Works Compensation

Hurt at work? The first question is usually "who pays for this?"

Most people still call it WorkCover, but these days the scheme is run through icare and regulated by SIRA. Same idea, different names. Here's what it means in practice.

What physio is covered

Once your claim is lodged, treatment linked to your injury can include:

• An initial assessment to work out what's going on and set recovery goals
• Follow-up treatment sessions, like hands-on treatment, exercise and education
• Exercise-based rehab, including exercise physiology
• Longer sessions for more complex injuries, such as multiple body areas or hand injuries
• Telehealth where it suits your injury
• Return to work planning with your GP, employer and insurer

Fees are capped by SIRA, and you shouldn't be asked to pay a gap for covered treatment.

How approval works

You don't need a referral to see a physio for a work injury. You do need a claim lodged.

For a new injury, the rules are simple:

• If you haven't had treatment for it before and you start within three months, up to 8 sessions can go ahead without waiting for insurer approval
• If you start more than three months after the injury, up to 3 sessions can go ahead first
• After that, your physio sends a treatment request to the insurer explaining what you need and why

That last step is where a lot of people get stuck. It's the paperwork your clinic should handle for you.

Your GP is part of the team

Your nominated treating doctor confirms the diagnosis, issues your certificate of capacity and helps decide what work you can safely do. Your physio and GP should be working from the same plan, not two different ones.

What to do this week

1. Tell your employer about the injury
2. See your GP and get a certificate
3. Lodge your claim (your employer or GP can point you to the right insurer)
4. Book your physio and bring your claim number and insurer details

Earlier treatment usually means an easier recovery, so try not to wait for the claim outcome before you get assessed.

How we help at Active Answers Health

We're a physio and exercise physiology clinic in Seaforth, serving the Northern Beaches. We bill workers compensation insurers directly, manage the treatment requests, and keep your GP, employer and insurer updated. You're not chasing paperwork while you're trying to recover.

Our goal is simple: get you moving well and back to work safely. See how workers comp physio at AAH works.

FAQs

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