4.5.35.1 Early intervention physiotherapy framework
Physiotherapists who provide services under the Early Intervention Physiotherapy Framework have participated in training specific to the Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services (the Clinical Framework) and have committed to treating injured workers in accordance with the principles of the Clinical Framework. These physiotherapists can help facilitate early rehabilitation and safe and sustainable return to work through collaboration with the worker, their employer, medical practitioner and other health providers. This can include conducting worksite visits, developing and implementing return to work programs and writing certificates of capacity.
Policy
See: Policy for Early Intervention Physiotherapy Framework
The policy includes:
- who can provide services
- what can be paid for
- expectations for service delivery under the Clinical Framework
- initial and standard consultations
- extended consultations
- referral requirements
- post-operative physiotherapy
- workplace assessment and report
Fee schedule
WorkSafe publish a fee schedule for the maximum amounts that it will pay for a range of physiotherapy categories.
See: Fee Schedule for Early Intervention Physiotherapy Framework
Certification consultations
The item number 'EICERT' can be used by physiotherapists who are enrolled in the EIPF when they issue a certificate of capacity Ongoing certificate is issued for up to 28 days and can be issued by a: medical practitioner, osteopath, physiotherapist, chiropractor.. This can occur on the same day as a standard consultation.
Early intervention extended consultations
The item numbers 'EIXTC1' and 'EIXTC2' can be used by physiotherapists who are enrolled in the EIPF for up to two early intervention consultations - these need to occur within seven months from the worker's date of injury and do not require prior approval.
Extended consultation outside the early intervention period
Prior approval is required for extended consultations outside the early intervention period.
Post-operative physiotherapy
The post-operative physiotherapy item number allows the EIPF provider to charge a higher fee for a maximum of three months following an endorsed procedure. The procedure must have occurred within the first two and a half years from date of injury. The three month peiod commences from the service date of first treatment.
Workers who have undergone a procedure on the endorsed procedures can be treated for post-operative physiotherapy, which will be determined by the EIPF provider.
Review process
Restricted/Extended Consultation application forms are reviewed by a suitably qualified person (injury management) to ensure that the worker’s condition meets the restricted consultation diagnostic criteria.
Applications that meet the criteria
If it is determined that the worker’s condition meets the diagnostic criteria or meets the ‘on merit’ criteria, the application is forwarded to WorkSafe’s Clinical Panel to determine whether the proposed treatment is clinically justified.
Applications that do not meet the criteria
If it is determined that the worker’s condition does not meet the diagnostic criteria, the Agent will advise the treating physiotherapist Registered physiotherapist means a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law to practise in the physiotherapy profession (other than as a student). in writing that their application has been unsuccessful.
Where to send the restricted/extended consultation application form
The Restricted/Extended Consultation Application Form must be faxed or emailed to the workers’ Agent.
Workplace assessment & report
Physiotherapists who provide services under EIPF are able to initiate and conduct a workplace assessment and report. The physiotherapist is able to conduct the service without Agent approval, provided that the circumstances are appropriate. The provider is entitled to bill for a maximum of three and a half hours for the assessment.