4.5.35 Physiotherapy

4.5.35.1 Early intervention physiotherapy framework | 4.5.35.2 Hand Therapy

WorkSafe will only pay for physiotherapy services by health professionals who are:

  • registered by WorkSafe to provide physiotherapy services and
  • registered with the Physiotherapists Registration Board of Victoria or the equivalent in other States/Territories.
Policy

The policy provides guidelines for physiotherapy services.

See: Policy for Physiotherapy Services

The policy provides guidelines about:

  • who can provide physiotherapy services
  • expectations for service delivery under the Clinical framework
  • what costs will be paid for
  • what costs will not be paid for
  • reporting requirements of physiotherapists
  • restricted consultations.
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 Physiotherapy Services

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Restricted consultations

Physiotherapists may apply to provide a restricted consultation (at the practitioners rooms) for workers with the following injuries:

  • moderate to severe acquired brain injuries
  • crush injuries
  • extensive burns
  • spinal cord injuries
  • multiple orthopaedic fractures
  • loss of limb amputations.

Other complex injuries will be considered on merit.

A Restricted Consultation Application form must be completed by the 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). to apply for approval to use the restricted consultation item number within their fee schedule.

Restricted consultation application form

Restricted consultation application forms are reviewed by a suitably qualified person (injury management) to ensure that the workers condition meets the restricted consultation diagnostic criteria.

Applications that do meet the criteria

If it is determined that the workers condition does meet the diagnostic criteria or may meet the ‘on merit’ criteria, the application is then forwarded to WorkSafe’s Clinical Panel who determines whether the proposed treatment is clinically justified.

Applications that do not meet the criteria

If it is determined that the workers condition does not meet the diagnostic criteria the Agent will advise the treating physiotherapist in writing that their application has been unsuccessful.

Appealing an Agent/WorkSafe decision

WorkSafe has instituted a process for physiotherapists to appeal decisions made by Agents or WorkSafe for the use of restricted consultations. All appeals are considered by two members of WorkSafe Clinical Panel in consultation with the applicant, to determine the clinical justification of the treatment proposed. Appeals can be lodged by forwarding a copy of the original application, the reasons that a review is being requested and any other supporting documentation to:

WorkSafe Clinical Panel
PO Box 279
GEELONG VIC 3220

Fax: 9641 1927

email: clinical_panel@worksafe.vic.gov.au

Accessing the physiotherapy forms

The Physiotherapy Management Plan and Restricted Consultation Application Forms are available:

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