Verdict
Mixed practice reduces NDIS-regulatory risk and builds margin. Pure NDIS can be higher revenue but more compliance burden. Most mature therapists run mixed.
Mixed Allied Health (NDIS + Private) vs NDIS-Focused Service
Mixed practice reduces NDIS-regulatory risk and builds margin. Pure NDIS can be higher revenue but more compliance burden. Most mature therapists run mixed.
Mixed Allied Health (NDIS + Private)
Best for: Allied health professionals (OT, physio, speech path) wanting stable income plus NDIS
Pros
- Diversified client base reduces NDIS revenue risk
- Private patients often higher margin
- Less regulatory complexity per client
- More professional autonomy
- Private funding stable
Cons
- NDIS compliance audit burden for portion of practice
- Need to track time by funding source (admin)
- Dual waiting lists
- Coordination challenges across funding types
NDIS-Focused Service
Best for: Therapists specialising entirely on NDIS participants
Pros
- Pure focus — all staff aligned to NDIS practice standards
- Simpler compliance (one audit, one standard)
- Deeper NDIS specialist reputation
- Faster patient pathway optimisation
Cons
- 100% NDIS revenue dependency
- Single regulatory risk point
- Vulnerable to NDIS pricing changes
- Harder to scale profit without scaling NDIS revenue