What you are actually paying for
A functional capacity assessment is not a single appointment - it is intake and referral review, the assessment itself (often a home or community visit), any collateral interviews with family or support workers, and the time to analyse findings and write a clear, evidence-based report.
Because most of the work is the clinical reasoning and reporting, cost reflects occupational therapist time rather than a fixed product price. That is why two assessments for different people can sit at different points depending on complexity.
What influences the cost
The main drivers are complexity (how many functional domains and environments need to be assessed), whether an in-person environmental visit is required or telehealth is suitable, travel to regional or outer-metro locations, the number of collateral contacts, and how detailed the report needs to be for the decision it supports.
A short, focused report for a single question costs less than a comprehensive assessment covering daily living, supports, assistive technology and home access together.
How NDIS funding covers an FCA
For NDIS participants, functional capacity assessments are usually funded from Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living, and occupational therapy is charged in line with the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether the participant is NDIA-managed, plan-managed or self-managed changes how the invoice is paid, not whether OT is claimable.
Private and self-funded clients pay directly and receive a clear scope before the assessment goes ahead, so the expected cost is understood up front.
What to check before you book
Ask for the assessment scope and what the report will cover, whether travel is included for your location, the expected report turnaround, and how funding will be invoiced. At Pinnacle OT, reports are typically provided within 10 business days of the completed assessment, and intake confirms scope and any travel before booking.
Getting these details clear at intake avoids surprises and makes sure the assessment answers the decision you actually need - a plan review, support increase, equipment request or home access change.
Need occupational therapy guidance?
Tell our intake team what support is needed, the relevant suburb or region, funding pathway and any upcoming review or discharge deadlines.