Independent consultants for workers compensation

The role of an independent consultant

Independent consultants can be called upon to provide an independent opinion and/or expert advice regarding:

• treatment duration, frequency and/or whether treatment is reasonably necessary
• treatment that has continued for an extended period without any improvement in functional outcomes, particularly in relation to the person with a claim's capacity
• treatment approach most likely to achieve positive work outcomes for a person with a claim
• barriers to recovery at work and/or psychosocial risk factors for delayed recovery and work loss.

Referrals

Referrals for peer review can be requested by:

• an insurer
• an allied health practitioner
• another member of the support team.

The insurer will approve the referral and complete an independent consultant referral form before engaging an independent consultant.

Detailed information is available in the Workers compensation guide for allied health practitioners.

Reviewing treatment

An independent consultant must be approved by SIRA and, where possible, be the same discipline as the allied health practitioner treating the person with an injury.

To conduct a independent consultant review a consultant must be an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency registered:

• physiotherapist
• psychologist
• chiropractor
• osteopath.

For reviews of psychological treatment, a consultant must be an approved psychologist.

Fees and getting paid

Information for health practitioners outlining the various fees and how to get paid.

• Fees paid for workers compensation health services