Movement Disorders Program

Referrals are accepted to one or both clinics. Internal cross referrals between clinics are made as appropriate.

• Referral Form and Instructions

Neurology Clinic Requirements

• A medical referral
• Confirmed diagnosis (of Parkinson’s or Parkinson’s related disorder) or are seeking a second opinion on management
• Primary residence within the Eastern Health catchment

Clients who require a diagnosis of a Movement Disorder, please refer to Box Hill Hospital Movement Disorder Diagnostic Clinic

Clients who require a general neurology consultation, please refer to the Eastern Health Neurology Outpatients Unit.

Strategy Training Program Requirements

• Confirmed diagnosis (of Parkinson’s or Parkinson’s related disorder)
• Primary residence within the Eastern Health catchment
• Be medically stable and have cognitive capacity to benefit from the program
• Ability to attend a series of centre-based appointments
• Require goal focused therapy (Parkinson’s Disease alone is not an adequate reason for referral to the Strategy Training Program)
• Require episodic strategy training, education and advice

This program is not designed for clients who require reconditioning, maintenance therapy or rehabilitation.

Clients who cannot attend centre-based appointments, including those who reside in a Residential Aged Care facility will be considered for telehealth intervention on a case-by-case basis.

Enquiries regarding eligibility for either clinic within the Movement Disorder Program can be directed to the Team Leader on 0419 516 517.

There is a cost for our service, which we will explain to you when we call to discuss your treatment plan.

We understand that healthcare costs can be challenging, even when care is provided through a public hospital. If you have concerns about affordability, please let us know in your initial phone call or appointment so we can talk through your situation.

Eastern Health Movement Disorders Program provides an interdisciplinary service that includes:

• Parkinson’s Clinical Nurse Consultant
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Pathologists
• Social Worker
• Dietitian
• Neuropsychologist
• Neurologist
• Geriatrician

1. I need confirmation of diagnosis for my client. Can I refer to the MDP?

No. The MDP does not provide diagnostic assessments. For diagnostic services, please refer to the Movement Disorder Clinic at Box Hill Hospital (Eastern Health).

2. My client has Parkinson’s Disease / has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.  Should I refer this client to the Movement Disorder Strategy Training Program?

Answer: A diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in itself does not warrant a referral unless the condition is having an impact on the client’s functional ability. Clients need to have achievable and realistic goals relating to their functional difficulties.

3. What is “strategy training”?

Answer: Strategy training is a short‑term episodic program that provides education, support, and practical strategies (“tips and tricks”) to help people manage their symptoms. The aim is to improve day‑to‑day functioning and quality of life for clients and their families.

4. Can the MDP provide reports for the NDIS?

Answer: Reports may be provided by the MDP Strategy Training Clinic to support applications for a participant’s initial NDIS plan, provided the participant was referred for other program goals.

For participants who already have an NDIS plan, requests for further funding must be supported by their NDIS‑funded treating clinicians.

The MDP Strategy Training Program does not accept referrals for NDIS report writing only.

5.Can I be re‑referred to strategy training if I have already completed the program and been discharged?

Answer: Yes. You may be re‑referred to the Strategy Training Clinic if you have previously participated, provided you have new goals to address.