FIFO and DIDO Allied Health Clinicians: 12 Practical Tips for Working in Rural and Remote Australia

1. Understand the Difference Between FIFO and DIDO Clinical Work

FIFO clinicians travel by air to a regional or remote location, generally completing a block of appointments before returning home.

DIDO clinicians travel by road, often using their own or an employer-provided vehicle to access communities outside their usual service area.

Both arrangements allow allied health providers to deliver assessments and interventions to communities where permanent local services may be limited.

For Occupational Therapists, these models can be particularly valuable when completing NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments, assistive technology assessments, home environment assessments and disability-related reporting.

The most appropriate model depends on the location, travel requirements, participant needs and availability of suitable clinical facilities.

2. Schedule Rural Appointments Geographically

One of the most effective strategies for rural outreach is planning appointments according to geography rather than appointment availability alone.

A 100-kilometre journey on a metropolitan motorway is considerably different from travelling the same distance on an unsealed rural road.

Before confirming appointments, consider travel distances, road conditions, property access, daylight hours and available accommodation.

Where possible, group participants within the same community or surrounding region.

For example, an Occupational Therapist travelling to a regional centre may be able to complete several Functional Capacity Assessments across consecutive days, reducing unnecessary repeat travel.

This approach improves efficiency while allowing sufficient time for individual assessments.

3. Prepare for Limited Mobile Reception and Internet Access

Internet connectivity is one of the most common practical challenges encountered during rural allied health outreach.

Some properties may have unreliable reception, while others may have no mobile coverage at all.

Before leaving, download maps, assessment templates and essential clinical information for offline access.

Ensure participant records are stored securely and remain compliant with privacy and organisational requirements.

Where appropriate, consider carrying backup paper forms, charging equipment and an alternative communication method.

Clinical tip: Confirm property directions and appointment arrangements before leaving reliable reception.

4. Build a Dedicated Mobile Occupational Therapy Assessment Kit

For travelling Occupational Therapists, having the right equipment readily available can prevent unnecessary return visits.

A practical mobile assessment kit may include:

When completing Functional Capacity Assessments, consider whether additional measurements or environmental observations may be required to support future assistive technology recommendations.

A well-prepared assessment kit allows clinicians to gather more comprehensive information during the initial appointment.

• Tape measure and laser distance measurer.
• Portable assessment resources.
• Standardised assessment tools.
• Tablet or laptop.
• Charging equipment.
• Clinical documentation templates.
• Basic personal protective equipment.
• Paper-based backup forms.

5. Manage Travel Fatigue and Clinical Workload

Rural outreach often involves a combination of long-distance travel, complex clinical assessments and report writing.

Without appropriate scheduling, fatigue can quickly accumulate.

A clinician completing multiple assessments after several hours of driving may experience reduced concentration and increased physical fatigue.

Allow adequate time for rest, meals, documentation and unexpected travel delays.

Avoid scheduling complex assessments immediately after lengthy journeys where fatigue may affect clinical performance.

A sustainable FIFO or DIDO schedule should prioritise clinician safety and assessment quality over appointment volume.

6. Choose Accommodation That Supports Clinical Work

Accommodation is an important part of planning a rural outreach trip.

Consider whether accommodation provides a suitable workspace, reliable internet, secure parking and appropriate storage for clinical equipment.

Proximity to appointments is also important.

Choosing accommodation centrally located between participants may significantly reduce travel time over several days.

Where possible, consider access to meals, laundry facilities and opportunities for rest.

7. Understand the Challenges of Rural Healthcare Access

Rural participants may experience longer waiting periods, limited provider availability and greater travel requirements when accessing allied health services.

These barriers can influence assessment scheduling, continuity of care and the practical implementation of recommendations.

Clinicians should consider the availability of local support workers, equipment suppliers, healthcare services and community resources.

A recommendation that is appropriate in a metropolitan environment may require additional planning in a rural setting.

Understanding the local service environment is therefore an important component of effective clinical practice.

8. Build Relationships With Regional Support Coordinators and Providers

Professional relationships are particularly valuable when delivering rural NDIS services.

Support coordinators, local allied health professionals, disability support providers and assistive technology suppliers can help identify practical pathways for implementing clinical recommendations.

These relationships may also support ongoing communication after the clinician has returned home.

