WA Country Health Service October 2006

How to Become an Allied Health Private Practitioner in Rural WA

i

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).

ii

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

iii

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 10 Medicare Allied Health and Dental Care Initiative 10

Obtaining a Provider Number 11 Private Health Funds 12

Obtaining a Provider Number 12 Department of Veterans’ Affairs 12

Obtaining a Provider Number 13 More Allied Health Services 13 Partnerships 14

Considerations for Collaborative Partnerships and Agreements 15

iv

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) 19 Table 2: Professional Membership Fees (as at 31st 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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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

5

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

6

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.

7

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)

8

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)

9

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.

10

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

11

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.

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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

13

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-programs-

mahs.

More information on the MAHS Program can be found by contacting the free call rural

health enquiry line on 1800 020 787 or emailing ruralhealth@health.gov.au.

14

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.

15

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.

16

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. Self-

employed 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

17

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

18

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.

19

Table 1: Costs Associated With Professional Registrations 2006 (as at 31st July 2006)

Discipline Cost

Speech Pathology No registration required

Occupational Therapy Application Fee: $60.00

Practicing Fee: $60.00

Physiotherapy Application Fee: $50.00

Practicing Fee: $75.00

Dietetics No registration required

Social Work No registration required

Podiatry Application Fee: $45.00

Practicing Fee: $200.00

Psychology 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.

20

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

(WA Branch)

(08) 9450 8281

http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/

Australian Association of Occupational

Therapists

(WA Branch)

(08) 9388 1490

http://www.ausot.com.au/

Australian Physiotherapy Association

(WA Branch)

(08) 9389 9211

http://apa.advsol.com.au/

Dietitians Association of Australia

(WA Branch)

(08) 9389 5040

http://www.daa.asn.au/

Australian Association of Social Workers

(WA Branch)

(08) 9420 7240

http://www.aasw.asn.au/

Australian Podiatry Association

(WA Branch)

(08) 6389 0225

www.apodc.com.au

Australian Psychological Association

(National)

(03) 8662 3300

www.psychology.org.au

21

Appendices

22

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

Australia Incorporated)

Website: http://www.beca.org.au/

Department of Consumer and

Employment Protection

Phone: 1300 304 014

Website: www.docep.wa.gov.au

IP Australia

(Checking Trade Marks)

Phone: 1300 651 010

Website: www.ipaustralia.gov.au

Medicare Australia

Phone: 13 20 11

Website: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au

Occupational Safety and Health

(WorkSafe WA)

Phone: (08) 9464 4200

Website: www.worksafe.wa.gov.au

Rural Health Enquiry Line

(MAHS Project)

Phone: 1800 020 787

Email ruralhealth@health.gov.au

Small Business Development

Corporation

Phone: 13 12 49

Email: info@sbdc.com.au

Website: www.sbdc.com.au

Worker’s Compensation

(WorkCover WA)

Phone: (08) 9388 5555

Website: www.workcover.wa.gov.au

23

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 1760.00 Ultrasound/Interferential machine 1267.00 Treatment Stool 148.00 Hot Packs & Microwave 200.00 Smartballs (x2) 90.00 Consumable Items Theraband Ultrasound Gel Strapping Tape Tubigrip

500.00

Administration Administrative Support Computers $2,500 Software Accounting Access to email and internet $40/month Photocopier / fax $799 Mobile phone Filing cabinets (safe storage of patient records) Membership to Australian Physiotherapy Association $610 Insurance Professional indemnity insurance $1000 - $1400 Building and contents insurance

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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)

$7,500 - $10,000 (paediatrics)

Assessment Tools (Frenchay; Hundred picture naming test; Boston aphasia diagnostic examination Mini mental; WIAT 2; swallowing assessment)

$7,500 - $10,000 (adults)

Books, resources, toys, therapy tools Basic $5000 Extensive $30,000

Administration / Resources Administrative Support Computer $2,500 Software Accounting Access to email and internet $40/month Photocopier / fax (multi purpose) $799 Mobile phone Filing cabinets (safe storage of patient records) Membership to Speech Pathology Australia $400 Insurance Professional indemnity insurance $540 Building and contents insurance

25

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

26

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/How-to+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

27

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_initial_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

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For more information contact:

WA Country Health Service GPO Box 6680 EAST PERTH BUSINESS CENTRE WA 6892 Telephone: (08) 9223 8500