Injury Treatment

Overcoming Employer Barriers

• Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the employer in the return to work process according to the WorkCover legislation;
• Explain impact of not participating in the RTW process and the impact on future insurance premiums;
• Listen to the employer about concerns related to the injured workers extra activities which may have caused the injury and attempt to clarify the cause of the injury with treating health professionals and the injured worker provide feedback to employer and insurer;
• Establish a clear understanding of the ‘environmental’ barriers that have been presented by the employer around suitable duties and explore where the concerns arise and assist the employer in identifying potential suitable duties.

Overcoming Medical Barriers

• Obtain a clear medical diagnosis through case conferences and liaise with all treating providers. Review investigations and seek second opinion from musculoskeletal physician if required and approved by insurer. IMC may be required to resolve issues with nominated treating doctor (NTD);
• Clarify treatment modalities with NTD and discuss evidence based medicine and clinical justification practice to ensure ongoing treatment is considered best practice and achieving functional improvement against documented recovery times;
• Establish clear goals and objectives around functional gains related to workplace duties.

Overcoming Barriers Injured Worker

• Establish the causation of injury and any ongoing activities that continue to aggravate the injury – determine how other activities such as study will impact on return to work duties;
• Identify any ongoing environmental barriers between employer and worker that could hinder the return to work process – address these with both parties using conflict resolution and negotiation;
• Obtain commitment from worker to be an active participant in the rehabilitation process and establish a clear understanding of the injured workers responsibilities.