Speech pathology
We can help pay for this treatment in the first 90 days after your accident. You do not need to contact us for approval first if:
- you have a TAC claim number
- your doctor or other health professional recommends it, and
- it is for your accident injuries.
To get this treatment, you will need a referral from your doctor.
We may contact you or your provider to check your progress and see if you are getting the support you need. This will help us make sure your treatment is helping your recovery. It will allow us to make decisions about what treatment we can pay for and how long we can pay for it.
In response to COVID-19, the TAC can now pay for telehealth appointments for treatment related to your transport accident. Find out more about telehealth.
How to get treatment from a speech therapist
- Go to your doctor or occupational therapist for a referral to see a speech therapist.
- Choose a speech therapist. Your doctor can recommend one in your local area or you can search for a speech therapist online.
- Call and make an appointment. Tell them you are a TAC client, you have a referral and who the referral is from. Ask if they charge at TAC rates. If the provider charges more, they may ask you for a 'gap payment' to make up the difference
- Go to your appointment and give the provider your TAC claim number.
When you need to ask for TAC approval:
Please contact us for approval if it is:
- close to or more than 90 days since your accident and we haven’t already approved more treatment, or
- more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.
How we pay for treatment
There are two ways we can pay for your approved treatments and services:
- we pay your provider at the TAC rate
- you pay your provider, and we repay you at the TAC rate.
To ask for a reimbursement, scan or take a photo of your receipt. Send it to us with the ‘Claim reimbursement’ button on myTAC, or by email to info@tac.vic.gov.au and we will repay you.
We will pay for your treatment at the TAC rate . If your provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. This is known as a 'gap payment'.
If your provider charges you a gap payment, you may be able to seek reimbursement for some of this through:
- Medicare or your private health insurance
- The TAC.
Please note, in most cases, we are unable to reimburse you for a gap payment. This is because we have paid for your treatment or service at a rate we have determined is reasonable. You may still ask for a reimbursement from the TAC and we will let you know our decision.
What does a speech pathologist do?
Speech pathologists (also known as speech therapists) help people with communication and swallowing problems. They can help with any speech, voice, using and understanding language, fluency, reading and writing problems after your transport accident.
Effective 1 July 2024
The TAC has extended the funding of temporary telehealth services previously scheduled to end on 30 September 2020 until further notice, giving clients the ongoing convenience and flexibility of accessing health services from home.
Speech pathology services can be invoiced online via HICAPS Digital Claims for next business day payments.
2024/25 rates
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Individual Treatment | ||
| Completion and submission of Treatment Notification Plan (SPTNP) | ST600 | $63.46 |
| Hourly Rate | ST604 | $115.07 |
| Hourly Rate - Telehealth | ST604T | $115.07 |
| Group Treatment | ||
| Group Consultation (per person, per hour) | ST601 | $69.11 |
| Travel (with prior approval) | ||
| Travel | ST630 | $115.07 |
| Travel time can be claimed only for travel to and from the practitioner's practice address and the TAC client's residence. Where more than one client is visited in a single travel period, total travel costs should be apportioned equally between those clients to whom services have been provided. | ||
| ^All travel is to be separately billed in blocks of 15 minutes. | ||
| Speech Pathology Management Review (SPMR) | ||
| Completion and submission of the SPMR form (only on request by TAC) | ST640* | $63.46 |
2023/24 rates
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Individual Treatment | ||
| Completion and submission of Treatment Notification Plan (SPTNP) | ST600 | $61.13 |
| Hourly Rate | ST604 | $110.85 |
| Hourly Rate - Telehealth | ST604T | $110.85 |
| Group Treatment | ||
| Group Consultation (per person, per hour) | ST601 | $66.57 |
| Travel (with prior approval) | ||
| Travel | ST630 | $110.85 |
| Travel time can be claimed only for travel to and from the practitioner's practice address and the TAC client's residence. Where more than one client is visited in a single travel period, total travel costs should be apportioned equally between those clients to whom services have been provided. | ||
| ^All travel is to be separately billed in blocks of 15 minutes. | ||
| Speech Pathology Management Review (SPMR) | ||
| Completion and submission of the SPMR form (only on request by TAC) | ST640* | $61.13 |
Not registered for GST
| Not Registered for GST | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | 2024/25 Maximum Payment Rate | 2023/24 Maximum Payment Rate |
| Speech Pathology Management Review (SPMR) | |||
| Completion and submission of the SPMR form (only on request by TAC) | ST640F | $57.69 | $55.58 |
2024/25 rates
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Individual Treatment | ||
| Completion and submission of Treatment Notification Plan (SPTNP) | ST600 | $63.46 |
| Hourly Rate | ST604 | $115.07 |
| Hourly Rate - Telehealth | ST604T | $115.07 |
| Group Treatment | ||
| Group Consultation (per person, per hour) | ST601 | $69.11 |
| Travel (with prior approval) | ||
| Travel | ST630 | $115.07 |
