Bayside Mobile Physio offers professional NDIS physiotherapy in Sydney. We come to you with tailored treatments to help you move better and live independently.
Bayside Mobile Physio offers professional NDIS physiotherapy in Sydney. We come to you with tailored treatments to help you move better and live independently.
A functional capacity assessment (FCA) is one of the most important clinical reports an NDIS participant can have. It provides the evidence needed to support a plan application, justify funding allocations, and ensure the participant receives the right level of support. Bayside Mobile Physio delivers functional capacity assessments at home across Greater Sydney, removing the need for participants to travel to a clinic.
A functional capacity assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a participant’s physical abilities, daily functioning, and support needs. It is conducted by a qualified physiotherapist and produces a detailed written report that can be submitted to the NDIS to support a plan review, initial application, or access request.
The assessment looks at how a participant’s disability or health condition affects their ability to complete everyday activities — including personal care, mobility, household tasks, community participation, and employment where relevant. The findings are documented in a formal report that clearly outlines the participant’s current functional level, support needs, and recommended goals.
A support coordinator, plan manager, or participant may request a functional capacity assessment in the following situations:
NDIS plan review — when a participant’s current plan is up for review and updated clinical evidence is needed to justify continued or increased funding.
Initial NDIS application — when a person is applying for NDIS access for the first time and requires clinical evidence of their functional impact and support needs.
Change in condition — when a participant’s health or functional status has changed significantly and their current plan no longer reflects their needs.
Assistive technology applications — when clinical evidence is required to support an application for mobility aids, seating, or other assistive technology.
Specialist Disability Accommodation applications — when evidence of functional need is required to support an SDA application.
Transition planning — when a participant is transitioning between services, settings, or life stages and requires updated documentation of their functional capacity.
Our physiotherapists conduct functional capacity assessments in the participant’s home or accommodation setting. Assessing the participant in their own environment provides a much more accurate picture of their daily functioning than a clinic-based assessment, and ensures the recommendations are relevant to their actual living situation.
Clinical interview — a detailed discussion with the participant and, where appropriate, their support worker, family member, or carer, covering their diagnosis, history, daily routine, and current support needs.
Physical assessment — evaluation of strength, range of movement, balance, mobility, coordination, and endurance as relevant to the participant’s condition and goals.
Functional task assessment — observation of the participant completing relevant daily tasks such as transferring, walking, dressing, and other activities of daily living.
Environmental assessment — review of the participant’s home environment to identify any risks, barriers, or modifications that may support their independence and safety.
Goal setting — discussion of the participant’s goals and aspirations to ensure the report reflects what matters most to them.
Following the assessment, our physiotherapist prepares a comprehensive written report that includes:
A summary of the participant’s diagnosis, history, and current functional status. Findings from the physical and functional assessment. A clear description of how the participant’s disability or condition impacts their ability to complete daily activities. Recommended supports, therapies, and assistive technology. Functional goals aligned to the participant’s NDIS plan. A statement of the participant’s support needs and the rationale for recommended funding.
Reports are written in plain language, aligned with NDIS reporting requirements, and completed promptly following the assessment. We can provide draft reports for participant and coordinator review before finalisation where requested.
Functional capacity assessments are funded under the Improved Daily Living (IDL) support category, also known as Support Category 15. The relevant support item number for physiotherapy assessment and report writing is 15_056_0128_1_3 for the face-to-face assessment component and 15_057_0128_1_3 for non-face-to-face time including report preparation.
We conduct functional capacity assessment home visits across more than 200 suburbs in Greater Sydney, including western Sydney, inner west, southwestern Sydney, and surrounding areas.
If you are unsure whether we cover your participant’s suburb, visit our service areas page or contact our office to confirm availability.
To refer a participant for a functional capacity assessment, contact our office by phone on 0468 079 075, email [email protected], or submit a referral through our online referral form.
When making a referral it helps to include the participant’s NDIS number, plan management type, the purpose of the assessment, and any relevant clinical history. We will confirm receipt of the referral within one business day and work with you to schedule the assessment promptly.