For travelling Occupational Therapists, establishing reliable local contacts can improve the coordination of Functional Capacity Assessments, equipment trials and subsequent interventions.

9. Use Telehealth to Reduce Unnecessary Travel

Telehealth can complement FIFO and DIDO clinical services.

For example, an Occupational Therapist may complete an initial interview remotely, undertake a face-to-face assessment during a scheduled outreach visit and provide subsequent follow-up through telehealth.

This hybrid approach can reduce unnecessary travel while maintaining clinically appropriate assessment practices.

Telehealth may be particularly useful for reviewing documentation, interviewing family members and support workers, providing education and discussing assessment findings.

However, physical assessment remains necessary where direct observation, measurements or equipment trials are required.

10. Understand Travel and Billing Requirements

For clinicians delivering NDIS-funded services, understanding current provider travel rules is essential.

Travel-related claims depend on the applicable NDIS pricing arrangements, participant agreements, service location and relevant claiming conditions.

Clinicians should confirm which travel activities are claimable, how travel costs are calculated and whether required participant agreements are in place.

Travel should be accurately recorded and invoiced in accordance with current requirements.

Clinicians should also distinguish between travel costs that may be claimable and ordinary business operating expenses.

11. Plan for Unexpected Changes

Rural outreach schedules can change unexpectedly.

Road closures, severe weather, participant illness, flight disruptions and equipment availability can all affect planned appointments.

Developing contingency arrangements can reduce disruption.

Where clinically appropriate, consider whether appointments can be rescheduled, converted to telehealth or coordinated with a subsequent outreach visit.

Participants should receive clear communication about appointment changes and available alternatives.

12. Maintain a Sustainable Work-Life Balance

FIFO and DIDO clinical work can be rewarding, but repeated travel can affect family routines, sleep, exercise and personal wellbeing.

Clinicians should establish realistic travel schedules and protect adequate time between outreach blocks.

Where possible, plan clinical documentation into working hours rather than relying on evenings after long assessment days.

Sustainable outreach models benefit both clinicians and the communities they support.

Why FIFO and DIDO Allied Health Services Matter

For people living in rural and remote Australia, accessing an Occupational Therapist can involve significant travel and extended waiting periods.

FIFO and DIDO services help address these barriers by bringing clinical assessment and expertise directly into communities.

When combined with telehealth, these models provide flexible opportunities for assessment, follow-up and ongoing professional collaboration.

Rural Occupational Therapy Services With Today & Tomorrow Allied Health Services

Today & Tomorrow Allied Health Services provides Occupational Therapy assessments for NDIS participants across metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.

Our services include:

We understand that accessing an Occupational Therapist should not depend solely on where someone lives.

Need an Occupational Therapist for a rural or regional NDIS assessment?

Learn more about our Functional Capacity Assessment services and Australia-wide telehealth assessment options.

• NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments.
• Assistive technology assessments and recommendations.
• Supported Independent Living assessments.
• Specialist Disability Accommodation assessments.
• Australia-wide telehealth assessments.
• Rural and regional outreach by arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a FIFO Occupational Therapist?

A FIFO Occupational Therapist travels by air to regional or remote locations to deliver Occupational Therapy services. This may include NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments, assistive technology assessments and other disability-related services.

What is the difference between FIFO and DIDO allied health?

FIFO involves travelling by air to a service location, while DIDO involves travelling by road. Both models support access to allied health services in communities where permanent local providers may be limited.

Can Occupational Therapists complete NDIS assessments in rural Australia?

Yes. Occupational Therapists can undertake NDIS-related assessments in rural and remote communities, provided they have the necessary clinical competencies and appropriate service arrangements.

Can telehealth be used for rural Functional Capacity Assessments?

Yes. Telehealth can be appropriate for some components or entire assessments, depending on the participant’s needs and whether sufficient reliable clinical information can be obtained remotely.

How can rural clinicians reduce unnecessary travel?

Grouping appointments geographically, completing preliminary interviews through telehealth and preparing comprehensive assessment equipment can reduce unnecessary repeat travel.

Need a Rural or Regional Occupational Therapy Assessment?

We provide Functional Capacity, assistive technology, SIL and SDA assessments across metropolitan, regional and rural Australia, with Australia-wide Telehealth options. Send a referral online and we will confirm the most suitable assessment approach.