Download the AHTR
The Allied Health Treatment Request (AHTR) is available in the following file types:
Completed examples
SIRA has collaborated with allied health practitioners to develop the following completed examples of the form. These can help if you are unsure about the type of information or level of detail required in the AHTR.
Using Adobe Acrobat
The PDF version is designed as an interactive form and should be completed using a PDF (portable document format) reader such as Adobe Acrobat.
Adding text to interactive (fillable) PDFs is limited by the size of the text fields provided, and one example of why they are best viewed and completed using a PDF reader.
Frequently asked questions
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How can I download and print the AHTR?
When you click on the link to the new AHTR, the form will open in your browser by default.
To download the PDF from your browser:
- Use the top navigation bar to click on the download icon near the top right-hand side of the browser window.
- When prompted, save the PDF file to a location on your device. Print the form if needed.
Example: Google Chrome browser
How to view and download PDF files
For general information on how to view and download PDF files, search online or look at:
- Download a file – Google Chrome Help
- Download files from the web – Microsoft Support
- Save, view, and search PDFs – Adobe Help Centre
Printing the AHTR form
A scroll function will be activated in a text field if you input text beyond the visible text field size.
Therefore, if you print an AHTR form that was completed using a PDF reader, you will not be able to see the full text input.
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Are alternative file types of the AHTR form available?
The AHTR is also available in the following file types:
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Why don't the PDF fields expand to show full contents when printing?
Because the AHTR is an interactive form, a scroll function will be activated in a text field if you include more text than the visible text field size. As a result, if you print an AHTR form that has more text than the visible field, you will not be able to see the full text input in the printout.
Check with the insurer about the best way to submit the form and any additional information or attachments you might need to include.
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Are the risk screening tools and standard outcome measures (SOMs) mentioned on the form compulsory?
SIRA does not mandate the use of a particular screening tool or outcome measure. Health providers should use their clinical judgement to decide which one is most relevant based on a person's clinical presentation.
The risk screening tools and standardised outcome measures provided in section 2 of the AHTR form are common examples only and not a specific list. More information and a list of common SOMs can be found on SIRAs Standardised outcome measures page.
At least one SOM that is relevant to the person with an injury should be included on the AHTR to support evidence-based decisions and care. Please also see the completed examples above.
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What is the difference between a risk screening tool and standardised outcome measures?
Screening tools and standardised outcome measures (SOMs) are ways of determining a person’s health status in the workers compensation and motor crash schemes and may be labelled differently depending on the type of injury and the person’s clinical presentation.
Risk screening tools (such as the Keele StarT Back screening tool and Short form Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire) are used for early intervention to help diagnose and predict long-term disability, prevention from returning to work, and help to match patients to appropriate treatment.
SOMs are used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment over time, measure changes as a result of specific intervention or treatment, and can be used periodically before, during and after treatment to monitor outcomes.
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Is there a specific tool or approach when formulating SMART goals?
The treatment plan in section 4 of the AHTR should outline clear goals for treatment and recovery. These goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timed.
More information and examples of SMART goals are provided under principle 4 of the Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services.
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How do I use the digital signature function of the AHTR?
The AHTR can be signed electronically using Adobe Acrobat. Please see information and technical instructions provided in the links below:
- https://helpx.adobe.com/au/reader/using/sign-pdfs.html
- https://helpx.adobe.com/au/acrobat/using/signing-pdfs.html
- https://helpx.adobe.com/au/sign/using/digital-signatures.html
How to sign a PDF
- Open the PDF document and select E-Sign from the global bar. Alternatively, you can also select Fill & Sign from the All tools menu.
- Create your signature and initials if not already done. To do so:
- From the Quick actions toolbar, select Add your signature or initials .
- To add a signature, select Add signature. In the dialog that appears, type or draw your signature and then select Done.
- To add your initials, select Add initials. In the dialog that appears, type or draw your initials and then select Done.
- From the Sign panel, select your signature, move over to the field where you want to add it, and then select to place the signature.
Or, from the Quick actions toolbar, select Add your signature or initials and then select your signature.
For more information on filling your form, see Fill and sign PDF forms.
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How do I flatten a PDF to preserve its contents?
Flattening a PDF combines all its contents into a single layer, effectively transforming it into a non-interactive document that can't be edited or modified in any way after export. Flattening is commonly used to preserve a document’s layout and prevent alterations to its content.
Always save a copy of the original PDF before flattening. Once flattened, the document can no longer be edited.
Please see the Adobe online resource How to flatten a PDF: a step-by-step guide.
Updated 14 January 2025