Choose an assessor, prepare for the appointment and understand the report and costs before you commit.
In this guide
The practical answer
Start with the assessment you need, not a product order.
An NDIS continence assessment can help explain which disability-related supports would make daily life more manageable. Before booking, agree who will assess you, what the written report includes, the total cost and how the appointment will be paid for. A report supports a funding decision; it does not guarantee approval.
What is an NDIS continence assessment?
The NDIA describes a continence-related assistive technology assessment as evidence about your disability-related needs, products already used or tried, and recommended supports. Evidence can come from an allied health practitioner or continence nurse. Its official assessment guidance explains the information required.
Be clear about your reason for booking. You might be seeking a report about products, help understanding practical support needs, or an assessment before ongoing nursing. These are different requests. Ask the provider whether its service covers your question before agreeing to a package.
This guide helps you prepare and compare services. It does not diagnose a continence problem or replace an assessment by your treating health professional.
Does the NDIS pay for continence assessments and supports?
The key distinction is between treatment of a health condition and support needed because of disability. The health system provides clinical treatment. The NDIS may fund eligible disability-related health supports that meet its funding criteria. Having an NDIS plan does not make every continence appointment or product claimable. See the NDIA disability-related health supports guideline.
Before incurring a fee, ask the assessor for the proposed service and item details, then check the funding route with your my NDIS contact or plan manager, as appropriate. Ask what happens if the proposed appointment cannot be paid from your plan. A provider saying it “accepts NDIS” does not answer those questions for your circumstances.
If you mainly need help understanding ongoing nursing, start with our guide to NDIS nursing funding and costs. If your question is about buying everyday disability-related supplies, use our NDIS consumables guide.
How to choose a continence assessor
Ask about experience with your age group, communication preferences and the assessment you need. A general nursing service may not offer a continence assessment with an NDIS report. Equally, the right assessment may involve an allied health practitioner rather than a nurse.
- Who will assess me? Request the person’s name, profession and relevant continence experience.
- What is included? Confirm assessment, recommendations, written report and any follow-up.
- Can you work in my setting? Ask about home visits, clinic accessibility, your postcode and whether a remote appointment would suit the purpose.
- Can the appointment meet my preferences? Discuss an interpreter, support person, accessible information, privacy and any preference about the assessor.
- When can I receive the report? Ask for the likely appointment and reporting timeframes separately.
For a nurse, check current professional registration using Ahpra’s public register. Registration status is one check; ask separately about relevant assessment experience. We have not verified or endorsed an individual assessor through this guide.
Your preparation checklist
You do not need to turn your experience into clinical language. Practical examples can help the assessor understand what matters to you. Ask which information is useful before collecting it, and share sensitive documents directly through the assessor’s agreed secure process.
- Write down the outcome you want. For example, being able to leave home with more confidence, manage changes during the day, or explain why your present products are not meeting your needs.
- Describe an ordinary day. Note the activities that are difficult, what assistance you currently receive and what happens when that assistance is unavailable.
- Bring product details. If relevant, take names, sizes, packaging or order information for products you use. Note what you find practical or difficult about them.
- Ask which existing records would help. The assessor can tell you whether previous assessments or information from treating professionals are relevant. Do not pay for a new report just because you assume one is required.
- Prepare your appointment preferences. Say how you prefer to communicate and whether you would like someone with you.
- Keep a question list. Include anything you want explained about the recommendations, costs or what happens after the report.
If the provider requests a diary or other preparation, ask what to record and for how long. Follow that individual instruction rather than a generic online schedule.
What to ask before the appointment starts
Ask the assessor to explain the proposed appointment in plain language, including any examination or information sharing, so you can decide what you are comfortable with. Raise privacy, communication or access concerns early.
Useful questions include: “What will we cover today?”, “Who will receive the report?”, “How can I ask for something to be explained differently?” and “What happens if we need more time?” Do not assume a home visit, physical examination, product trial or fixed appointment length is part of every assessment.
What should the NDIS continence report cover?
The NDIA asks for evidence linking the recommendations to disability-related functional needs, including relevant products and their use. Its continence assessment template (Word document) is optional, but the information it requests is required. The assessor can explain how their report meets that requirement.
Before the report is finalised, ask how you can flag factual errors, such as an incorrect product or description of your routine. Ask for recommendations and the next steps to be explained to you. Keep your own copy, along with the quote and service agreement.
How much does a continence assessment cost?
Compare the total written quote, not only the hourly rate. The NDIS pricing schedules set maximum prices for relevant supports for NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants. A maximum price is not a standard assessment-package price.
Ask each provider to itemise:
- Appointment time, hourly rate and any minimum charge.
- Report preparation and other work outside the appointment.
- Travel time and other travel charges, where applicable.
- Product trials or supplies, if offered.
- Follow-up appointments, report amendments and cancellation terms.
For example, one quote might include an appointment and report, while another lists the report separately. Ask both providers for the estimated total for the same work. Confirm which additional work needs your agreement before it is undertaken.
After the assessment: choose the next step that fits
An assessment does not automatically mean you need an ongoing nursing service. Ask your assessor to distinguish the report, products, follow-up and any continuing support being recommended. Clarify who will organise each part and whether funding needs to be confirmed first.
If a funding decision does not match the request, ask your my NDIS contact to explain the decision and the available next steps. The provider can clarify its evidence; DisabilityChoice cannot approve funding or overturn a decision.
Ready to compare your options?
Use the assessor questions and quote checklist to compare suitable services directly. Say clearly whether you want an assessment only or are exploring ongoing support. For ongoing care, read our community nursing provider questions.
Nursing matching is not yet available through DisabilityChoice. Contact a suitable assessor directly; please do not send us clinical records.
Sources and editorial notes
Prepared by DisabilityChoice from the official sources linked throughout this guide. Continence assessment requirements and pricing guidance rechecked 15 October 2026. This is preparation and funding information, not an individual clinical assessment or funding decision.