How to Get Physiotherapy Clients Through NDIS: 5 Proven Client Acquisition Strategies (2026)

The NDIS physiotherapy market in 2026 supports over 450,000 participants, yet most physiotherapists struggle to build consistent NDIS referrals. This complete guide reveals the 5 client acquisition strategies successful physios are using to build sustainable NDIS practices, including how partnering with disability service providers like Carevo creates predictable monthly referrals.

Last updated: January 31, 2025 - Includes 2025-26 NDIS physiotherapy rates and network partnership opportunities

Quick Answer: Fastest Ways to Get NDIS Physio Clients

Top 3 Client Acquisition Channels:

  1. Provider Network Referrals - Carevo allied health network (2-4 weeks to first client)
  2. Support Coordinator Partnerships - Build relationships with SCs managing participant budgets
  3. Mobile Service Positioning - Offer in-home physio to differentiate from clinic-only providers

NDIS Physio Rates 2025-26: $193.99/hour (standardized nationally)

Average Client Acquisition Timeline:

  • Provider networks: 2-4 weeks
  • Support coordinator relationships: 1-3 months
  • Solo NDIS Finder marketing: 3-6 months

Apply to Carevo Physiotherapy Network →

The NDIS Physiotherapy Opportunity (2026 Market Data)

Market Overview:

  • $2.8 billion allocated to NDIS allied health annually
  • 55-60% of NDIS participants have physio-appropriate needs (mobility, falls prevention, rehabilitation)
  • Average participant allocation: $5,000-$12,000/year for physiotherapy under Improved Daily Living
  • Growing demand areas: Exercise physiology collaboration, assistive technology mobility aids, wheelchair prescription assessments

The Challenge: While demand exists, physiotherapists face intense competition. Over 4,500 NDIS-registered physiotherapy providers compete for referrals, and participants typically contact 3-5 providers before making a decision.

The Solution: Strategic positioning through provider network partnerships, mobile service delivery, and support coordinator relationships that bypass the crowded “spray and pray” NDIS Finder approach.

Why Traditional Physio Marketing Doesn’t Work for NDIS

Common mistakes physiotherapists make when trying to attract NDIS clients:

  1. Clinic-based thinking - NDIS participants need home visits (mobility issues, accessibility barriers)
  2. Competing on price - All NDIS physios charge similar rates (NDIS Price Guide max)
  3. Relying on NDIS Finder - Low conversion (2-5%), participants overwhelmed by choice
  4. No referral partnerships - Missing support coordinators and disability service providers
  5. Generic service description - “Physiotherapy for all NDIS participants” doesn’t stand out

The Reality: NDIS participants don’t Google “physiotherapist near me” - they ask their support coordinators who to use, or they engage physios recommended by disability service providers they already trust.

This is why provider partnerships (like Carevo’s allied health network) deliver NDIS clients faster and more predictably than solo marketing.

5 Proven Strategies to Get NDIS Physiotherapy Clients

1. Join a Provider Network (Carevo Allied Health) - Fastest Results

How it works: Partner with established NDIS providers who serve hundreds of participants requiring physiotherapy. When participants need mobility assessments, falls prevention, post-surgery rehabilitation, or exercise physiology, you’re the recommended physio.

Carevo Allied Health Network Benefits for Physiotherapists:

Direct Referral Pipeline:

  • Participants already receiving support services (personal care, SIL, community access) who need physio
  • Clinical identification: Our RNs identify physio needs during participant care reviews
  • Support coordinator referrals: Carevo works with 50+ independent SCs who recommend network physios
  • Exercise physiology collaboration: Coordinate with exercise physiologists in our network for combined therapy plans

Administrative & Clinical Support:

  • NDIS plan management liaison (we coordinate with plan managers for invoicing)
  • Participant onboarding: We introduce you professionally to participants
  • Care plan integration: Your physio treatment plans integrated with overall disability support
  • Team coordination: Work with OTs, speech pathologists, support workers in coordinated care model

