Ask your treating professional for a report — request letter

Tell your GP, OT or specialist exactly what evidence the NDIS needs, so their report hits the mark.

Who it's for

This letter is for participants and families who need a report from a health professional, such as a GP, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist or specialist, to support an NDIS access request, plan reassessment or review.

You give it to the professional so they know exactly what the NDIS is looking for. Health professionals write reports for many reasons, and an NDIS report needs particular details to be useful. Telling them what's required up front means you're more likely to get evidence that actually helps your case, rather than a general letter.

Why write it

The NDIA relies heavily on professional evidence when deciding what's reasonable and necessary. A report that misses key details, or focuses only on diagnosis, can slow things down or weaken an otherwise strong request.

By spelling out what the NDIS needs, you help the professional focus on the right things: your diagnosis and whether it's permanent, how your disability affects everyday function, the supports you need and how often, and their recommendations. This saves everyone time, reduces the risk of a report being sent back for more information, and gives you the strongest possible foundation for your NDIS request.

How to write it

Ask the professional to include your diagnosis and whether it is permanent, and to describe the functional impact on your everyday life, covering areas like mobility, self-care, communication, learning, social participation and daily tasks. Ask them to state the supports you need, how often you need them, and to make clear recommendations.

Give plenty of notice and mention any deadline, so they have time to write a thorough report. Be aware that some professionals charge a fee for reports, so check the cost in advance.

Keep your request polite and specific. Providing examples of your daily challenges can help them write an accurate, detailed report that reflects your real needs.

Template

To [Dr / practitioner name],
Re: [Your name] — request for a report to support my NDIS [application / plan reassessment]

I am [applying to the NDIS / preparing for a plan reassessment] and would be grateful for a report describing my disability and how it affects my everyday life.

To be most useful to the NDIA, could your report please cover:
• My diagnosis, and whether the condition is permanent or likely to be lifelong;
• How it affects everyday function — for example mobility, self-care, communication, learning, social interaction and managing daily tasks;
• The supports I need and how often I need them;
• Your recommendations (for example therapy, assistive technology or other supports).

My [planning meeting / submission] is on [date], so I would appreciate the report by [date] if possible.

Thank you very much for your help.

[Your name, date of birth and the date]

About this template

What should an NDIS report from my doctor include?
A useful NDIS report should state your diagnosis and whether it's permanent, describe how your disability affects everyday function (mobility, self-care, communication, learning, social participation and daily tasks), set out the supports you need and how often, and include clear recommendations. Function and impact matter more to the NDIA than diagnosis alone.
How do I ask my GP or OT for an NDIS report?
Give them a written request that spells out exactly what the NDIS needs: diagnosis and permanence, functional impact on daily life, the supports you require and how often, and recommendations. Provide plenty of notice, mention any deadline, and ask about cost in advance. Being specific helps them write a report that genuinely supports your NDIS request.
Do doctors charge for NDIS reports?
Some do. Writing a detailed report takes time, and many GPs, occupational therapists and specialists charge a fee for it, which may not be covered by Medicare. Ask about the cost before requesting the report so there are no surprises. If cost is a concern, discuss options with the professional or ask a disability advocate for advice.
How much notice should I give for an NDIS report?
Give as much notice as you can, ideally several weeks, so the professional has time to write a thorough report. Mention any NDIS deadline clearly in your request. Reports rushed at the last minute may miss important detail. Planning ahead also gives you time to review the report and request changes if something has been left out.
Why does the NDIS focus on function rather than diagnosis?
The NDIS funds supports based on how a disability affects your everyday life, not on the diagnosis itself. Two people with the same condition can have very different needs. That's why reports should describe functional impact, such as difficulties with mobility, self-care or communication, and the supports required, rather than simply naming the condition.

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Official NDIS sources

Novida is an independent directory, not the NDIA. We explain each form in plain English and link you to the official copy — always download and submit the current version from the official website, as forms are updated from time to time.