Injury management consultants fact sheet

This fact sheet is for workers and outlines the role of an injury management consultant in the NSW workers compensation system. It explains how the IMC will help you recover at work, as well as their expectations and requirements.

Download a PDF version of this information here.

What is an injury management consultant?

Injury management consultants (IMCs) are registered medical practitioners approved by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA). They have specialised skills to help you and your doctor with your recovery at/return to work.

IMCs are highly experienced in:

managing work related illness/injuries
assessing what you can do
communicating and negotiating with doctors, employers and insurance companies.

Your employer or insurer may refer you to an IMC if you are having difficulty returning to work safely.

The IMC is a facilitator who will assist you, your doctor and employer to understand your ability so that everyone is clear about the type of work you are able to do and the best timing for upgrades.

An IMC may conduct a file review where the insurer identifies the need for an IMC but does not consider it necessary for the IMC to examine you. The insurer will contact you to discuss this prior to the referral.

What will they do for me?

Step 1

The IMC will:

review your medical and rehabilitation reports, as well as any other relevant documentation regarding your condition
discuss your medical condition and your recovery at/return to work with your nominated treating doctor
discuss your capacity for work and assist with overcoming any barriers that prevent you from upgrading.

Step 2

They may also:

examine you
talk to other treating health professionals (for example, your physiotherapist)
talk with your employer and/or approved workplace rehabilitation provider (if one is allocated to the claim) about the workplace and the type of work you do
consider whether the work options offered by your employer are consistent with your capacity for work
discuss the NSW workers compensation system with you to answer any questions you may have
visit your workplace.

Step 3

Then, the IMC will:

write a report that will be provided to you, your doctor, insurer and may be provided to your employer or other parties (where involved in discussions with the injury management consultant).

You should ask your doctor to discuss the report with you.

The IMC will not:

give you advice about how to treat your injury
arrange treatment for you
take over from your doctor
discuss liability or impairment.

What should I do if asked to see one?

The insurer will consult you and provide you with reasons for making the referral. If you have any questions or concerns, you should contact them.

When attending the consultation, you should:

take all important medical information with you – medical reports and your certificate of capacity, injury details and x-rays/scans
be on time for the appointment
be honest and straightforward with your answers – the IMC is there to help you
wear clothes that are suitable for a medical examination
take the names and phone numbers of the contact people at your workplace (for example – supervisor, return to work coordinator)
be prepared to discuss your normal job and other types of jobs at your workplace. You may take a job description with you.

If the IMC asks you to do something that may cause pain, you should mention this.

Further information

For further information about IMCs, call our Customer Service Centre on 13 10 50 or refer to our injury management consultants page.