The cost of a functional capacity assessment depends on the amount of assessment and reporting work required. There is no single price that covers every participant, every report purpose and every location. Before booking, ask for a written estimate of the total cost and what it includes.
The most useful comparison is between complete quotes. A lower hourly rate does not necessarily mean a lower final cost if the report requires more hours, extra appointments or additional travel. Equally, a detailed assessment may be appropriate when the participant's circumstances are complex.
What contributes to the total?
A functional capacity assessment is more than the time spent at the home visit. The therapist may review existing information, speak with the participant and relevant supports, complete suitable assessment tools, interpret the findings and write the report.
Ask whether the estimate includes:
- The initial interview and assessment appointment.
- Review of previous reports and supporting information.
- Report writing and preparation of recommendations.
- Agreed discussions with family, carers or other professionals.
- Provider travel or other permitted charges.
- Follow-up to explain the findings or address factual corrections.
Not every assessment needs every item. The written scope should identify what is relevant rather than automatically adding a standard bundle of hours.
An easy way to compare estimates
Ask the provider to show the estimated hours and rate for each part of the work. For illustration, an assessment involving two appointment hours and six reporting hours has eight hours of professional time before any separately agreed travel. That is an example of how to read a quote, not a recommended number of hours or an Ergo price.
A useful calculation is: agreed appointment time plus preparation and reporting time, multiplied by the applicable rate, with any other agreed charges shown separately. Ask what could change the estimate and whether the provider will contact you before doing additional work.
If your budget is limited, explain that early. The therapist can discuss the report's purpose and whether a narrower assessment would answer the relevant question. A shorter report should still contain adequate evidence for its stated purpose.
NDIS price limits and provider fees
Use the current NDIS pricing documents when checking a quote. A price limit is not the same thing as a compulsory provider fee or a guaranteed funded amount. The rules that apply can depend on the support and how the plan is managed.
We have linked the NDIS pricing page below so you can check the current arrangements rather than relying on an old rate copied into a blog. Confirm the applicable support item and any travel or non-face-to-face charges with the provider and, where relevant, your plan manager.
Why quotes can differ
Two participants with the same diagnosis may require different assessments. One may need an update to recent evidence. Another may have changed living arrangements, several treating professionals or questions about daily support that require more investigation.
The purpose also matters. A general functional report may not include a detailed wheelchair prescription, a complex home modification assessment or all the evidence needed for a housing request. Ask whether those services are included or quoted separately.
A provider should be able to explain the work in plain language. If a quote is unclear, ask for the assumptions behind it before agreeing to proceed.
Questions worth asking
Is the report included in the quoted price?
Check explicitly. Ask about the report format, the estimated delivery date and whether a discussion of the findings is included. Keep the quote and the service agreement together for reference.
Will there be travel charges?
An in-home service may involve travel. Ask how it is calculated, what rules apply to your funding arrangement and whether the estimate covers your address. Do not assume travel is included in the appointment rate.
What happens if more time is needed?
Ask for a clear process for agreeing to additional work. The provider should explain why it is needed and the likely extra cost before proceeding beyond the agreed scope.
Does paying for an FCA guarantee funding?
No. The assessment provides evidence and recommendations. It does not guarantee access, a particular budget or approval of every recommended support.
For an Ergo estimate, tell us the report purpose, location, funding arrangement and deadline through the referral form. We can then discuss the appropriate scope and expected costs.