Quality Referrals:

  • Pre-qualified participants (funding confirmed, physio goals identified)
  • Engaged participants (already connected with providers through Carevo, motivated for therapy)
  • Long-term relationships (participants connected through Carevo often need ongoing physio)

Expected Results:

  • Timeline: 2-4 weeks from application to first referral
  • Volume: 4-8 participant referrals per month (depending on availability and region)
  • Retention: 70%+ of referred participants become ongoing clients (6+ month relationships)

Requirements:

  • NDIS registered physiotherapist (or ability to work with plan/self-managed)
  • Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
  • AHPRA registration current
  • Mobile service capability (home visits essential for NDIS participants)
  • Coverage in Sydney or Melbourne regions

Apply to Carevo Physiotherapy Network →


2. Build Support Coordinator Relationships - High-Value Referrals

Why this matters: Support coordinators manage NDIS participant budgets and recommend allied health providers. A single SC with 25 participants can generate 8-15 physio referrals per year.

Support Coordinator Partnership Strategy:

Step 1: Identify Active Support Coordinators (Target: 15-20 SCs)

Where to find SCs:

  • NDIS Provider Finder (search “Support Coordination” in your region)
  • LinkedIn (search “Support Coordinator [your suburb]”)
  • NDIS networking events and allied health meetups
  • Local disability service provider Facebook groups

Priority SCs to target:

  • SCs who specialize in physical disability (stroke, spinal injury, cerebral palsy)
  • SCs managing participants with mobility funding
  • SCs working with pediatric participants (developmental delays, autism with motor challenges)
  • SCs affiliated with disability service organizations (Feros Care, Bolton Clarke, etc.)

Step 2: Create a Professional Physio Referral Packet

What to include:

  • One-page services overview:

    • Physiotherapy specializations (stroke rehab, falls prevention, pediatric, wheelchair prescription)
    • Mobile service capability (home visits, equipment you bring)
    • Typical participant profiles you serve best
  • NDIS pricing transparency:

    • Your rates ($193.99/hr standard or negotiated for plan-managed)
    • Session structure (initial assessment vs ongoing therapy)
    • Report writing fees and timelines
  • Turnaround commitments:

    • Initial assessment scheduling: Within 5 business days
    • Progress reports: Every 6 weeks or as needed for plan reviews
    • SC communication: Email update after every assessment
  • Sample documentation:

    • Redacted physio assessment report (shows quality)
    • Progress note template (demonstrates ongoing communication)
    • SMART goal examples for common conditions

Step 3: Outreach Email Template

Subject: Physiotherapy Partner for Your NDIS Participants

Hi [SC Name],

I'm [Your Name], a registered NDIS physiotherapist specializing in [your specialization - e.g., stroke rehabilitation, pediatric motor development, falls prevention].

I'm reaching out to introduce my physiotherapy services for your participants who may benefit from mobility assessments, falls prevention, or rehabilitation support.

What makes my service valuable for your participants:
- Mobile physio service (I come to participants' homes with all equipment)
- Fast turnaround (initial assessments within 5 days of referral)
- Comprehensive reporting (progress updates every 6 weeks for your plan reviews)
- Collaborative approach (I coordinate with OTs, exercise physiologists, and support workers)

I've attached a one-page overview of my services and sample report. Would you be open to a 15-minute coffee chat to discuss how I can support your participants?

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [Email] | [NDIS Registration #]

Step 4: Nurture SC Relationships (Ongoing)

Monthly touchpoints:

  • Email NDIS updates relevant to physio (price guide changes, new Improved Daily Living supports)
  • Share success stories: “One of your referred participants achieved [outcome] through our 12-week falls prevention program”
  • Offer value: “Free falls risk assessment clinic for your participants - 30 min screening”

Quarterly in-person:

  • Coffee catch-ups to discuss participant needs
  • Attend SC professional development events as guest speaker
  • Co-present at SC team meetings about “When to Refer to Physiotherapy”

Expected Timeline:

  • 3-6 months to build 10-15 strong SC relationships
  • 2-4 referrals per SC per year (varies by SC caseload and participant demographics)
  • Compounding effect: Year 2 brings 30-60 referrals from same 10-15 SCs as relationships deepen

Pro Tip: When you join Carevo’s allied health network, you’re automatically introduced to 50+ support coordinators connected through the platform. This accelerates your SC relationship-building by 6-12 months.


