Media release

Embargoed until 1 October 2012

New work fitness certification services from ACC

ACC has released three new services which will help patients safely back into their jobs and every day life following injury.

The services will make it easier and quicker for GPs to talk to ACC about their patients needs and request return to work services; easier to get help to resolve difficult work certification cases; and easier to certify fitness for work.

They are available in northern North Island regions and Hawkes Bay, and will be rolled out nationwide from early next year. The new services are:

·  Your Call Support Service – which provides online (via the eACC18 medical certificate) and free phone access (0508 ACCRTW) to return to work assistance for GPs and their patients, either from experienced ACC triage managers or case owners.

·  Clinical Review of Fitness for Work Service – which provides personal support and guidance for GPs, from peers experienced in occupational medicine, on difficult or complex return to work cases.

·  General Practice Support Service – which provides CME-qualifying education and training in work fitness certification, designed by ACC and delivered by participating PHOs.

“ACC has worked collaboratively with GPs and their professional organisations to develop work fitness certification services which will support the return to work process,” says Dr Peter Jansen, Acting Director of Clinical Services at ACC.

“We have focussed on opening up channels for dialogue and service from ACC, providing one-on-one advice to GPs on certifying difficult cases, and broad-scale sector training for GPs in work capacity certification.”

“We are also aspiring to stringent service standards. ACC will respond to requests for help within two working days. GPs will be able to rely on us to deliver and provide access to vocational rehabilitation services.

“Over time we’re looking for a sea change in GPs’ approach to work capacity certification, from the current default position of fully unfit to work to the more flexible and useful status of fit for selected duties. Doing so enables ACC to set the wheels of vocational rehabilitation in motion and get rehabilitation on track.”

For more information

Visit acc.co.nz and search on certification.