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How to Become an Allied
Health Private Practitioner in
Rural WA
WA Country Health Service
October 2006
How to Become an Allied
Health Private Practitioner
in Rural WA
October 2006
A publication prepared by WA Country Health Service (WACHS), as part of the
Partnerships in Rural Health Project (funded by WACHS and the Australian Government
Department of Health and Ageing through the Rural Private Access Program).
i
Suggested Citation:
WA Country Health Service 2006, How to Become an Allied Health Private Practitioner in
Rural WA, Government of Western Australia, Perth.
Front Page Photographs: Anna McDonald and Chris Vye
ii
Contents Page
Introduction
1
Background
1
Australian Business Numbers & Tax File Numbers
2
What is an Australian Business Number?
2
How to Obtain an Australian Business Number
2
Registering as a Sole Trader, Company or Partnership
3
How to Obtain a Tax File Number
3
Business Name Registration
4
Who Needs To Register?
4
How to Register
4
Cost of Registration
5
Responsibilities after Registration of a Business Name
5
Goods and Services Tax
6
Who Registers for GST?
6
Accounting for GST
6
Tax Invoices
7
Developing a Business Plan
9
What is Included in the Plan?
9
Establishing the Demand for the Service
9
Income Streams
Medicare Allied Health and Dental Care Initiative
Obtaining a Provider Number
Private Health Funds
Obtaining a Provider Number
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Obtaining a Provider Number
10
10
11
12
12
12
13
More Allied Health Services
13
Partnerships
14
Considerations for Collaborative Partnerships and Agreements
15
iii
Associated Costs of Private Practice
16
Superannuation
16
Insurance
17
Professional Indemnity Insurance
17
Income Protection Insurance/Income Insurance
17
Contents & Building Insurance
18
Marketing
18
Professional Registration
18
Membership to Professional Organisations
19
Appendices
21
Appendix A: Useful Contacts
22
Appendix B: Sample Practice Set Up Costs
23
List of Acronyms
25
References
26
Tables
Table 1: Costs Associated With Professional Registrations 2006 (as at 31st July 2006)
st
19
Table 2: Professional Membership Fees (as at 31 July 2006)
20
Table 3: Contact Details for Professional Bodies
20
Table 4: Set Up Costs: Physiotherapy Practice
23
Table 5: Set Up Costs: Speech Pathology Practice
24
Figures
Figure 1: Setting out a tax invoice (GST registered)
7
Figure 2: Setting out a tax invoice (not GST registered)
8
iv
Introduction
This resource outlines information and contact points related to the establishment and
planning of a private allied health practice and potential partners and income streams.
It is hoped that the information provides guidance and direction to allied health
professionals (AHP) who may be considering private practice arrangements, but should not
replace independent financial and business development advice. The following information
is included in this resource:
Obtaining a business number
Obtaining a tax file number
Goods and services tax
Invoicing
Superannuation
Business planning
Income Streams
Partnerships
Useful Contacts
Background
In February 2006 WA Country Health Service (WACHS) received funding through the
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing Rural Private Access Program to
conduct the ‘Partnerships in Rural Health Project’.1 The primary aim of this project was
the development of a strategic plan to identify appropriate public private partnership
models to ensure the long-term viability of privately insurable health services in the north
west of Western Australia (WA), focussing on allied health services.
During the course of the project, enquiries were received from numerous allied health
professionals regarding private practice opportunities within the WA Country Health Service
(WACHS) catchment. From these discussions a need was identified for a resource to assist
AHP considering private allied health work in rural or remote WA. Therefore a ‘How to
Become an Allied Health Private Practitioner in Rural WA’1 resource was created.
1
Australian Business Numbers & Tax File
Numbers
What is an Australian Business Number?
