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Every worker who suffers a significant injury (ie. an injury that prevents a worker from doing their usual job for seven or more consecutive calendar days) must nominate a treating doctor who will liaise with the worker, employer, insurer and other treatment providers to ensure a smooth transition back to work. The worker’s general practitioner is usually considered the ‘nominated treating doctor’ and is responsible for coordinating all aspects of injury treatment and assisting in return-to-work management.
Responsibilities
The nominated treating doctor:
- must provide a WorkCover medical certificate
- is the point of communication for treatment and the injury management plan
- is authorised by the worker to provide to the employer and insurance company information relating to:
- the nature of the injury
- the extent of incapacity
- treatment required
- any restrictions on employment
- prognosis
- time frames for a durable return to work.
Role of medical practitioners
WorkCover and the AMA have issued a document outlining the joint AMA/WorkCover Committment. See further information below.
Fees
The fee schedule for general practitioners and all speciality groups, is the recognised schedule of the Australian Medical Association (AMA).
The current fee schedule is the AMA list of Medical Services and Fees 1 November 2008.
The 2009 indexed schedules for Orthopaedic Surgeons and Surgeons represent the the maximum that an insurer can pay for services provided by Surgeons.
The Workers Compensation (Medical Practitioners fees) Order 2009 is listed within Gazette number 157 dated 12 December 2008. See further information below.
Resources
The WorkCover NSW medical certificate can only be completed by a medical practitioner registered under the Medical Practice Act 1992. The certificate and notes to assist its completion can be downloaded here. Doctors should also refer to the Medical Practitioners Guide to WorkCover.
Copies of WorkCover medical certificates can be ordered from the WorkCover Publications hotline 1300 799 003.
Contact details
doctorinformation@workcover.nsw.gov.au
Doctors Hotline: 1800 661 111
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