Latest News
New DRD Rules - Information Session
16 Nov 2009 - Judge Philip McCann will explain the main amendments and the effect of these on how applications are made, processed and resolved. Read more...
Nationally Consistent Approval Framework for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers
09 Nov 2009 - WorkCover WA became a signatory to the Nationally Consistent Approval Framework for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers on 2 October 2009. Read more...
Annual indexation of medical and allied health fees
02 Nov 2009 - Read more...

Advisory Service

Information, assistance,
advice
Tel 1300 794 744...
click here for more

FAQs

The following frequently asked questions will provide you with information to help you achieve your workers’ compensation insurance requirements. Please click on the links below.
1. What is the difference between a Progress Medical Certificate and a Final Medical Certificate?
2. When is the next training to become an approved medical specialist?
3. Where can I get a copy of the WorkCover WA Guides for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (WorkCover Guides)?
4. What do I charge for a workers' compensation treatment?
5. What codes do I use for different procedures?
6. I have searched your website under medical procedures and the medical service that I have provided to an injured worker is not covered.  What code should I use?
7. How much should I be charging for a medical service that has not been gazetted?
8. What is an "approved treatment?"


1) What is the difference between a Progress Medical Certificate and a Final Medical Certificate?

A Progress Medical Certificate is for ongoing issues relating to the injury (initially recorded with the first medical certificate). A Final Medical Certificate is for use when there is no need for the patient to visit the doctor again.

 

2) When is the next training to become an approved medical specialist?
Click here to email us and find out more information about training dates. Alternatively, call Advisory Services on 1300 794 744.



3) Where can I get a copy of the WorkCover WA Guides for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (WorkCover Guides)?
They can be viewed through the State Law Publisher website which is http://www.slp.wa.gov.au, through the online publications section. It is also called Special Gazette number 194, 2005. If you need a hard copy, please contact Advisory Services on 1300 794 744.

American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (5th edition) are available from Archive Bookshop in Nedlands and cost $346.50. Contact the bookshop on (08) 9385 2972.

 
4) What do I charge for a workers' compensation treatment?

WorkCover WA publishes fees for medical and allied health treatments, click here for the rates, fees and payments section of this website.



5) What codes do I use for different procedures?
If you are a health provider other than a doctor, you can access codes by clicking here. 

Medical practitioners can use the MBS number as your code. Information about codes can be accessed on this website link:

Search the MBS

For more information, call Advisory Services on 1300 794 744.



6) I have searched your website under medical procedures and the medical service that I have provided to an injured worker is not covered. What code should I use?
The code for the medical service that you have provided can be found in either the Australian Medical Association's (AMA) List of Medical Services and Fees book, or by looking on the Department of Health and Ageing's Medicare Benefits Schedule Online website, which can be found by clicking on the link below:

Medicare Benefits Online

Please remember to include a clear description of the service provided on your invoice to the workers' compensation insurer.



7) How much should I be charging for a medical service that has not been gazetted?
If a medical service has not been gazetted, then you will need to discuss the payment of the service fee with the workers' compensation insurer. As a general rule, the fee shown in the Australian Medical Association's (AMA) List of Medical Services and Fees book is usually acceptable to the insurers in such instances.

Please remember to include the service code and a clear description of the service provided on your invoice to the workers' compensation insurer.



8) What is an approved treatment?

A worker is entitled to recover their costs for reasonable medical and related expenses. These fall under the heading of approved treatments and include such things as, visits to and treatments by your general practitioner and specialist, physiotherapist and occupational therapist.

If a worker requires treatment from a less main stream health provider for example; a naturopath, they should should check with their employer's insurer to ensure that their cost will be reimbursed prior to commencing treatment.

  

Forms

First Medical Certificate

Progress Medical Certificate

Final Medical Certificate

Related Links

Rates Fees and Payments

Related Pages

FAQs

print this page