| Travel time can be claimed only for travel to and from the practitioner's practice address and the TAC client's residence. Where more than one client is visited in a single travel period, total travel costs should be apportioned equally between those clients to whom services have been provided. | ||
| ^All travel is to be separately billed in blocks of 15 minutes. | ||
| Speech Pathology Management Review (SPMR) | ||
| Completion and submission of the SPMR form (only on request by TAC) | ST640* | $63.46 |
2023/24 rates
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Individual Treatment | ||
| Completion and submission of Treatment Notification Plan (SPTNP) | ST600 | $61.13 |
| Hourly Rate | ST604 | $110.85 |
| Hourly Rate - Telehealth | ST604T | $110.85 |
| Group Treatment | ||
| Group Consultation (per person, per hour) | ST601 | $66.57 |
| Travel (with prior approval) | ||
| Travel | ST630 | $110.85 |
| Travel time can be claimed only for travel to and from the practitioner's practice address and the TAC client's residence. Where more than one client is visited in a single travel period, total travel costs should be apportioned equally between those clients to whom services have been provided. | ||
| ^All travel is to be separately billed in blocks of 15 minutes. | ||
| Speech Pathology Management Review (SPMR) | ||
| Completion and submission of the SPMR form (only on request by TAC) | ST640* | $61.13 |
Not registered for GST
| Not Registered for GST | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | 2024/25 Maximum Payment Rate | 2023/24 Maximum Payment Rate |
| Speech Pathology Management Review (SPMR) | |||
| Completion and submission of the SPMR form (only on request by TAC) | ST640F | $57.69 | $55.58 |
Summary
You can use this form to claim general reimbursements from the TAC.
How to send documents to the TAC
myTAC
myTAC is the quickest way to:
- Submit receipts and claim reimbursements
- Send documents and forms
- Update your personal and banking details
- Find out about treatments and services the TAC may pay for
If you can't use myTAC to send your receipts or documents, please take a photo and email it to us at info@tac.vic.gov.au. Include your claim number in the subject line of your email so we can process your request.
Summary
This form is to be used when claiming reimbursement for travel (i.e. private vehicle, public transport and/or taxi) expenses to attend: medical treatment for accident injuries; medical examinations arranged by the TAC; approved rehabilitation or disability services; or work, if you are participating in a formal Return to Work program.
How to send documents to the TAC
myTAC
myTAC is the quickest way to:
- Submit receipts and claim reimbursements
- Send documents and forms
- Update your personal and banking details
- Find out about treatments and services the TAC may pay for
If you can't use myTAC to send your receipts or documents, please take a photo and email it to us at info@tac.vic.gov.au. Include your claim number in the subject line of your email so we can process your request.
We’re here to help you get your life back on track after your transport accident. To help you recover we will pay for speech therapy provided in Australia.
In the first 90 days after your accident, the TAC can help pay for this treatment without the need for you to contact us for approval first.
When you need to contact us for approval
You or your provider need to contact the TAC for approval of this treatment if:
- It is approaching or more than 90 days since your accident and we have not approved further treatment or services, or
- It has been more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.
When we can pay for speech pathology
In the first 90 days after your accident, the TAC will pay for you to visit your doctor or other health professional so you can discuss your needs with them. As part of that visit they can refer you to a speech pathologist. The TAC can then approve your speech pathology treatment.
After the first 90 days, you will need TAC approval to see your speech therapist.
When needed, we will work with your treating team to help them organise the speech pathology services and support you need.
We may contact your speech pathologist to discuss your progress or request an assessment, to make sure that:
- You have access to the most appropriate treatment and support.
- You are getting proven, evidence-based treatment and not receiving treatment that isn't helping you recover.
- You are moving towards getting your life back on track or being able to live independently.
Treatment and services we can’t pay for
We can’t pay for services that:
- Do not treat your transport accident injuries.
- Are not reasonable, necessary or appropriate.
- Are not clinically justified, safe and effective.
What do speech therapists do?
Speech pathologists (otherwise known as speech therapists) help people with communication and swallowing problems. Speech pathologists can help with a range of difficulties you may have as a result of your transport accident injuries, including problems with speech, voice, using and understanding language, fluency, reading, writing, eating and drinking.
For more information please see the following resources:
How treatments and services are paid for
We pay for your treatments:
- Directly to your speech therapist, when you have given them your TAC claim number, or
- If you have to pay, use myTAC to send a copy of your receipt to us and we will repay you.
We pay for your services in line with our responsibilities under the Transport Accident Act 1986.
How much we will pay
We will pay for your treatment and services according to our fee schedule. If your provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. For a list of TAC rates, see:
For providers
If you are a provider of speech pathology services, please refer to our TAC provider guidelines.
