The
Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (VA&EP) provides eligible people with
subsidised Assistive Technology (AT) to enhance independence in their home,
facilitate community participation and support families and carers in their
role.
The
State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP) is pleased to announce that Pedorthists can now access this
funding for eligible consumers in recognition of their expertise in the
provision of customised and medical grade footwear, shoe modifications and
orthoses in line with other funding agencies. This arrangement commences on 21st
December 2020.
If you have current
certification as a Pedorthist (CPedAu) or Pedorthist Custom Maker (CPedCMAu)
with the Australian Pedorthists Registration
Board (APRB), you are invited to
register and credential with SWEP in the Pedorthics category. (Certified Retail
Pedorthists are ineligible to register and credential with SWEP).
Your credentialing level (Green, Amber or Red) will be assigned based on The Standard for Pedorthists. This level will determine the types of AT items you can apply for, and also determine the consumer complexity level you can address without oversight from either a higher credentialed Pedorthist or a SWEP Clinical Advisor. This ensures high quality delivery of AT by suitably qualified and skilled AT Practitioners, that meet the needs and goals of consumers.
Table 1 in The Standard: Pedorthists, details the requirements to be met for each credentialing level. This can be accessed at https://swep.bhs.org.au/the-standard.php
Once you have registered
and credentialed with SWEP, you can apply for AT items, based on your
credentialing level. Pedorthist (CPedAu) can
supply foot orthoses, medical grade/ specialised footwear and shoe
modifications. In addition to these items, Pedorthist Custom Maker (CPedCM Au)
can supply custom made footwear and ankle foot orthoses.
Pedorthists wanting to supply items through SWEP will also need to register as a BHS Vendor. Refer to https://swep.bhs.org.au/for-suppliers.php for more information.
Pedorthic quotations: All custom
made AT items require completion of a quotation submitted to SWEP. SWEP has developed a standardised orthotics quote template to assist
with streamlining processes to ensure consumers receive AT items as soon as
possible. It is not mandatory to use this template, however any quote
template used should reflect the same required information. (Refer to https://swep.bhs.org.au/for-suppliers.php to access the orthotic quotation template).
VA&EP will only
cover costs associated with the actual manufacture of the device including for
example, material costs, casting/ measuring/ scanning and fabrication.
Equipment subsidy amounts, and replacement timeframes are outlined in the
current VA & EP Guidelines. The VA&EP Program
guidelines will be updated shortly to include Pedorthists but information on
items and subsidy limits can be found under the Orthoses table. For further guidance on fitting and shipping
charges and recent changes, please refer to the SWEP Communique - Orthotics Update March 2020
If you have any questions related to Pedorthist credentialing or making an application for Pedorthics, please do not hesitate to contact the SWEP IM&T team on 1300 747 937 (option 5).
Any
enquiries can be sent to swep@bhs.org.au
