When to use a rehabilitation service provider

Employers and rehabilitation and return to work coordinators can use rehabilitation service providers to help with serious work-related injuries.

Consider using a rehabilitation service provider if you feel you don't have enough information to manage the worker’s return to work.

You could consider using a rehabilitation service provider for:

• psychiatric or psychological injuries
• complex injuries
• serious injuries such as closed head injuries, back injuries or fractures.

When choosing a provider make sure that they have the appropriate qualifications, expertise, skills and knowledge to assist the injured worker return to work.

Before using a rehabilitation service provider check with your insurer and obtain approval. You will need to cover the costs of the service if the workers’ compensation claim is not accepted.

Rehabilitation service providers are registered health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists.

Services offered can include:

• advice on suitable duties
• job and task analysis
• supervision of suitable duties programs
• vocational assessment and vocational rehabilitation services for those injured workers who are unable to return to their pre-injury job.