We can help pay for this treatment in the first 90 days after your accident. You do not need to contact us for approval first if:
- you have a TAC claim number
- your doctor or other health professional recommends it, and
- it is for your accident injuries.
To get this treatment, you will need a referral from your doctor.
We may contact you or your provider to check your progress and see if you are getting the support you need. This will help us make sure your treatment is helping your recovery. It will allow us to make decisions about what treatment we can pay for and how long we can pay for it.
In response to COVID-19, the TAC can now pay for telehealth appointments for treatment related to your transport accident. Find out more about telehealth.
How to get treatment from a speech therapist
- Go to your doctor or occupational therapist for a referral to see a speech therapist.
- Choose a speech therapist. Your doctor can recommend one in your local area or you can search for a speech therapist online.
- Call and make an appointment. Tell them you are a TAC client, you have a referral and who the referral is from. Ask if they charge at TAC rates. If the provider charges more, they may ask you for a 'gap payment' to make up the difference
- Go to your appointment and give the provider your TAC claim number.
When you need to ask for TAC approval:
Please contact us for approval if it is:
- close to or more than 90 days since your accident and we haven’t already approved more treatment, or
- more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.
How we pay for treatment
There are two ways we can pay for your approved treatments and services:
- we pay your provider at the TAC rate
- you pay your provider, and we repay you at the TAC rate.
To ask for a reimbursement, scan or take a photo of your receipt. Send it to us with the ‘Claim reimbursement’ button on myTAC, or by email to info@tac.vic.gov.au and we will repay you.
We will pay for your treatment at the TAC rate . If your provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. This is known as a 'gap payment'.
If your provider charges you a gap payment, you may be able to seek reimbursement for some of this through:
- Medicare or your private health insurance
- The TAC.
Please note, in most cases, we are unable to reimburse you for a gap payment. This is because we have paid for your treatment or service at a rate we have determined is reasonable. You may still ask for a reimbursement from the TAC and we will let you know our decision.
What does a speech pathologist do?
Speech pathologists (also known as speech therapists) help people with communication and swallowing problems. They can help with any speech, voice, using and understanding language, fluency, reading and writing problems after your transport accident.
Effective 1 July 2024
The TAC has extended the funding of temporary telehealth services previously scheduled to end on 30 September 2020 until further notice, giving clients the ongoing convenience and flexibility of accessing health services from home.
Speech pathology services can be invoiced online via HICAPS Digital Claims for next business day payments.
2024/25 rates
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Individual Treatment | ||
| Completion and submission of Treatment Notification Plan (SPTNP) | ST600 | $63.46 |
| Hourly Rate | ST604 | $115.07 |
| Hourly Rate - Telehealth | ST604T | $115.07 |
| Group Treatment | ||
| Group Consultation (per person, per hour) | ST601 | $69.11 |
| Travel (with prior approval) | ||
| Travel | ST630 | $115.07 |
| Travel time can be claimed only for travel to and from the practitioner's practice address and the TAC client's residence. Where more than one client is visited in a single travel period, total travel costs should be apportioned equally between those clients to whom services have been provided. | ||
| ^All travel is to be separately billed in blocks of 15 minutes. | ||
| Speech Pathology Management Review (SPMR) | ||
| Completion and submission of the SPMR form (only on request by TAC) | ST640* | $63.46 |
2023/24 rates
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Individual Treatment | ||
| Completion and submission of Treatment Notification Plan (SPTNP) | ST600 | $61.13 |
| Hourly Rate | ST604 | $110.85 |
| Hourly Rate - Telehealth | ST604T | $110.85 |
| Group Treatment | ||
| Group Consultation (per person, per hour) | ST601 | $66.57 |
| Travel (with prior approval) | ||
| Travel | ST630 | $110.85 |
| Travel time can be claimed only for travel to and from the practitioner's practice address and the TAC client's residence. Where more than one client is visited in a single travel period, total travel costs should be apportioned equally between those clients to whom services have been provided. | ||
| ^All travel is to be separately billed in blocks of 15 minutes. | ||
| Speech Pathology Management Review (SPMR) | ||
| Completion and submission of the SPMR form (only on request by TAC) | ST640* | $61.13 |
Not registered for GST
| Not Registered for GST | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | 2024/25 Maximum Payment Rate | 2023/24 Maximum Payment Rate |
| Speech Pathology Management Review (SPMR) | |||
| Completion and submission of the SPMR form (only on request by TAC) | ST640F | $57.69 | $55.58 |
2024/25 rates
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Individual Treatment | ||
| Completion and submission of Treatment Notification Plan (SPTNP) | ST600 | $63.46 |
| Hourly Rate | ST604 | $115.07 |
| Hourly Rate - Telehealth | ST604T | $115.07 |
| Group Treatment | ||
| Group Consultation (per person, per hour) | ST601 | $69.11 |
| Travel (with prior approval) | ||
| Travel | ST630 | $115.07 |
