Injury management consultants

The role of an injury management consultant

The role of the injury management consultant (IMC) is different from that of the independent medical examiner.

IMCs are SIRA-approved registered medical practitioners (doctors) experienced in occupational injury and workplace-based rehabilitation.

An IMC works with nominated treating doctors, workers, insurers, employers and other service providers to help progress a worker's recovery through work and optimise health and work outcomes.

Referral

A referral to an IMC may occur when a worker has been identified at risk of delayed recovery, a specific return to work or injury management issue has been identified or referral has been requested by the worker, employer, nominated treating doctor or another treating practitioner.

Form

The SIRA IMC referral form has been developed to promote appropriate information being provided in the referral.

Assessment

An IMC assesses the situation, examines the worker (if necessary) and discusses possible solutions with all parties. The IMC negotiates with parties to seek agreement on actions and outcomes.

Injury management consultants are not responsible for directing treatment of a worker, but they may comment on treatment in respect to recovery at/return to work.

Detailed information about the functions of an IMC can be found in part 6 the Part 6 of the Workers Compensation Guidelines.

An IMC functions do not include:

• an opinion on causation or liability
• undertaking a functional capacity evaluation or work capacity assessment for the insurer.

Becoming an approved injury management consultant

To become a SIRA approved IMC you are required to be a medical practitioner and meet certain eligibility criteria.

Before applying for approval, read the following documents:

• Part 6 of the Workers Compensation Guidelines – provides detail regarding the functions of an IMC.
• The Injury management consultant approval and regulatory framework - provides important information about the criteria for approval, application process and conditions of approval.
• The Guidelines for the Provision of Relevant Services (Health and Related Services) for the specific provisions that IMCs must comply with.

Apply

To apply for initial approval or renewal of approval as an IMC, use the below forms:

Fees and invoicing

There are maximum fees an injury management consultant can charge outlined in the fees orders and invoicing requirements.

View fees