3. Offer Mobile Physiotherapy Services - Key Differentiator

Why mobile physio wins NDIS referrals:

Participant reality:

  • 65% of NDIS participants with mobility needs cannot easily access clinic-based physio
  • Accessibility barriers: Wheelchair users, participants without transport, rural/regional participants
  • Functional assessment need: Physios need to see participants in their home environment for accurate mobility assessment
  • NDIS funding advantage: Participants prefer spending funding on therapy, not transport to clinic

Mobile Service Positioning:

What to offer:

  • Home visit physiotherapy (your primary service delivery model)
  • Equipment brought to participant’s home (resistance bands, weights, gait aids, etc.)
  • Environmental assessment (home setup, furniture placement, floor surfaces affecting mobility)
  • Functional task training in real environment (stairs, bathroom transfers, kitchen mobility)

Marketing messaging:

Don’t say: “We offer home visits as an option” ✅ Do say: “Mobile physiotherapy specialist - I bring the clinic to your home”

Don’t say: “Clinic in [suburb], home visits available” ✅ Do say: “Serving participants across [region] with mobile physiotherapy - no transport needed”

Pricing for mobile service:

  • Standard NDIS rate: $193.99/hour (includes travel within 30km)
  • Travel allowance: $64.66/hour (if participant is 30km+ from your base, bill up to 1 hour travel each way)
  • Weekend/after-hours: $242.49/hour (+25% for evenings/weekends when mobility assessments in home are more realistic)

Competitive advantage: Most NDIS physios still operate clinic-first, home-visit-optional model. Positioning as mobile-first captures the 65% of participants who struggle with clinic access.


4. Specialize and Niche Down - Stand Out in NDIS Finder

The problem with “general physiotherapy for NDIS participants”:

  • Competes with 4,500+ other NDIS physios
  • No clear value proposition
  • Participants can’t assess which physio is best for their specific condition

The solution: Specialize in 1-2 NDIS physio niches

High-Demand NDIS Physio Specializations:

1. Stroke and Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation

  • Target participants: Post-stroke, traumatic brain injury, hypoxic brain injury
  • NDIS funding: High allocation ($10,000-$20,000/year for intensive rehabilitation)
  • Positioning: “Neurological physiotherapy specialist for stroke and ABI recovery”
  • Key services: Gait retraining, upper limb function, balance and falls prevention

2. Pediatric Developmental Physiotherapy

  • Target participants: Autism with motor delays, cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder
  • NDIS funding: Early childhood intervention (0-7 years) + school-age supports
  • Positioning: “Pediatric physio specialist for motor development and coordination”
  • Key services: Gross motor skill development, sensory motor integration, play-based therapy

3. Spinal Cord Injury and Wheelchair Mobility

  • Target participants: Spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, complex mobility needs
  • NDIS funding: Assistive technology (wheelchair prescription), ongoing mobility optimization
  • Positioning: “Wheelchair and mobility specialist physiotherapist”
  • Key services: Wheelchair assessment and prescription, pressure care, functional mobility training

4. Falls Prevention and Frailty (Aged Care + NDIS)

  • Target participants: Older NDIS participants (65+), participants with balance disorders
  • NDIS funding: Improved Daily Living, AT for gait aids
  • Positioning: “Falls prevention specialist for NDIS and Support at Home participants”
  • Key services: Falls risk assessment, strength and balance programs, gait aid prescription

