Workers compensation: Changes for exercise physiologists
Recent changes to the NSW workers compensation system have been introduced to assist early, safe and durable return to work.
Allied health providers make a significant contribution to improving health and return to work outcomes for injured workers. Studies have shown that the longer an injured worker is away from work, the more likely the worker is to develop long term disability and work loss.
Exercise physiologists play a vital role in helping injured workers get back to work by:
· Promoting the health benefits of work;
· Contributing to the patient’s injury management plan;
· Helping the injured worker set their recovery goals and set new goals for return to work once they’ve achieved their previous targets; and
· Providing information to the nominated treating doctor to assist in achieving the best outcome for the patient.
Certificate of capacity
One of the key changes is the introduction of the WorkCover NSW certificate of capacity which is completed by the nominated treating doctor. It encourages the doctor to focus on the patient’s capacity for work or what they can do rather than what they can’t do.
You may be asked to provide the nominated treating doctor with important information to consider when completing the certificate of capacity, for example how the injured worker’s recovery is progressing and the kinds of things they can do to further assist their recovery at work and at home. Information regarding the worker’s current abilities and tolerances may greatly assist the nominated treating doctor with determining the worker’s fitness for work and also assist the employer and insurer with the identification of suitable duties.
Taking a holistic approach, the evidence from a range of providers and independent consultants will be reviewed by the insurer. This information will inform work capacity and return to work decisions as well as assist in determining the worker’s entitlement to weekly payments.
Other key changes
· A time limit for medical treatment has been introduced. This time limit does not apply to seriously injured workers (those with more than 30 per cent whole person impairment).
· A worker is entitled to medical and related services for 12 months from the date they either cease to be paid weekly payments or if no weekly payments were made, 12 months from the date of the claim.
· Workers with a physical injury must have over 10 per cent permanent impairment to access a lump sum payment.
· People who suffer heart attack or stroke at work need to show that the nature of their employment led to a significantly greater risk of these injuries occurring.
· For workers intending to make a journey claim, they must demonstrate a ‘real and substantial connection’ between their employment and the incident that resulted in an injury.
· The worker’s employment must be shown to be the main contributing factor to a disease injury.
The treatment approval process and guidelines regarding your services and fees have not changed as a result of the reforms.
For more information visit WorkCover’s website or click here
Email for enquiries.
Call WorkCover on 13 10 50.