Any individual/partnership/company should obtain an Australian Business Number before
commencing business. The Australian Business Number or ABN is a unique 11 digit number
that makes it easier for businesses and all levels of government to interact. It is not
compulsory that an ABN is obtained, however it does have several benefits.2
An ABN makes it easier to deal with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and other areas of
government. It also enables ease of use when dealing with other businesses. Quoting an
ABN on invoices given to other businesses avoids them having to withhold tax from
payments made. If an individual/company/partnership is registered for goods and services
tax (GST), an ABN must also be on every invoice to make it a valid ‘tax invoice’.2
How to Obtain an Australian Business Number
An ABN can be obtained free by accessing the Australian Business Register at
http://www.abr.gov.au and clicking on the ‘Apply for an Australian Business Number’ link.
There are several criteria that must be met to obtain an ABN and these can be viewed on
the website.3
Once the required information is provided, an ABN will be issued automatically at no cost
with a certified copy arriving two to three weeks later.
2
Registering as a Sole Trader, Company or Partnership
When registering for an ABN, it is possible to register as a sole trader, company or
partnership. Below is a short description of each registration type.
Sole Trader
A person running a business as an individual.4
Private Company
A company that is not listed on the stock exchange and is not
included in the description of an Australian company or
cooperative.4
Public Company
Includes listed companies, non-profit companies, statutory
corporations and their subsidiaries, also includes friendly
society dispensaries and mutual life assurance companies.4
Partnership
Family Partnership
A partnership where two or more members are related.4
Limited Partnership
A partnership where the liability of at least one of the partners
is limited.4
Other Partnership
A partnership of two or more people carrying on a business or
in receipt of joint income.4
More information can be sourced from the Australian Business Register at
http://www.abr.gov.au and clicking on ‘ABR Help Topics’ or phone 13 28 66.
How to Obtain a Tax File Number
Sole traders use their own individual tax file number for their business. However
companies, partnerships and trusts need a separate tax file number and can apply for a tax
file number when they register for an ABN from http://www.abr.gov.au3 or telephone
13 28 66.
3
Business Name Registration
Who Needs To Register?
A ‘business name’ is the name under which business activities are carried on. That is, the
name which someone is known by through their business trade or service provision.5
Any person(s) or companies that are carrying on business under a name other than their
own personal name in Western Australia are required to register that name. An individual
may trade under their own name (i.e. John Smith), but must register a business name if
adding additional information to that name (e.g. John Smith’s Speech Pathology).5
Carrying on business under an unregistered name is an offence and penalties apply.5
How to Register
An application form must be completed and the original form lodged together with a fee at
an office of Consumer Protection. An application form can be downloaded from
https://bizline.docep.wa.gov.au/bnonline/ or telephone 1300 30 40 14.
Before completing the application, a search of the National Names Index should be
performed to check if the name intended to register has already been allocated. A name
not previously registered, is not necessarily available for registration. Upon lodging the
application, Consumer Protection conducts an assessment to determine the availability of a
name prior to registration.6
Registering a business name means no other person or company can trade or carry on
business under that name. It does not however give a person or company the exclusive right
to use any word or phrase within that name. Protection of a word or phrase may be
achieved through the registration of a trade mark.6
Consumer Protection does not check the registration of trademarks when issuing a business
name. Therefore applicants are encouraged to contact IP Australia on 1300 65 10 10, to
check whether a trade mark has already been registered.6
4
Cost of Registration
The registration fee for a business name is currently $90.00 and must be renewed every
three years at a fee of $75.00.7
Responsibilities after Registration of a Business Name
The Business Names Act 1962 requires the owner of a business to:
• Within two months of registration commence business under the registered
business name.8
• Continue to carry on business under the registered business name at all times. A
business name cannot be registered to reserve it for future use or protection.8
• Display a sign showing the registered business name in a prominent position on
the outside of the principal place of business and any other places of business.8
• Ensure all stationery, advertising or correspondence clearly displays the
registered business name.7
• Use the correct registered business name. Proprietors should not abbreviate or
alter the name. A new name should be registered if necessary.8
• Display the business name certificate.8
• If a business has decided to stop trading it must notify the Department of
Consumer and Employment Protection and cancel their business name within one
month of the cessation of business trade.8
5
Goods and Services Tax
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a broad based consumption tax charged at the rate of 10%
on the sale of most goods and services in Australia. GST is charged on the price of goods
and services sold and must be included on all tax invoices.9 You must be registered for GST
to charge GST on an invoice.