5. Complex Care and High-Intensity Supports

  • Target participants: Participants requiring 24/7 support, SIL residents, complex medical needs
  • NDIS funding: High allocation ($15,000+/year for participants with complex needs)
  • Positioning: “Complex care physiotherapist for high-needs NDIS participants”
  • Key services: Respiratory physio, spasticity management, contracture prevention

How to implement specialization:

Update NDIS Provider Finder:

  • Service description: “[Specialization] - I specialize in physiotherapy for [participant type]”
  • Example: “Neurological Physiotherapy - Stroke & Brain Injury Rehabilitation Specialist”

Website and Google Business:

  • Home page headline: “[Specialization] Physiotherapist | NDIS Registered | [Region]”
  • Service pages for each specialization with detailed descriptions

Support coordinator communication:

  • Position yourself as “the physio for [condition]” rather than generalist
  • SCs remember specialists for specific participant needs

Expected impact:

  • Conversion rate increase: 15-20% → 35-45% (participants seeking specialist find clear match)
  • Referral quality: Higher-value participants with specific needs you excel at serving
  • Word-of-mouth: Specialists get recommended (“You need a stroke physio? Call [Your Name]“)

5. Partner with Disability Service Organizations - Embedded Referrals

How it works: Disability service organizations (like Carevo) deliver support services to hundreds of NDIS participants. These participants often need physiotherapy but don’t know how to find a physio or which one to choose. The service organization recommends trusted physios they’ve partnered with.

Types of disability service organizations to partner with:

1. SIL Providers (Supported Independent Living)

  • Participants: Living in group homes, 24/7 support, often with complex mobility needs
  • Physio needs: Falls prevention, manual handling assessments, mobility optimization
  • Partnership model: Quarterly physio reviews for all SIL residents, on-call for injuries/assessments
  • Carevo operates 15+ SIL properties - network physios provide regular reviews

2. Community Access Providers

  • Participants: Accessing community activities, social outings, recreation programs
  • Physio needs: Mobility assessments for community participation, falls prevention
  • Partnership model: Pre-activity physio clearance, group exercise programs

3. Personal Care Providers

  • Participants: Receiving in-home personal care, domestic assistance
  • Physio needs: Mobility optimization, safe transfer training for support workers
  • Partnership model: Physio training for support workers, participant mobility assessments
  • Carevo connects 300+ participants with personal care providers - network physios can train support workers on safe manual handling

4. Plan Management Organizations

  • Participants: Using plan managers to handle NDIS invoicing
  • Physio needs: Reliable providers who invoice correctly
  • Partnership model: Preferred provider list, fast payment processing

How to approach disability service organizations:

Email template:

Subject: Physiotherapy Partnership for Your NDIS Participants

Hi [Organization Contact],

I'm [Your Name], a registered NDIS physiotherapist specializing in [specialization] and serving participants across [region].

I noticed that [Organization] supports NDIS participants with [service type], many of whom likely need physiotherapy for mobility, falls prevention, or rehabilitation.

I'd like to explore a partnership where I can provide:
- Regular physio assessments for your participants (quarterly reviews or as-needed)
- Training for your support workers on safe manual handling and mobility assistance
- Responsive service for participant injuries or mobility changes
- Coordinated care with your support coordinators and care managers

Would you be open to a brief call to discuss how physiotherapy can enhance the care you provide?

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [NDIS Registration #]

Expected timeline:

  • 6-12 months to establish organizational partnerships
  • 2-5 referrals per quarter per organization (varies by organization size)
  • Long-term value: Once embedded, consistent monthly referrals for years

Fastest path: Join Carevo’s allied health network to connect with 500+ participants searching for providers, rather than spending 6-12 months building your own organizational partnerships.


