Regular readers may remember the last article which discussed the research showing the frightening health impact of being out of work long term.

An effective relationship

In workers' compensation cases, an effective relationship between the treating practitioner, the GP, the injured worker and their employer, and specialist medical and allied health providers, seems to be one of the best indicators of a successful return to the workforce after a workplace injury.

Even where a GP feels that they don't have the time or the background to manage a workers' compensation case, we often see excellent results.

Simon's Story

Take Simon. After twisting his knee at work, he visited the GP. The knee was swollen and Simon was in considerable pain. Unable to determine the extent of the injury the GP prescribed painkillers and gave Simon a 3-day medical certificate, stating he was "totally unfit".

On the third say, the swelling had increased and Simon's pain hadn't subsided. Still unable to diagnose the extent of the injury, at this comparatively early stage the GP referred Simon for a MRI scan. The MRI revealed damage that looked as if it might require surgery as so the GP referred Simon to a specialist. The specialist examined the injury - a tear in the tendon - and his view was that it probably wouldn't require surgery.

Simon was keen to return to work - at least to some degree - to take the pressure off his colleagues who'd been covering him while he was away from work. Not quite sure whether this would be a good idea, the GP contacted the employer who arranged for a Workplace Rehabilitation Provider (WRP) to start working with Simon. The WRP developed a return to work program and six-weeks later, Simon was back to full-time work.

Geoff's Story

Simon's story contrasts with the experience of Geoff, who had an almost identical injury.

On his first GP visit he was given a medical certificate with a 4 week 'totally unfit' status. At his second visit, when the GP observed that swelling and pain hadn't reduced and he issued a medical certificate, with a further 4 week period.

By the time Geoff was referred to a specialist, the damage to the knee had increased and the level of permanent impairment is likely to be considerably worse that if treatment had started early. Geoff has also been away from work for, at this stage seven months and he has no indication when he will be able to return.

Everyone benefits with a proactive approach

Everyone benefits with a proactive approach to injury management and in developing a Return to Work program. Wait and see often isn't always the best approach. Early diagnosis an an appropriate treatment plan leads to early recovery and good return to work outcomes.

Note: These case studies have been fictionalised, but are based on a number of similar real cases.