Who Registers for GST?
You must register for GST if you are in business and you have an annual turnover of $50,000
or more per year. You may choose to register for GST if your turnover is less than $50, 000
per year.9
More information can be found at www.ato.gov.au/businesses or telephone 13 28 66.
Accounting for GST
It is a requirement that the GST collected by a business is paid to the Australian Taxation
Office (ATO) on a regular basis. The total amount payable to the ATO is reduced by the
amount of GST credits claimable from products/equipment purchased for the business. This
is reported through a Business Activity Statement (BAS).9
GST obligations are accounted for in the BAS at the end of each tax period. Small
businesses normally have quarterly tax periods (as their annual turnover is less than $20
million), but it is possible to use monthly and annual tax periods.9 More information on BAS
and lodgement details can be found at:
http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/default.asp?menu=448.
6
Tax Invoices
A tax invoice is a document, which records the sale of all goods and services and complies
with GST law. Figure 1 depicts information that is required on a tax invoice for businesses
that have registered for GST.10
Figure 1: Setting Out a Tax Invoice (GST registered)
(Source: Australian Taxation Office 2004)
7
Businesses that are not registered for GST should follow the guidelines outlined in figure 2.
These invoices only contain the word ‘Invoice’, not ‘Tax Invoice’ as they are not registered
for GST. Because they are not registered for GST the statement ‘No GST has been charged’
must be included on the invoice. Businesses who do not register for GST cannot claim GST
credits, nor do they submit a BAS.10
Figure 2: Setting Out a Tax Invoice (not GST registered)
(Source: Australian Taxation Office 2004)
8
Developing a Business Plan
A business plan is a summary and evaluation of a business idea. A business plan shows the
probability of success of the business and the ability to make it work. It provides the tools
to consider all facets of a business and its services in addition to examining the
consequences of a range of strategies relative to finance, marketing, management and
people.11 When developing a business plan it is also important to determine the need and
demand for the service.
What is Included in the Plan?
The body of the business plan has a number of sections. Listed below are headings which
may be of use when developing a plan.12
1. Executive summary
2. Introduction
3. Marketing analysis
4. Marketing plan
5. Operations plan
6. Management plan
7. Financial plan
The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) or your local Business Enterprise
Centre can provide information on all aspects of setting up and running a business. Offices
are located throughout metro and regional Western Australia. The SBDC can be contacted
on 1800 199 125 (free call) or by visiting their website www.sbdc.com.au and the Business
Enterprise Centre website http://www.beca.org.au/. Business plan templates and
information on writing a plan can also be found at www.business.gov.au.
Establishing the Demand for the Service
Before purchasing equipment and establishing a private practice it is important to establish
whether there is a demand or need for the service.12 This can be achieved by considering
several factors including access to existing services, health needs of the community, gaps in
services and potential partnerships. Information can be obtained from a number of sources
including the local health service, health centres, other private practitioners and
community members.
9
Income Streams
There are a number of potential income streams a private practitioner may investigate.
These include Medicare, private health funds, the More Allied Health Services (MAHS)
program and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Developing partnerships with a
range of organisations including the public sector and private business may also provide
additional sources of income.
Medicare Allied Health and Dental Care Initiative
The Medicare Allied Health and Dental Care Initiative pays for a selection of services
provided by AHP. It covers patients with a chronic condition and complex care needs who
are being managed by their general practitioner (GP) under an Enhanced Primary Care
(EPC) plan. The patient can claim up to a maximum of five allied health services in a
calendar year from eligible AHP. The five services can either be a combination of different
allied health services or five visits to the same service. An exacerbating dental illness
allows three dental care services per calendar year.13
More information on the incentive can be viewed at:
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/resources/incentives_allowances/ma_1262_public_f
act_sheet_medicare_allied_health_and_dental_care_initiative.pdf.
