Find a Permanent Impairment Assessor
SIRA maintains a list of permanent impairment assessors that provide services in the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme.
It is a matter for a person with a claim, referrers, and their representatives to review this list and select an assessor that best fits their needs. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) also maintains a register of practitioners that can help to find an appropriate assessor.
Assessing permanent impairment
A permanent impairment assessment measures the permanent changes to a person's body and their ability to function after a work related injury. During this assessment, the assessor must determine:
- whether the person's condition has resulted in impairment
- whether the condition has reached maximum medical improvement
- whether the impairment is permanent
- the degree of permanent impairment that results from the injury
- the proportion of permanent impairment due to any previous injury, pre-existing condition or abnormality.
Permanent impairment assessments must be conducted in accordance with the NSW workers compensation guidelines for the evaluation of permanent impairment and comply with legislation, guidelines and fee schedules in the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme.
How to become a permanent impairment assessor
Referrals for assessment of permanent impairment must be to a specialist medical practitioner who is listed on the SIRA website. To be listed as a permanent impairment assessor, SIRA must be satisfied that the practitioner:
- is currently registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
- is recognised as a medical specialist and remunerated at specialist rates under Medicare
- has qualifications, training and experience relevant to each body system to be listed for
- has completed the core training modules in the evaluation of permanent impairment.
Training
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) provides training in the evaluation of permanent impairment in the Workers Compensation Scheme.
Apply to be listed
All requests to be listed as a trained assessor of permanent impairment must be made to SIRA by completing the permanent impairment assessor application form.
Email the completed form to providers@sira.nsw.gov.au.
Fees and getting paid
Information for health practitioners outlining the various fees and how to get paid.
More information
- NSW workers compensation guidelines for the evaluation of permanent impairment
- Guidelines for the Provision of Relevant Services (Health and Related Services)
- Workers compensation guidelines
- Workers compensation guide for medical practitioners
- Workers compensation medical dispute assessment guidelines 2019
Updated 21 January 2025