Everything You Need To Know Before Your First Appointment
Your child’s first visit starts with simple steps. Learn how to book, what to prepare, and how Perth CDC supports families through assessments, therapy, and follow-up care.
How to Book an Appointment at Perth CDC
To begin, you’ll need a referral from your GP or another referring healthcare provider. This can be sent to Perth CDC by email, fax, or Healthlink (ID: perthcdc). A valid referral is required so Medicare can contribute to the appointment cost and avoid paying the full fee out-of-pocket.
Once we receive your referral, our team will contact you to arrange your child’s first appointment. You’ll also be asked to complete pre-assessment and consent forms online. These forms help our clinicians prepare for your child’s first visit.
Step-By-Step Support From Your First Call To Follow-Up
When you contact Perth CDC, our administrative team will take the time to understand your concerns and connect your child with the appropriate professionals. We will guide you through the intake process, explain the appointment structure and answer any initial questions you may have. Following your child’s assessment, we provide clear feedback and outline recommended next steps.
This may include therapy, review appointments, or written recommendations. If different team members are involved, we’ll communicate across disciplines for continuity of care. We also remain available for follow-up queries, offering continued guidance beyond the initial appointment.
FAQs About Appointments, Process And Preparation
Do I need a referral to see a paediatrician or therapist?
Yes. A valid referral from your GP or another healthcare provider is required to book an appointment with a paediatrician or allied health professional at Perth CDC. This referral provides important background information to help guide your child’s care.
If a referral is not received prior to the appointment, the full consultation fee will be applicable. In this case, Medicare may not contribute to the cost.
What documents should I bring to the first appointment?
Please bring any relevant documents that may help the clinical team understand your child’s needs. These might include previous medical or therapy reports, school reports, letters from teachers outlining concerns, or any written assessments.
You’re also welcome to bring photos or videos that show behaviours or challenges you’d like to discuss. These materials provide helpful context and can aid in accurate assessment and care planning.
How long are appointments, and how many sessions are needed?
Appointment length and the number of sessions depend on your child’s needs. Several factors can influence this:
- Type of appointment:
Initial assessments with a paediatrician usually take around 45 minutes. Review consultations or therapy sessions are generally shorter, around 15 to 20 minutes.
- Complexity of concerns:
For developmental or behavioural concerns, more than one session may be required. This allows time to gather information and complete relevant assessments. - Involvement of multiple clinicians:
If your child needs to see different professionals, appointments may be scheduled across separate days. This helps each clinician focus on their specific area. - Ongoing care planning:
Follow-up sessions may be recommended to monitor progress, adjust treatment, or review medication. Your provider will suggest a schedule based on your child’s progress and goals.
Every care plan is tailored, so your clinician will explain what to expect and guide you through each step.
Can my child see multiple specialists in one visit?
Perth CDC offers coordinated care through a team of paediatricians and allied health professionals. While most assessments are scheduled individually, some families may have appointments arranged on the same day, depending on availability and clinical need.
The purpose-built therapy spaces support collaboration between clinicians, even if sessions are held separately. This team approach allows for shared insights and more cohesive care planning.
If same-day appointments are possible and suitable, our team will discuss this option with you during the booking process.
Are appointments covered by Medicare or private health funds?
Paediatrician appointments at Perth CDC may be eligible for a Medicare contribution if a valid referral is received before the appointment. The remaining gap is an out-of-pocket cost.
Allied health services such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, and physiotherapy may be claimable through some private health funds. Cover depends on your level of cover.
Some families may also access chronic disease management plans from their GP for certain services. Our team can provide general information, but you should confirm eligibility directly with Medicare or your health fund.
What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your child’s appointment, please notify the clinic at least two working days in advance. This allows us to offer time to another family waiting for care. Late notice or missed appointments may incur a cancellation fee. These policies help us maintain appointment availability and reduce wait times.
If you’re unsure about your scheduled time or need assistance with rebooking, our administrative team is happy to assist.
What happens during a developmental or behavioural assessment?
A developmental or behavioural assessment involves several steps designed to build a full picture of your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs. These may include:
- Parent interview:
The clinician will talk with you about your child’s developmental milestones, behaviour, medical history, school experience, and family background. - Observation:
Throughout the session, your child’s interactions, communication, play, and emotional responses will be observed. - Discussion of daily routines:
Information about sleep, feeding, toileting, energy levels, and screen use helps contextualise behaviours and identify any patterns. - Screening tools and questionnaires:
You may be asked to complete rating scales or checklists. These tools help assess areas such as attention, social skills, or emotional regulation. - Standardised assessments:
If needed, formal tools such as Griffiths 3 may be used during the assessment. These tools help evaluate areas like speech, fine motor skills, and learning foundations.
These components work together to enable accurate understanding, diagnosis (if appropriate), and a tailored plan for ongoing care.
Will I be involved in my child’s sessions?
Yes. Parent involvement is a crucial aspect of your child’s care at Perth CDC. You may be invited to sit in during sessions, share observations, or provide context to help guide the assessment or therapy. In some cases, clinicians may speak with you separately to discuss sensitive topics or to give feedback without your child present.
Your level of involvement may vary depending on your child’s age, the type of session, and their individual needs. However, you will always be kept informed and included in the planning process.
How do I access progress reports or follow-up recommendations?
After your child’s assessment or therapy, a written report is usually shared with your referring GP or healthcare provider. A copy is also sent to you for your records. Reports may include diagnoses (if applicable), therapy goals, school recommendations, and next steps for care.
If you require an additional letter for school or other purposes, please inform the clinician during your appointment. You can also contact our team if you have questions about accessing reports or would like to request a copy in the future.
Can Perth CDC provide services under the NDIS if our plan is self‑managed or plan‑managed?
Yes. Perth CDC welcomes children whose funding is self‑managed or plan‑managed through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Families with self‑managed plans pay the clinic directly after each session and then submit the invoice to the NDIA portal for reimbursement. Those with plan‑managed budgets have invoices sent to their nominated plan manager, who arranges payment on their behalf.
Before your first appointment, please notify our team that your child’s supports are funded by the NDIS and specify whether the plan is self-managed or plan-managed. We will prepare a service agreement outlining fees, session frequency, and reporting requirements so you can forward it to your plan manager or keep it on file for self‑management records. Perth CDC is not currently registered for NDIA‑managed (Agency‑managed) plans.
Book a Visit to Support Your Child’s Growth
Book a visit at Perth CDC to access coordinated care in one location. Our clinicians provide each child with collaborative and well-planned support tailored to their individual needs.