There are a number of criteria points that must be met for service eligibility. These
include:
The service is provided by an AHP registered with Medicare for this initiative.13
The service provided is on ‘referral’ from a GP.13
The service is specified in an EPC allied health referral form.13
The person receiving the service is being managed under an EPC plan.13
The patient is not an admitted patient of a hospital or a day-hospital facility.13
Services provided must be at least 20 minutes in duration.13
Services provided must be individually provided and in person.13
The AHP must provide a written report to the referring GP (if more than one
service then on the first and last service or more often if clinically indicated).13
The service cannot be State or Commonwealth funded.13
10
Obtaining a Provider Number
The following professionals are eligible for registration under the initiative:13
Aboriginal Health Workers
Occupational Therapists
Audiologists
Osteopaths
Chiropractors
Physiotherapists
Diabetes Educators
Podiatrists/Chiropodists
Dietitians
Psychologists
Exercise Physiologists
Speech Pathologists
Mental Health Workers
The AHP must be in private practice and the services provided to clients must be performed
whilst in a private capacity. Eligibility is also granted if employed by or under contract to
an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service or
State/Territory clinic that has been granted an exemption under subsection 19(2) of the
Health insurance Act 1973.14
For the majority of disciplines, practitioners must be registered with their national
registration board for eligibility. For those disciplines without a registration board,
membership of the relevant professional association is generally required.
Provider/registration numbers can also be allocated, at no cost, to a physiotherapist,
osteopath, chiropractor or podiatrist to enable them to request certain diagnostic imaging
services as set out in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).13
Further information on eligibility can be found at:
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/resources/incentives_allowances/ma_allied_health_
eligibility_fact_sheet_010106.pdf.
An application form can be downloaded from:
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/resources/medicare/ma_1449_app_for_initial_medi
care_provider_registration_number_for_allied_health_professional.pdf.
11
Private Health Funds
Individuals with ancillary private health insurance may be able to claim a portion of their
out of pocket expenses for private allied health services from their health fund. The
majority of health funds will pay a benefit for allied health services, depending on the type
of cover held. Individuals with private health insurance may choose to access private health
services to gain the maximum benefit from their fund and benefit from reduced waiting
times.
Obtaining a Provider Number
There are a number of conditions or criteria, which must be met in order to gain a provider
number from a private health fund. The majority of funds require the AHP to provide
evidence of qualifications and also registration with their appropriate state or national
board, or professional organisation.
A provider number will only be issued for one location. If a practitioner works from several
locations a provider number will need to be obtained for each location of work. There may
be other eligibility criteria specific to each health fund that need to be met to receive a
provider number. Provider numbers need to be obtained separately from each fund
although if a number is already held from one fund, another fund may be able to use the
same number if the provider meets their requirements. As there are many small private
health funds throughout Australia, if provider numbers have been obtained from the major
funds then other funds may also accept this number retrospectively. Check with health
fund providers if you are not certain of their position. There is no cost to obtain a provider
number.
There may be some difficulties in obtaining a provider number when a practitioner works
from a location that receives local, state or federal funding from the government as there
may be a perceived conflict of interest.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
In terms of health care, DVA members can access a wide range of allied health services at a
determined fee. Members are given DVA cards, which determine their service provision.
Three cards are available to veterans and include: cards for all conditions (gold card), cards
for specific conditions (white card) and a pharmaceutical benefits card (orange card). The
gold card entitles veterans to access health care and related services for all conditions and
needs and “a comprehensive range of medical, hospital, pharmaceutical, dental and allied
12
health services for which DVA has arrangements with registered health care providers, in
addition to travel assistance to and from the nearest health care facilities where treatment
is being provided”.15 The white card “enables the holder to access health care and
associated services for war or service-related conditions” and entitles veterans to “receive,
for specific conditions, treatment from registered medical, hospital, pharmaceutical,
dental and allied health care providers with whom DVA has arrangements”.15 The orange
card “enables the holder to access the range of pharmaceutical items available under the
Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme”.15
Obtaining a Provider Number
AHP may be eligible to obtain a provider number, free of charge from the DVA.
