Your health
It is important that you continue with your recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. You may have to adjust or change some parts of your treatment during this period.
Use telehealth treatment
To help with physical distancing, you can now have most treatments over the phone or online. These appointments are sometimes called telehealth.
Talk to your healthcare provider first to make sure this is the right option for you.
You can also use telehealth to get your new certificate of capacity/certificate of fitness.
It is important to keep having regular check-ups, treatment and any medications to help with your recovery. More information about how to do this is available from NPS medicinewise.
Stay connected
Staying in touch is essential for your wellbeing and can help you with your recovery.
Stay in touch with your insurer case manager, doctor, treatment providers and, where relevant, workplace rehabilitation providers. They will help you keep focused on your recovery
Stay connected with your community, family, friends and if relevant, your workplace. If you are unable to recover at work straight away, stay in contact with people at work, over the phone or via messages. This will make sure you have a good support network.
Mental health and wellbeing support
COVID-19 is impacting our lives in different ways, and there are supports for you to access.
Talk to your support team (this might include your employer, case manager, doctor, family, friends or treatment providers) and ask for extra support.
If you need additional or prefer confidential support you can access these services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Getting certificates of capacity / certificates of fitness during the pandemic
We have made changes to make it easier for you to get a certificate of capacity/certificate of fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to access the treatment you need.
The initial certificate of capacity/certificate of fitness still needs to be issued by a medical practitioner. However, treating physiotherapists and psychologists can now assess injuries within their area of expertise and issue the second and subsequent certificates.
This means you may not need to visit your nominated treating doctor to get a certificate of capacity/ certificate of fitness, and the insurer can continue to calculate your entitlement to weekly payments in a timely manner.
Where appropriate, a certificate can also be issued via telehealth. This type of consultation occurs by either video or telephone conference. Talk to your insurer to see if this option is right for you.
Note: If you cannot obtain a new certificate of capacity/ certificate of fitness before your current certificate expires, you should contact your insurer and discuss this with them.
Can I get a certificate for more than 28 days?
Yes, you can ask your doctor if your certificate of capacity/certificate of fitness can be issued for longer than 28 days.
I will be having a telehealth consultation for my certificate of capacity/certificate of fitness. How does this work?
As you are having a telehealth consultation, the ‘injured person’s consent’ section of your certificate does not need to be signed.
To comply with privacy laws, your health practitioner will ask you for permission to share your certificate of capacity/ certificate of fitness with your insurer. They can do this verbally or by email.
Do I have to attend an examination in person if requested by the insurer, Personal Injury Commission or my legal provider?
You should talk to the person who scheduled the examination about your concerns.
If you are advised you are required to attend the examination in person, you may also speak to the person conducting the examination about the procedures they have in place to avoid or minimise any risk to your safety, health and wellbeing at this time.
Consideration will need to be given of the impact of the Public Health Orders and restrictions in certain Local Government Areas (LGAs).
For additional assistance you can contact the Independent Review Office (IRO) through their online complaints form or by email [email protected].
If you are unable to contact IRO online, you can call IRO on 13 94 76.
