Enteral feeding is a method of providing nutrients, including water, through a tube placed in the nose, the stomach, or the small intestine. It is for people who have a restricted ability to absorb nutrients via the gastrointestinal tract or who cannot swallow food.
A different rate of supplement is paid for bolus (single feeds) and non-bolus (continuous feeding).
A higher supplement applies at 125 percent of the standard supplement and may be approved if higher costs are incurred, but not if this is due to a more expensive source of supply.
Higher costs may occur due to:
- a greater volume of formula being required each day;
- a more expensive formula being need because of special medical needs (eg diabetes may need a special formula which is more expensive);
- a higher number of bolus feeds per day; and
Or:
- a formula to be delivered over time or a thicker formula, requiring a mechanical pump
The current rates of enteral feeding supplement paid to eligible residential care and home care services can be found on the Subsidies and Supplements or here.
Eligibility
Check once completed
- written certification by a medical practitioner of a medical need;
- details of the care recipient’s particular enteral feeding requirements;
- either a dietician or a medical practitioner can certify in writing that the dietary formula is nutritionally complete. However, only a medical practitioner can certify that the care recipient has a medical need for enteral feeding.
To apply for the enteral feeding supplement, Home Care Service Provider needs to complete an application form which can be found on the Department of Human Services website or here.
Forms can be submitted here.