NDIS Physiotherapy Funding and Pricing (2025-26)

Where physio funding comes from in NDIS plans:

1. Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building) - Primary Physio Funding

  • Covers: Physiotherapy assessments, ongoing therapy, mobility training
  • Typical allocation: $5,000-$12,000/year for participants with moderate mobility needs
  • $15,000-$25,000/year for participants with complex needs (stroke rehab, SCI)

2. Assistive Technology (Capital Supports) - AT Assessments

  • Physio role: Assess and prescribe mobility aids (wheelchairs, gait aids, standing frames)
  • Report fees: 3-6 hours of physio time ($582-$1,164 per AT report)

3. Home Modifications (Capital Supports) - Mobility Access Assessments

  • Physio role: Assess functional mobility needs for home modifications (ramps, bathroom, doorways)
  • Often collaborative with OT (OT leads, physio provides mobility input)

NDIS Physiotherapy Rates (2025-26 Price Guide):

Standard Physiotherapy:

  • Weekday standard hours: $193.99/hour
  • Short notice (48hrs): $242.49/hour (+25%)
  • Evenings (6pm-8am): $290.99/hour (+50%)
  • Weekends: $242.49/hour (+25%)
  • Public holidays: $387.98/hour (+100%)

Travel Allowance:

  • Rate: $64.66/hour
  • When billable: Participant is 30km+ from your registered business address
  • Maximum: 1 hour each way (total 2 hours travel per visit)

Report Writing:

  • Rate: $193.99/hour
  • AT assessment report: 3-5 hours ($582-$970)
  • Mobility assessment report: 2-4 hours ($388-$776)
  • Progress reports for SC: 1-2 hours ($194-$388)

Pricing Strategy Recommendations:

For Agency-Managed Participants:

  • Charge NDIS Price Guide maximum ($193.99/hr) - non-negotiable

For Plan-Managed Participants:

  • Start at $193.99/hr
  • Negotiate to $175-$185/hr if participant requests and you have capacity
  • Use lower rate strategically to win high-value participants (complex needs, long-term therapy)

For Self-Managed Participants:

  • Offer package pricing: “12-week stroke rehab program: $2,900” (equivalent to $181/hr for 16 hours)
  • Flexibility attracts self-managed participants who budget carefully

Mobile Service Premium:

  • Don’t charge extra for mobile service (it’s your standard model)
  • Market as “included” (competitive advantage over clinic-based physios)
  • Bill travel allowance only if 30km+ from base

Case Study: Building a Sustainable NDIS Physio Practice

Provider: James Thompson, Physiotherapist (Sydney Western Suburbs) Background: 6 years physio experience, new to NDIS Goal: Build full-time NDIS practice (20-25 participants/week)

Timeline:

Month 1-4: Solo Marketing (Struggling)

  • Optimized NDIS Provider Finder profile
  • Google Ads: $600/month budget
  • Created website and social media
  • Results: 3-5 inquiries/month, 20% conversion = 1 client/month

Month 5: Strategy Shift - Applied to Carevo Network

  • Joined Carevo allied health network
  • Specialized positioning: “Neurological physiotherapy for stroke and brain injury”
  • Committed to mobile-first service delivery
  • Results: First 2 referrals within 3 weeks

Month 5-8: Building Momentum

  • Carevo referrals: 2-3/month (stroke participants, SIL residents with mobility needs)
  • SC introductions through Carevo: Met 8 support coordinators
  • Direct SC referrals (independent of Carevo): Started getting 1-2/month
  • Results: 5-6 new clients monthly

Month 9-12: Established Practice

  • Carevo network referrals: Consistent 3-4/month
  • SC relationships (built through network): 3-4/month
  • NDIS Finder (specialist positioning): 1-2/month
  • Results: Full caseload of 22-25 participants

Current State (18 months):

  • Active caseload: 25 participants (ongoing weekly or fortnightly sessions)
  • Monthly revenue: $16,000-$22,000
  • Client acquisition cost: $0 (network + SC referrals) vs previous $300/client (Google Ads)
  • Referral sources:
    • Carevo network: 40%
    • Support coordinator relationships: 35%
    • NDIS Finder: 15%
    • Word-of-mouth: 10%

James’s Insights:

“I wasted 4 months and $2,400 on Google Ads trying to attract NDIS participants directly. The breakthrough came when I realized NDIS participants don’t search for physios on Google - they ask their support coordinators or disability service providers. Joining Carevo’s network gave me instant access to participants who already trusted the organization, plus introductions to support coordinators I never would have met on my own. The specialist positioning (stroke and brain injury) helped me stand out with both SCs and participants. Within 18 months I had a full practice earning $200k+/year.”