Practitioners must meet the requirements set out by the DVA and complete an interim deed
of agreement, along with an application for provider registration. If the practitioner plans
to work in more than one location a separate provider number must be obtained for each
work location. On acceptance, the provider must adhere to the Deed and carry public
risk/liability insurance for not less than $10 million per claim and professional indemnity
insurance for not less than $5 million per claim.16
More Allied Health Services
The More Allied Health Services (MAHS) program aims to improve the health of people living
in rural areas through allied health care. A major outcome of MAHS is to better link the GP
with the allied health sector. MAHS funding is managed by eligible rural Divisions of General
Practice to provide clinical care by AHP to rural communities.17
The MAHS guidelines in relation to funding and coverage can be accessed from:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pcd-programsmahs.
More information on the MAHS Program can be found by contacting the free call rural
health enquiry line on 1800 020 787 or emailing [email protected].
13
Partnerships
Partnerships need to be developed not only as a source of income, but also to provide
sustainability to a private practice. A partnership may simply provide referrals to your
service e.g. a partnership with a general practitioner or another allied health professional.
Other partnerships may require an agreement to be written up, for example a contract for
you to provide a service to clients in the community or perhaps a program for employees of
a large business or organisation. Documentation of the terms of the agreement is
important to ensure that the roles and responsibilities of all parties are clearly defined.
Some examples of potential partners include:
Local and regional public health services
Division of General Practitioners
Schools/child care facilities/playgroups
Aboriginal health services
Community organisations e.g. sporting clubs
Rehabilitation providers
Other private allied health/complementary health practitioners
Local government e.g. recreation facilities
Other government organisations e.g. Department of Sport and Recreation,
Disability Services Commission
Large employers in the area e.g. mining companies
General Practitioners
Actively seeking to develop partnerships and/or relationships with the above entities may
provide an ongoing source of referrals, access to funding sources, access to professional
development opportunities and provide marketing/advertising opportunities.
14
Considerations for Collaborative Partnerships and Agreements
As part of the development of a more formal partnership, several principles should be
documented and where applicable adhered to. Because a number of clients may be
receiving both public and private allied health services, it may be necessary to document
the finer details and logistics of a working partnership whereby both parties work in
achieving the same desirable outcomes. A collaborative service arrangement or agreement
would aid in achieving this.
Collaborative agreements provide a flexible and practical approach to service delivery and
minimise the disruption to the continuity of care. They also ensure a wider range of service
options and provision of services in an effective and timely manner. In addition they
provide the opportunity for a more responsive and tailored service.
In order to gain the maximum benefit from the agreement it is best to define roles and
responsibilities of all parties. This ensures that each party understands their role and
responsibility in relation to client service provision and there are no conflicting views.
Once the roles and responsibilities are agreed to, it is important that open communication
remains evident throughout the agreement. This ensures that the client is receives a high
quality service, the use of resources from both sectors is maximised and the potential for
conflict or misunderstanding is minimised.
15
Associated Costs of Private Practice
There are several costs associated with the establishment of a private practice. Costs to
consider may include:
Building costs (purchasing or leasing)
Discipline specific equipment and assessment tools (these can vary dependant
on discipline and services to be provided)
Employee/personal wages and superannuation
Administration and office equipment including computer, software, furnishings
Insurances
Utilities i.e. power, water, telephone
Vehicle/transport
Consumables
Professional registration and membership
Accounting and financial advice
An example of possible set up costs for a Physiotherapy and a Speech Pathology practice
can be seen in Appendix B.
Superannuation
It is important to consider superannuation when self-employed or starting a business. Selfemployed business persons are not required to contribute to a superannuation fund.
However they may wish to consider superannuation as a form of retirement savings and may
be able to claim tax deductions for these contributions.18
A list of available super funds can be located by visiting the Register of Complying
Superannuation Funds (ROCS). ROCS is a publicly available list of complying superannuation
funds, approved deposit funds (ADFs) and eligible rollover funds (ERFs) regulated by the
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and self managed super funds (SMSFs)
regulated by the ATO.18
ROCS can be accessed by visiting:
http://www.ato.gov.au/super/content.asp?doc=/content/35278.htm
16
If you employ any staff you are usually required to pay superannuation on their behalf.