| Travel time can be claimed only for travel to and from the practitioner's practice address and the TAC client's residence. Where more than one client is visited in a single travel period, total travel costs should be apportioned equally between those clients to whom services have been provided. | ||
| ^All travel is to be separately billed in blocks of 15 minutes. | ||
| Speech Pathology Management Review (SPMR) | ||
| Completion and submission of the SPMR form (only on request by TAC) | ST640* | $63.46 |
2023/24 rates
| Registered for GST | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
| Individual Treatment | ||
| Completion and submission of Treatment Notification Plan (SPTNP) | ST600 | $61.13 |
| Hourly Rate | ST604 | $110.85 |
| Hourly Rate - Telehealth | ST604T | $110.85 |
| Group Treatment | ||
| Group Consultation (per person, per hour) | ST601 | $66.57 |
| Travel (with prior approval) | ||
| Travel | ST630 | $110.85 |
| Travel time can be claimed only for travel to and from the practitioner's practice address and the TAC client's residence. Where more than one client is visited in a single travel period, total travel costs should be apportioned equally between those clients to whom services have been provided. | ||
| ^All travel is to be separately billed in blocks of 15 minutes. | ||
| Speech Pathology Management Review (SPMR) | ||
| Completion and submission of the SPMR form (only on request by TAC) | ST640* | $61.13 |
Not registered for GST
| Not Registered for GST | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | 2024/25 Maximum Payment Rate | 2023/24 Maximum Payment Rate |
| Speech Pathology Management Review (SPMR) | |||
| Completion and submission of the SPMR form (only on request by TAC) | ST640F | $57.69 | $55.58 |
Summary
You can use this form to claim general reimbursements from the TAC.
How to send documents to the TAC
myTAC
myTAC is the quickest way to:
- Submit receipts and claim reimbursements
- Send documents and forms
- Update your personal and banking details
- Find out about treatments and services the TAC may pay for
If you can't use myTAC to send your receipts or documents, please take a photo and email it to us at info@tac.vic.gov.au. Include your claim number in the subject line of your email so we can process your request.
Summary
This form is to be used when claiming reimbursement for travel (i.e. private vehicle, public transport and/or taxi) expenses to attend: medical treatment for accident injuries; medical examinations arranged by the TAC; approved rehabilitation or disability services; or work, if you are participating in a formal Return to Work program.
How to send documents to the TAC
myTAC
myTAC is the quickest way to:
- Submit receipts and claim reimbursements
- Send documents and forms
- Update your personal and banking details
- Find out about treatments and services the TAC may pay for
If you can't use myTAC to send your receipts or documents, please take a photo and email it to us at info@tac.vic.gov.au. Include your claim number in the subject line of your email so we can process your request.
We’re here to help you get your life back on track after your transport accident. To help you recover we will pay for speech therapy provided in Australia.
In the first 90 days after your accident, the TAC can help pay for this treatment without the need for you to contact us for approval first.
When you need to contact us for approval
You or your provider need to contact the TAC for approval of this treatment if:
- It is approaching or more than 90 days since your accident and we have not approved further treatment or services, or
- It has been more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.
When we can pay for speech pathology
In the first 90 days after your accident, the TAC will pay for you to visit your doctor or other health professional so you can discuss your needs with them. As part of that visit they can refer you to a speech pathologist. The TAC can then approve your speech pathology treatment.
After the first 90 days, you will need TAC approval to see your speech therapist.
When needed, we will work with your treating team to help them organise the speech pathology services and support you need.
We may contact your speech pathologist to discuss your progress or request an assessment, to make sure that:
- You have access to the most appropriate treatment and support.
- You are getting proven, evidence-based treatment and not receiving treatment that isn't helping you recover.
- You are moving towards getting your life back on track or being able to live independently.
Treatment and services we can’t pay for
We can’t pay for services that:
- Do not treat your transport accident injuries.
- Are not reasonable, necessary or appropriate.
- Are not clinically justified, safe and effective.
What do speech therapists do?
Speech pathologists (otherwise known as speech therapists) help people with communication and swallowing problems. Speech pathologists can help with a range of difficulties you may have as a result of your transport accident injuries, including problems with speech, voice, using and understanding language, fluency, reading, writing, eating and drinking.
For more information please see the following resources:
How treatments and services are paid for
We pay for your treatments:
- Directly to your speech therapist, when you have given them your TAC claim number, or
- If you have to pay, use myTAC to send a copy of your receipt to us and we will repay you.
We pay for your services in line with our responsibilities under the Transport Accident Act 1986.
How much we will pay
We will pay for your treatment and services according to our fee schedule. If your provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. For a list of TAC rates, see:
For providers
If you are a provider of speech pathology services, please refer to our TAC provider guidelines.
