Your health during COVID
It is important that you continue your recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. You may have to adjust or change some parts of your treatment during this period.
Telehealth consultations
To help with physical distancing, you can now have most treatments over the phone or online. These appointments are sometimes called telehealth consultations.
Talk to your healthcare provider to make sure this is the right option for you.
It is important to maintain regular check-ups, treatment and any medications to help with your recovery.
Stay connected with your support team
Staying in touch with your support team (including your employer, insurer case manager, doctor, treatment providers, family, friends and, where relevant, workplace rehabilitation providers) is essential for your wellbeing and can help you with your recovery.
If you are unable to recover at work straight away, find ways to stay in contact with people in your workplace.
Mental health and wellbeing support
COVID-19 is impacting our lives in different ways, and there are supports for you to access.
Talk to your support team (this might include your employer, case manager, doctor, family, friends or treatment providers) and ask for extra support.
If you need additional or prefer confidential support there are services you can access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please click on the below tile to see the services available.
Certificate of capacity / certificate of fitness
We have made changes to make it easier for you to get a certificate of capacity/certificate of fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and access the treatment you need.
The initial certificate of capacity / certificate of fitness for an injury or condition needs to be issued by a medical practitioner.
Your treating physiotherapist or psychologist can now assess injuries within their area of expertise and issue the second and subsequent certificates of capacity by completing the certificate of capacity / certificate of fitness– treating physiotherapist or psychologist form.
A certificate can also be issued via a telehealth consultation. Talk to your insurer to see if this option is right for you.
Note: If you cannot obtain a new certificate of capacity/certificate of fitness before your current certificate expires, you should contact your insurer and discuss this with them.
Can I get a certificate for more than 28 days?
Yes, you can ask your doctor if your certificate of capacity/certificate of fitness can be issued for longer than 28 days.
I will be having a telehealth consultation for my certificate of capacity/certificate of fitness. How does this work?
As you are having a telehealth consultation, the ‘injured person’s consent’ section of your certificate does not need to be signed.
To comply with privacy laws, your health practitioner will ask you for permission to share your certificate of capacity/certificate of fitness with your insurer. They can do this verbally or by email.
Do I have to attend an examination in person if requested by the insurer, Personal Injury Commission, or my legal provider?
You should talk to the person who scheduled the examination about your concerns.
If you are advised you are required to attend the examination in person, you may also speak to the person conducting the examination about the procedures they have in place to avoid or minimise any risk to your safety, health and wellbeing at this time.
For additional assistance you can contact the Independent Review Office (IRO) through their online complaints form or by email [email protected]
If you are unable to contact IRO online, you can call IRO on 13 94 76.