There are a number of publications available from the ATO’s website at
http://www.ato.gov.au/super/ in relation to paying employee superannuation. These
publications outline the legal requirements for the reporting of superannuation, the steps
to take for a new employee or for an employee who is terminated/resigns, and other
general superannuation information for employers.
Insurance
There are a number of insurances a private practitioner must consider when establishing a
private practice. These include professional indemnity insurance, income protection
insurance, building and contents and public liability insurances.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Private practitioners are strongly recommended to carry professional indemnity insurance.
Depending on the policy, this covers breach of professional duty, public liability, goods sold
and advice on goods sold (product liability) and legal fees for disciplinary and coronial
inquiries. Different levels of insurance are recommended for different professional groups
e.g. $5, $10 or $20 million dollars for physiotherapy or $2, $5 or $10 million dollars for
speech pathology. The cost of insurance varies depending on the number of hours worked
and discounts for members of professional organisations. For $10 million cover a
physiotherapist could expect to pay approximately $1000-$1400 per annum if working more
than 15 hours a week in private practice, or $835-$980 per annum if working less than 15
hours per week. The cost to a speech pathologist for the same level of cover would be
approximately $540 if working more than 16 hours per week and $380 per annum if working
less than 16 hours per week in a private capacity.
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) specifies that a practitioner who registers as a
DVA service provider must have public risk/liability insurance for not less than $10million
per claim and professional indemnity type insurance for not less than $5 million per claim.
Income Protection Insurance/Income Insurance
Income protection insurance pays a proportion of an individual’s salary for a period of time
if they are unable to work due to injury, sickness or disability. The period of time the
person’s salary is paid depends on the level of cover and the contract term. Usually income
protection insurance will pay approximately 75% of a salary and the cost of premiums
depend on a number of factors such as an individual’s age and health status.19 Other types
17
of disability policies such as ‘trauma insurance’ may pay a lump sum in the event of major
illness.
When you are self -employed you are not covered by workers compensation insurance, as
you are when someone else employs you. If you employ any staff you must have a worker’s
compensation policy that covers all workers.
Contents & Building Insurance
It is advisable that practitioners carry both contents and building (if the owner of the
premises) insurance. The premiums depend significantly on a number of factors including
geographic location, value of the building, and the amount and value of equipment. There
are a number of insurance companies who offer attractive packages and insure allied health
practices.
Marketing
As mentioned on page 14 partnerships with a variety of organisations in the community can
provide a source of referrals as well as opportunities for marketing and advertising. In
small communities marketing and advertising can be relatively cheap with options such as
community/organisation notice boards and newsletters, local papers and radio stations and
through free listings in the local community telephone directory. Sponsorship of
community organisations and events can also be used to promote your service.
Professional Registration
Some AHP are required to have professional registration with their relevant registration
board to practice within Western Australia. There are no registration boards for speech
pathologists, dietitians and social workers, however these disciplines are encouraged to
become members of their professional organisation. Table 1 outlines the costs associated
with professional registration.
18
Table 1: Costs Associated With Professional Registrations 2006 (as at 31st July 2006)
Discipline
Cost
Speech Pathology
No registration required
Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Application Fee: $60.00
Practicing Fee: $60.00
Application Fee: $50.00
Practicing Fee: $75.00
Dietetics
No registration required
Social Work
No registration required
Podiatry
Psychology
Application Fee: $45.00
Practicing Fee: $200.00
Practicing Fee: $225.00
Membership to Professional Organisations
AHP are encouraged to obtain membership from their professional organisation for several
reasons. Membership may signify a standard of professional and ethical behaviour and a
commitment to abide by the organisation’s code of conduct. Membership may provide a
number of benefits including professional development, mentoring for new graduates,
access to professional journals and other publications, discounts and savings and the
recognition of being associated with a professional body. Basic annual fees for selected
allied health disciplines are listed below in table 2. Membership to various special interest
groups may also be available at additional costs. Some professional organisations have
resources to assist new and existing private practice and some also have private
practitioner groups that provide professional development opportunities and other
supports.
