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Role of an allied health provider

Before you can provide treatment or assist an injured worker to return to work the injured worker must have been referred by a registered medical practitioner and have a current medical certificate to cover the period of the service. Allied health providers are an important part of the rehabilitation process. You can:

 

  • provide appropriate treatment to an injured worker
  • ensure the injured worker understands their injury and what is required to restore function by:
    • facilitating their return to work as early and as safely as possible
    • providing advice to the injured worker to assist with the injury management process
    • providing feedback (verbal/written) to the employer's Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator (RRTWC) and insurer case manager
    • assisting with the selection of suitable duties and workplace modifications at the workplace
    • conducting assessments to determine a person's work capacity.
  • actively involve workers and employers in the development and implementation of rehabilitation services.

 

What is the goal of allied health intervention?

In the majority of cases, the rehabilitation goal is for the worker to return to work. In situations where the injury prevents the worker returning to work, rehabilitation must focus on maximising functional independence.

 

Fees and guidelines

Tables of Costs and fee schedules outline the general standard, expectations, procedures and conditions for delivering allied health services to injured workers. It also explains who can deliver services. Before providing services please consult the relevant guidelines to determine if you are able to provide specific services.

 

What is the role of the insurer?

The insurer assesses and manages claims, and acts as the workers' compensation case manager in accordance with the Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003. They also pay for your services. Before billing for your services it is advisable to check with the insurer that the claim has been accepted.

 

What does 'registered person' mean?

The Act uses the term 'registered' to refer to those professions covered by a health registration board. The registered professions recognised by Q-COMP can be found at www.healthregboards.qld.gov.au. Q-COMP will also recognise some non-board registered professions. These professions are outlined in the fee schedules.

 

What is a Provider Management Plan (PMP)?

The PMP is a form used by allied health providers to advise the insurer case manager of a worker's progress and ongoing rehabilitation needs. PMPs are to be used by all allied health providers to request approval for treatment. PMPs can be downloaded from the Q-COMP web site. Completed plans are forwarded to the insurer. Please refer to the PMP Quick Guide for details on how to complete a PMP.

 

Insurers

If your question is about a specific claim/case or payment for specific services you will need to speak to the insurer's case manager.

 

WorkCover Queensland

If possible, use the direct number for the WorkCover Queensland staff member managing the claim. If you don't have their direct number you can call 1300 362 128 and give the name of your patient, their date of birth or the claim number (if you know it). Visit the WorkCover Queensland's website at www.workcoverqld.com.au

 

Self-insured employers

Contact the employer directly.

 

Q-COMP

For issues around conditions and delivery service standards contact Q-COMP's Health Services Team on 1300 789 881or look at the fee schedule guidelines