How to Join Carevo Physiotherapy Network

Network Membership Benefits:

Referral Pipeline:

  • 4-8 NDIS participant referrals per month
  • Pre-qualified participants (funding confirmed, goals identified)
  • Long-term relationships (participants connected through Carevo often need ongoing physio)

Support Coordinator Introductions:

  • Access to 50+ independent SCs connected through the Carevo network
  • Professional introduction (we recommend you to SCs we trust)
  • Ongoing referrals from SC relationships

Clinical Integration:

  • Coordinate with RNs in the network who identify physio needs during care reviews
  • Collaborate with OTs, exercise physiologists, speech pathologists in our network
  • Integrated care plans (your physio treatment plan aligns with overall disability support)

Administrative Support:

  • Plan management coordination (we liaise with plan managers on your behalf)
  • Participant onboarding (we introduce you professionally to participants)
  • NDIS invoicing guidance (correct line items, avoiding common errors)

Professional Development:

  • Quarterly allied health network meetings
  • NDIS updates and training (price guide changes, new supports)
  • Complex case discussions with other network providers

Requirements:

Essential:

  • NDIS registration as physiotherapist (or work with plan/self-managed participants)
  • AHPRA registration current and in good standing
  • Professional indemnity insurance ($20M minimum)
  • Public liability insurance ($20M minimum)
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check (valid)
  • Mobile service capability (home visits are essential)

Preferred:

  • Specialization in high-demand area (stroke, pediatric, SCI, falls prevention)
  • Experience with NDIS participants (not essential if strong clinical skills)
  • Vehicle suitable for mobile service (equipment transport)
  • Coverage in Sydney Western suburbs or Melbourne South East (highest participant density)

Specializations We’re Seeking:

  • Neurological physiotherapy (stroke, ABI, SCI)
  • Pediatric developmental physiotherapy
  • Falls prevention and balance (aged care + NDIS overlap)
  • Respiratory physiotherapy (complex care participants)
  • Wheelchair and mobility specialists

Application Process:

Step 1: Expression of Interest

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Subject: “Allied Health Network - Physiotherapy Application”
  • Include: CV, NDIS registration, service areas, specializations, mobile service capability

Step 2: Phone Interview (20-30 minutes)

  • Clinical background and specializations
  • Mobile service setup and equipment
  • Availability and service coverage areas

Step 3: Documentation Verification

  • NDIS registration certificate
  • AHPRA registration
  • Insurance certificates (PI and PL)
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check
  • Professional references (2 required)

Step 4: Network Onboarding (2 hours)

  • Carevo participant demographics and service model
  • Referral process and clinical coordination
  • Support coordinator introduction protocol
  • NDIS invoicing guidelines for network providers

Step 5: First Referrals

  • Typically within 2-4 weeks of completing onboarding
  • Initial referrals supported with coordinator check-ins

Timeline: Application to first referral: 3-6 weeks

Apply to Carevo Physiotherapy Network →


NDIS Physio Client Acquisition Action Plan

Month 1: Foundation Setup

  • Apply to Carevo allied health network
  • Optimize NDIS Provider Finder (specialization, mobile service positioning)
  • Create SC referral packet (services, pricing, turnaround times)
  • Set up Google Business Profile (mobile physio specialist keywords)

Month 2: Relationship Building

  • Identify 15 support coordinators in your region
  • Send SC referral packets and request coffee meetings
  • Attend 1-2 NDIS networking events
  • Complete Carevo network onboarding (if accepted)

Month 3: Scaling Referrals

  • Follow up with SCs (monthly NDIS update emails)
  • Respond to NDIS Finder inquiries within 2 hours
  • Track referral sources (which channels drive best clients)
  • Create 2 blog posts targeting NDIS physio keywords

Ongoing (Monthly):

  • SC relationship touchpoints (1-2 coffee meetings/month)
  • NDIS Finder optimization (update specializations, service areas)
  • Content creation (1 blog post or participant guide/month)
  • Network with other allied health (OTs, exercise physiologists for collaborative referrals)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get first NDIS physio client?

