We are making some changes to the prescription of basic medical and rehabilitation equipment to TAC clients.

This article was originally published on 6 August 2019.

We are making some changes to the prescription of basic medical and rehabilitation equipment to TAC clients.

To ensure the equipment being prescribed and supplied to our clients is reasonable, clinically justified and supporting specific recovery outcomes we are placing stronger controls on equipment.

From Sunday 11 August, you will need to submit a manual invoice that clearly describes the equipment that has been supplied.

What you need to do

1. Submit a manual invoice to invoices@tac.vic.gov.au for any equipment you supply to our clients
2. Clearly describe the item on your invoice, giving as much information as possible
3. Ensure your invoicing is in line with the TAC’s policies and guidelines
4. Participate in a billing review program when requested

TAC policy and guidelines

You can view the TAC’s equipment guidelines and your individual profession guidelines on our website, however it is important to note the following:

• You can prescribe basic medical and recreational equipment to our clients to support their recovery and rehabilitation. Our guidelines outline what equipment you can prescribe.
• Equipment should be reasonable, clinically justified and be supporting a specific recovery outcome.
• Basic recreational and therapy support items such as therapy bands, massage balls, foam rollers, etc. can be prescribed as part of a self-management plan.
• Consumables such as Iso-wipes and taping should be provided as part of the consultation and billed in line with community standards.
• Provision of multiple same or similar items will generate a review of treatment and you will need to submit an Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan outlining how the equipment is supporting recovery and self-management.
• We expect most equipment to be sourced through the TAC’s contracted equipment suppliers where we have negotiated cost effective rates.
• Allied health providers cannot prescribe vitamins and supplements. Our clients need a recommendation from a medical practitioner for these items and they should be purchased at a pharmacy. Invoices for the provision of vitamins and supplements by allied health providers will be denied by the TAC.
• You may make recommendations for the prescription of household items to support our clients, such as vacuum cleaners. However, your recommendation should be for a base model item. Any items recommended above base model will be substituted with the base model. If approved, we will source the prescribed or like equipment through the Equipment Brokerage Team.

If you have any questions, please visit the TAC’s equipment guidelines on our website.