How to use a rehabilitation service provider

After talking with the worker and the treating doctor, the Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator (RRTWC) may decide that a rehabilitation service provider is needed to help develop and monitor a suitable duties program at the workplace.

The program will include suitable work duties and restrictions to return the worker to work within their capacity. The worker, treating doctor and employer should negotiate, develop and implement the program together. The purpose of the program is to:

• increase work tolerance
• increase capacity to perform jobs with specific physical demands
• improve physical endurance
• normalise attendance patterns and work behaviours.

To minimise the risk of re-injury or aggravation and help the employer upgrade and review the program, the rehabilitation service provider may be required at the workplace to assess the workers' progress.

Developing an appropriate program using suitable duties is a major component of effective workplace rehabilitation.

Functional capacity evaluations (FCE), workplace assessments and vocational assessments are frequently used by the rehabilitation service provider to develop and monitor a suitable duties program.

You need approval from your insurer before you engage a rehabilitation service provider.

Your RRTWC should discuss other services with your insurer's case manager.