Medical and Pharmacy
Principles for the Management of Injured Workers
- assessment of Work Capacity must be based on medical findings only
- appropriate and timely referrals to other services should be facilitated by the GP and monitored for effectiveness
- prescription of medication should be via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) where clinically appropriate and available.
The Role of the GP
GP’s are responsible for the overall management of the worker’s injury/condition which includes:
- primary care of the injury/condition
- monitoring and reviewing the injured workers progress and outcomes
- assessing work capacity and providing Certificates of Capacity to agents
- referrals to other services and monitoring effectiveness of these services
- facilitating return to work, which may include liaison with the employer.
GPs and Return To Work
GP’s can facilitate return to work by:
- setting early expectations with the injured worker about the importance of returning to work and that full health is not required to return to work
- detailing the restrictions of a worker’s injury (what they cannot do) rather than provide a general assessment of incapacity for work will assist the employer to identify suitable employment options
- recommending to the agent a referral to occupational rehabilitation or other return to work support services
- encouraging active treatment programs, such as independent home exercise.
Legal Requirements
To claim weekly income payments an injured worker has to:
- have a Certificate of Capacity with their signature on the back
- actively participate in occupational rehabilitation as required
- attend independent medical examinations as required
- return to suitable employment when it is offered
- actively participate in the return to work process.
Privacy Legislation
Under privacy legislation, WorkSafe and its agents are permitted to collect health information about an injured worker from GP's. The ‘Worker's Claim Form’ completed by all injured workers, contains an Authority to Release Medical Information. This authorises GPs to give health information relevant to the worker’s claim to WorkSafe and its agents. A Privacy Collection Statement that informs the worker that WorkSafe and its agents may collect information about them from their health service provider, and that this information may be used to assist WorkSafe and its agents to better manage claims. NB: WorkSafe seeks only to collect health information about the injured worker that relates to the medical services provided by you for their work-related injury.
Employer Obligations
Employers are obligated to:
- offer an injured worker appropriate duties, taking into consideration any medical restrictions within the first 12 months of incapacity
- develop a return to work plan if the worker is off work for greater than 20 days.