19
Table 2: Professional Membership Fees (as at 31st July 2006)
Professional Organisation
Cost
Speech Pathology Australia
$400.00
Australian Association of Occupational Therapists
$484.00
Australian Physiotherapy Association
$610.00
Dietitians Association of Australia
$495.00
Australian Association of Social Workers
$458.00
Australian Podiatry Association
$800.00
Australian Psychological Association
$540.00
Table 3: Contact Details for Professional Bodies
Professional Body
Contact Details
Speech Pathology Australia
(08) 9450 8281
(WA Branch)
http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/
Australian Association of Occupational
(08) 9388 1490
Therapists
http://www.ausot.com.au/
(WA Branch)
Australian Physiotherapy Association
(08) 9389 9211
(WA Branch)
http://apa.advsol.com.au/
Dietitians Association of Australia
(08) 9389 5040
(WA Branch)
http://www.daa.asn.au/
Australian Association of Social Workers
(08) 9420 7240
(WA Branch)
http://www.aasw.asn.au/
Australian Podiatry Association
(08) 6389 0225
(WA Branch)
www.apodc.com.au
Australian Psychological Association
(03) 8662 3300
(National)
www.psychology.org.au
20
Appendices
21
Appendix A: Useful Contacts
Australian Taxation Office
Phone: 13 24 78
Website: www.ato.gov.au
Australian Business Register
Phone: 13 28 66
Website: www.abr.gov.au
Business Enterprise Centres (BEC
Website: http://www.beca.org.au/
Australia Incorporated)
Department of Consumer and
Phone: 1300 304 014
Employment Protection
Website: www.docep.wa.gov.au
IP Australia
Phone: 1300 651 010
(Checking Trade Marks)
Website: www.ipaustralia.gov.au
Medicare Australia
Phone: 13 20 11
Website: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
Occupational Safety and Health
Phone: (08) 9464 4200
(WorkSafe WA)
Website: www.worksafe.wa.gov.au
Rural Health Enquiry Line
Phone: 1800 020 787
(MAHS Project)
Email [email protected]
Small Business Development
Phone: 13 12 49
Corporation
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sbdc.com.au
Worker’s Compensation
Phone: (08) 9388 5555
(WorkCover WA)
Website: www.workcover.wa.gov.au
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Appendix B: Sample Practice Set Up Costs
It must be noted that the costs mentioned below should be used as a guide only, and that
the establishment costs of a practice will depend on the type and level of service provision.
Table 4: Set Up Costs: Physiotherapy Practice
Description
Cost ($)
Building
Rental / lease costs
Building insurance
Building fit out costs
Desks
Chairs
Equipment
Treatment bed
Ultrasound/Interferential machine
Treatment Stool
Hot Packs & Microwave
Smartballs (x2)
Consumable Items
Theraband
Ultrasound Gel
Strapping Tape
Tubigrip
Administration
Administrative Support
Computers
Software
Accounting
Access to email and internet
Photocopier / fax
Mobile phone
Filing cabinets (safe storage of patient records)
Membership to Australian Physiotherapy Association
Insurance
Professional indemnity insurance
Building and contents insurance
1760.00
1267.00
148.00
200.00
90.00
500.00
$2,500
$40/month
$799
$610
$1000 - $1400
23
Table 5: Set Up Costs: Speech Pathology Practice
Description
Cost ($)
Building
Rental / lease costs
Building insurance
Building fit out costs
Desks
Chairs
Equipment
Assessment Tools (CELF P; CELF 4; PLS; Renfrew; Articulation test;
DEAP)
Assessment Tools (Frenchay; Hundred picture naming test; Boston
aphasia diagnostic examination Mini mental; WIAT 2; swallowing
assessment)
Books, resources, toys, therapy tools
Administration / Resources
Administrative Support
Computer
Software
Accounting
Access to email and internet
Photocopier / fax (multi purpose)
Mobile phone
Filing cabinets (safe storage of patient records)
Membership to Speech Pathology Australia
Insurance
Professional indemnity insurance
Building and contents insurance
$7,500 - $10,000
(paediatrics)
$7,500 - $10,000
(adults)
Basic $5000
Extensive $30,000
$2,500
$40/month
$799
$400
$540
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List of Acronyms
ABN
Australian Business Number
ABR
Australian Business Register
ADF
Approved Deposit Fund
AHP
Allied Health Professionals
APRA
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
ATO
Australian Taxation Office
BAS
Business Activity Statement
DVA
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
EPC
Enhanced Primary Care
ERF
Eligible Rollover Fund
GP
General Practitioner
GST
Goods & Services Tax
MAHS
More Allied Health Services
ROCS
Register of Complying Super Funds
SBDC
Small Business Development Corporation
SMSF
Self Managed Super Fund
WA
Western Australia
WACHS
WA Country Health Service
25
References
1. McDonald, A & Cassidy, M 2006, Partnerships in Rural Health Project, WA Country
Health Service (WACHS), Government of Western Australia.
