Approved medical specialists assess the degree of permanent whole of person impairment (WPI) caused by workplace injuries. These assessments are required in cases where the worker and the employer do not agree about the degree of permanent impairment.
WorkCover WA may designate a person as an approved medical specialist if the person is a medical practitioner who WorkCover WA considers to be sufficiently trained in the use of the WorkCover WA Guides and satisfies WorkCover WA’s criteria.
Register of approved medical specialistsSee the register of approved medical specialists operating in Western Australia.
Becoming an approved medical specialistFind out how to become designated as an approved medical specialist operating within the Western Australian workers’ compensation and injury management scheme.
Publication resources
Role of an approved medical specialist
Evaluation of permanent impairment
Impairment assessment forms- WorkCover WA Guidelines for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, fourth edition (PDF 970KB)
This guide is used by Approved Medical Specialists when evaluating the degree of an injured worker’s permanent impairment. - WorkCover WA Guidelines for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Summary of Changes from third to fourth edition (PDF – 736KB)
Outlines changes between the third and fourth editions of the WorkCover WA Guidelines.
- WorkCover WA Guidance Notes for Approved Medical Specialists Procedures for the permanent impairment assessment process (PDF – 1.18MB)
Outlines the methodology, process and terminology of the impairment assessment process.
- Fact Sheet: Assessment of Permanent Injuries before and after 14 November 2005 (PDF – 2MB)
Provides guidance in determining the process to be followed when requesting or undertaking a disability or impairment assessment.
Access the forms required for conducting permanent impairment assessments.
Go to Impairment assessment forms.
