Seeds FCA appointments are by video only and are available Australia-wide, so living a long way from a provider does not have to mean travel. You need a screen and a working video connection. What still needs checking before booking is whether every part of your question can be answered remotely, or whether something like a transfer, a piece of equipment or a building needs local observation.
Before booking, check which parts can be completed remotely and whether any part needs local observation, measurements or an equipment trial.
Start with the purpose
An assessment about daily routines and existing support may be able to draw on an interview and relevant records. A question about a particular transfer, piece of equipment or building may need someone to examine the situation directly.
Tell the provider what the report is for, where you live and any deadline. Explain when a local treating professional already has useful information, so that work is not repeated unnecessarily.
Check the appointment arrangements
Seeds FCA appointments are by video only. You need a screen and a working video connection. If your connection is unreliable, discuss this before booking so we can check whether the appointment will be workable. We do not offer phone appointments.
For video, check the device, connection and platform instructions beforehand. Agree how to reconnect if the call drops out. Also consider privacy: another room at home, a workplace or a community venue may have different limits on who can hear the discussion.
Tell the practice about your communication needs, such as a communication aid or support person. Availability, responsibilities and any costs need to be confirmed rather than assumed.
Preparation still matters
Telehealth does not remove the need to provide relevant information. At Seeds, the process includes an intake form and document review before the appointment. Let us know when downloading a form, using a computer or uploading files is difficult.
Existing local records may help describe functioning over time. They should be relevant to the assessment question, and the report should identify who supplied the information and when it was recorded.
When remote assessment is not enough
Video can show only what is in view and should not be used to prompt an unsafe demonstration.
If a question needs in-person or specialist assessment, ask what information that service needs to provide and whether it can be coordinated with work already underway. A general FCA should not present unmeasured details as established findings just because travel is difficult.
Check options before paying privately
Ask your NDIS contact or local health service whether existing evidence can be used and whether any access-assistance service operates in your area. Availability and eligibility vary. Some government programs help eligible people obtain assessments; this does not mean every privately booked FCA is funded.
The useful outcome of the enquiry is a workable plan: what can be assessed, how you will take part, what it will cost and which questions may remain outside the service.