Comprehensive reports - the what and the why
Tribunals form medical opinions by reading the available
material, verifying the information provided through interview and
examination of the worker and applying their combined knowledge and
experience.Tribunal appointments take 45 mins to an hour on
average. Obtaining a complete history from a worker with a physical
injury could take all of the allotted time. For a worker with a
psychiatric injury this could take between two to three
hours. Tribunals do not investigate claims from scratch-it would
make it logistically impossible to process approximately 2800
referrals to the medical assessment tribunals each year.
The tribunal environment is also not considered ideal for
obtaining complete histories as many workers can feel intimidated
by having to appear before a panel of doctors. One on one
consultations are far less daunting and generally produce better
outcomes for the worker and the doctor.
Tribunal members advise that a comprehensive report would
include:
- medical summary of the case - time sequences are very
important
- detailed medical history - including previous similar or
related injuries
- clinical findings
- diagnosis
- results of investigations - x-rays, CT Scans, pathology
- prognosis
- details of treatment - including worker's attitude to treatment
and compliance
- opinion of capacity for work - either original job or
alternative work
- future management of the case.
Other important points:
- Reports should be up-to-date-they should be obtained at
appropriate stages of injury management.
- Specialist reports are required for accurate diagnosis and
appropriate treatment options.
- All medical reports are required by the tribunal-it is the
appropriate body to determine relevance of reports.
- Comprehensive reports from the treating practitioner are
important for details of treatment provided-this ensures the
information is accurate and reliable.
- Telephone contacts, case conferences, completed forms, phone
fax reports and progress reports are useful to the tribunal but are
additional information and are not a substitute for comprehensive
reports.
For more information call us on 1300 738 197.