehealth is claimable when it's appropriate and agreed in advance.
- The support has to be suitable to deliver by telehealth
- The participant has to agree in advance, usually written into the service agreement
- The occupational therapy price limit for telehealth is the same as for direct service, $193.99 an hour in most of Australia under the 2026-27 schedule
- The price limit is generally based on where the practitioner is when delivering the support. Participants in remote or very remote areas can agree to remote rates if they're satisfied it's value for money
The NDIA also encourages providers to keep travel costs low, for example by using telehealth when it's suitable.
How Do You Prepare for a Telehealth FCA?
Test the technology, choose a quiet space, and have the people and papers you need nearby.
- Check the link and camera the day before
- Have a support person there if that helps, for communication or to move the camera
- Keep the NDIS plan, existing reports and a list of daily tasks to hand
- Ask what the practitioner wants to see, so you can set it up in advance
Questions People Ask
Will the NDIA accept a telehealth FCA?
The NDIA looks at whether the evidence is recent, relevant and specific to the person. Ask the assessor to explain in the report how the assessment was done.
Is a telehealth FCA cheaper?
It can be, because there's no travel time to pay. The hourly price limit for telehealth is the same as for an in-person session.
Can I get a telehealth FCA if I live remotely?
Often, at least in part. Choose telehealth on our form and we'll look for a practice that works that way. Remote participants can agree to remote price limits if they're satisfied it's value for money.
Keep Reading
- What an FCA costsWhat a functional capacity assessment costs: the 2026-27 NDIS hourly price limit for OTs, what adds hours, which budget pays and how to get an estimate.
- How to prepare for an FCAA checklist for a functional capacity assessment: what to gather, how to describe a typical day and a hard day, who to bring and what to ask the assessor.
- What an FCA assessesWhat a functional assessment for the NDIS looks at: the six areas of daily life, the tasks observed and the standardised tools the NDIA prefers by disability.
- How it worksHow we connect you with a practice that does FCAs, and what happens to your details.
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