In order to access certain benefits or settlements, or pursue a common law claim for damages, it may be necessary for an injured worker to obtain an assessment from an approved medical specialist of their choice, usually when the worker and employer (or the employer’s insurer) don’t agree on the level of the worker’s impairment.

This assessment will determine the degree of permanent impairment or permanent whole of person impairment (WPI). For more information, see the Approved Medical Specialists - Guide for Workers (PDF - 1.43MB).

While treatment continues to be provided by the worker’s treating medical practitioner, only medical practitioners registered as approved medical specialists can undertake impairment assessments.

Getting an assessment

1. Access the list of approved medical specialists or contact Advisory Services
2. select an approved medical specialist (it is advisable to telephone the approved medical specialist to check their availability and suitability to assess the impairment)
3. complete a Request for Assessment by Approved Medical Specialist of a Worker’s Degree of Permanent Impairment (Word - 50kb), registering your selection of the approved medical specialist
4. provide any information to the approved medical specialist that may be requested
5. attend the approved medical specialist for assessment at the time, date and place as previously arranged
6. receive a written report and a certificate of assessment.

How an assessment is made

An approved medical specialist may require the worker to attend at a specified place, to submit to an examination and to answer any question about the injury. The approved medical specialist may also require the worker, employer or employer’s insurer to produce or consent to the production of any relevant document or information. Time limits may apply for meeting these requirements, and penalties exist for non-compliance.

If the assessment is for the purpose of court proceedings then the proceedings could be delayed or dismissed if there is non-compliance with the requirements for assessment by an approved medical specialist.

Payment for approved medical specialist services

Payment for the first approved medical specialist assessment, for common law access only, will be made by the insurer or employer. The insurer or employer will also pay where a worker’s condition has not stabilised in assessments to access common law.

Otherwise, as the legislation makes no provision for any particular person to pay, it is the responsibility of the person who requests the assessment to pay.

An employer may dispute the assessment

If an employer disputes the level of impairment after a worker has obtained an assessment, a worker may lodge an application with the Conciliation and Arbitration Services. A conciliation officer or arbitrator may determine the worker's degree of permanent impairment, or refer the question for assessment to an approved medical specialist panel.