Timeline by acquisition channel:

  • Provider network (Carevo): 2-4 weeks after onboarding
  • Support coordinator partnerships: 1-3 months to build relationships
  • NDIS Finder: 2-8 weeks for first inquiry (conversion varies)
  • Organizational partnerships: 3-6 months

Recommended: Start with provider network (fastest results) while simultaneously building SC relationships for long-term sustainability.

Do I need to offer mobile physiotherapy or can I stay clinic-based?

For NDIS success, mobile service is essential. 65% of NDIS participants with mobility needs cannot easily access clinic-based physio due to:

  • Wheelchair accessibility barriers
  • Transport challenges
  • Cognitive impairments (unfamiliar clinic environments cause anxiety)
  • Need for functional assessment in home environment

Clinic-only physios get 30-40% fewer NDIS referrals than mobile-capable physios. Support coordinators preferentially refer to mobile physios because it solves participant access problems.

Minimum mobile service model:

  • Home visits as primary delivery (80%+ of sessions)
  • Clinic available for participants who prefer it (20%)
  • Equipment portable (resistance bands, weights, gait aids fit in car)

Can I join Carevo network if I’m not NDIS registered?

Yes, with conditions. If you’re not NDIS registered as a sole provider, you can still work with:

  • Plan-managed participants (70% of Carevo participants)
  • Self-managed participants (10% of Carevo participants)

You cannot work with agency-managed participants (20%) until NDIS registered.

We recommend: Start NDIS registration process (3-6 months) while working with plan/self-managed participants through the network.

How many referrals should I expect per month from Carevo?

Typical referral volume: 4-8 participants/month, depending on:

Your availability:

  • 15-20 hours/week: 4-5 referrals/month
  • 25+ hours/week: 6-8 referrals/month

Your specialization:

  • High-demand (stroke, pediatric, SCI): 6-8 referrals/month
  • General physio: 4-6 referrals/month

Your region:

  • Sydney Western suburbs: Higher volume
  • Melbourne South East: Moderate-high volume

Note: Referrals fluctuate based on participant needs and are not guaranteed, but Carevo’s 500+ participant base ensures consistent flow.

What’s the difference between Carevo network vs other allied health networks?

Carevo Advantages:

1. Integrated disability service provider:

  • Participants already receive support services (SIL, personal care, community access)
  • You’re part of holistic care team, not isolated provider
  • RN clinical oversight identifies physio needs during care reviews

2. Support coordinator relationships:

  • 50+ independent SCs connected through the Carevo network
  • Network physios get introduced to these SCs
  • Referral multiplication beyond just Carevo network participants

3. Quality over volume:

  • We pre-qualify referrals (funding confirmed, clear goals)
  • Participants engaged and motivated (already connected with providers through Carevo)
  • Higher conversion and retention rates

Other networks may offer higher referral volume but less integration, support, or quality control.


Next Steps: Build Your NDIS Physio Practice

The fastest path to NDIS physiotherapy success:

  1. Join a provider network (2-4 weeks to first referrals)
  2. Build SC relationships (compounding referrals over 12-24 months)
  3. Position as mobile specialist (differentiate from clinic-based physios)
  4. Optimize NDIS Finder (passive lead generation)

Start with Step 1:

Apply to Carevo Physiotherapy Network →

Email: [email protected] Subject: “Physiotherapy Network Application” Include: CV, NDIS registration, specializations, service areas


Guide last updated January 31, 2025 with 2025-26 NDIS physiotherapy rates and current network opportunities. NDIS policies may change - verify current information at ndis.gov.au.