2. Australian Taxation Office 2004, Who is entitled to an ABN, Australian Government,
Commonwealth of Australia, 18 August 2006, from
http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses
3. Australian Business Register 2006, Apply for an Australian Business Number.
Retrieved 10 August 2006 from, https://abr.gov.au
4. Australian Business Register 2005a, ABR Help: ABR Help Glossary. Retrieved 10
August 2006, from
http://help.abr.gov.au/content.asp?doc=/content/18257.htm&usertype=BC
5. Department of Consumer and Employment Protection 2004, What is a business
name?, Government of Western Australia. Retrieved 18 August 2006, from
https://bizline.docep.wa.gov.au/bnonline
6. Department of Consumer and Employment Protection 2004, How to register a
business name, Government of Western Australia. Retrieved 18 August 2006, from
http://www.docep.wa.gov.au/bizline/default.html
7. Department of Consumer and Employment Protection 2006, Form 1: Application for
Registration of a Business Name, Government of Western Australia.
8. Department of Consumer and Employment Protection 2004, FAQ, Government of
Western Australia. Retrieved 20 August 2006, from
https://bizline.docep.wa.gov.au/bnonline/misc/faq.jsp#10
9. Australian Taxation Office 2005, GST for small business, Australian Government,
Commonwealth of Australia.
10. Australian Taxation Office 2004, How to set out tax invoices and invoices,
Australian Government, Commonwealth of Australia.
11. Small Business Development Corporation 2006, Small Business Brief: Business
Planning, Government of Western Australia.
12. Australian Government n.d., How do I write a business plan?, business.gov.au.
Retrieved 10 August 2006, from
http://www.business.gov.au/Business+Entry+Point/Howto+guides/Thinking+of+starting+a+business/How+do+I+write+a+business+plan.htm#
13. Medicare Australia 2004, Medicare Allied Health and Dental Care Initiative,
Australian Government. Retrieved 19 September 2006, from
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/providers/incentives_allowances/medicare_
initiatives/allied_health.htm
26
14. Medicare Australia 2006, Application for an initial Medicare provider/registration
number for an Allied Health Professional, Australian Government. Retrieved 19
September 2006, from
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/resources/medicare/ma_1449_app_for_initi
al_medicare_provider_registration_number_for_allied_health_professional.pdf
15. Department of Veterans' Affairs 2006, Repatriation Health & Pharmaceutical Cards,
Australian Government. Retrieved 16 September 2006, from
http://www.dva.gov.au/health/vtec/treatmentcards.htm
16. Department of Veterans' Affairs 2006, Application for Provider Registration,
Australian Government.
17. Commonwealth of Australia 2004, Guidelines for the More Allied Health Services
Program Divisions of General Practice Program, Canberra.
18. Australian Taxation Office 2005, Superannuation - Being Self Employed, Australian
Government, Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 22 August 2006, from
http://www.ato.gov.au/super/content.asp?doc=/content/29506.htm&mnu=1725&
mfp=001/007
19. Australian Consumers' Association 2005, Income Protection Insurance. Retrieved 20
September 2006, from
http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=104887&catId=100292&tid=100008
&p=1&title=Income+protection+insurance
27
For more information contact:
WA Country Health Service
GPO Box 6680
EAST PERTH BUSINESS CENTRE WA 6892
Telephone: (08) 9223 8500
28