Q-COMP's approach to developing fees and Tables of costs
Q-COMP is responsible for developing and maintaining the table
of costs for medical and allied health services. The Workers'
Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (WCRA) provides Q-COMP
with the authority to set tables of costs for medical, allied
health and rehabilitation services provided in Queensland. The
Q-COMP tables of costs outline fees for the provision of services
under this Act. An insurer must pay for costs that they accept as
reasonable, having regard to the table of costs.
The table of costs act as a reference point for insurers, to assist
them in determining whether the services and fees from providers
involved in the injured worker's rehabilitation are reasonable. The
Q-COMP tables of costs are not an exhaustive list of all possible
medical and rehabilitation services available and insurers have the
ability to approve additional services not covered by a table of
cost. Having regard (WCRA s.210 (1) and s.222 (2)) to the tables of
costs means the insurer can pay for services that they deem as
reasonable medical & rehabilitation expenses. If needed
providers of services can discuss the injured workers' individual
requirements with the insurer where services are not covered by a
table of cost. Ultimately it is the insurer's decision to pay
for what they believe is reasonable for medical and rehabilitation
expenses to manage an injured workers claim.
In determining the fees outlined in a table of cost, Q-COMP tries
to strike a balance where fees are reflective of fair market rates
that provide appropriate remuneration to providers and are cost
effective to the Queensland workers' compensation scheme. As part
of this process, Q-COMP regularly conducts market research and
compares other jurisdictional fees and services. This helps us
determine a fee that is competitive, comparable and keeps providers
engaged in the workers' compensation scheme.