6.2.4.3 Find an IIA, HLA or dual purpose examiner

A medical practitioner who has successfully completed a training course approved by the Minister responsible for WorkCover may conduct impairment assessments in line with the AMA American Medical Association 4th Edition Guides.

Hearing loss assessors

Hearing loss assessors referred to for an assessment, are medical practitioners who are approved by the Minister of WorkCover to assess hearing loss.

A list of approved specialists is provided by the Minister every three years.

WIRC s63(4)
AC s91(4)

AMA4 Training modules for IIA examiners

Eligible assessors must have both the medical speciality relevant to the referred injury and AMA4 impairment assessment training to assess particular types of injuries. IIA Independent impairment assessment examiners must have completed the following:

  • the Core module of the Ministerially approved training course and
  • the training module specific to the injury and/or impairment to be assessed.

For exampleClosed If an impairment assessment is required in line with ‘Chapter 8 The Visual System’ of the AMA Guides Fourth Edition, the IIA must have completed both the Core and Visual Systems modules of the training course.

WIRC s54(1)(b)
AC s91(1)(b)

Back to top

Dual purpose examiners

If liability is undetermined when arranging impairment examinations, an independent medical opinion may be required to assist in the liability determination.

Agents are recommended to arrange a ‘dual purpose examination’ with a medical practitioner who is both a:

  • WorkSafe acknowledged independent impairment assessor (IIA) who has successfully completed the Ministerially approved training course in the application of the AMA 4th Edition Guides and is listed by WorkSafe as an IIA and
  • WorkSafe approved independent medical examiner (IME Independent Medical Examiner / Independent Medical Examination).

A dual purpose examiner may only provide:

  • a medical opinion about the IB Impairment Benefits claim specific questions of liability and
  • an assessment of impairment made in line with the AMA 4th Edition Guides and operational guidelines (if any) as to the use of those Guides or methods issued by the Minister of the accepted injuries.

For weekly payment claims, an examiner may provide a “combined medical examination”, which is:

• a medical opinion about the worker’s capacity for suitable employment; and

• an assessment of whole person impairment made in line with the AMA 4th Edition Guides and operational guidelines (if any) as to the use of those Guides or methods issued by the Minister of the accepted injuries.

For information about organising assessor/s for multiple injuries – see: Multiple injuries - impairment assessment.

If in doubt - seek advice

Agents are encouraged to seek advice from WorkSafe’s Impairment Benefit Team and/or the Agent Medical Advisor.

The Agent’s Medical Advisor may be of assistance to an IB Specialist in consideration of clinical or medical issues affecting the impairment assessment process.

Schedule of fees for IIAs & HLAs

See: Fee schedules

Next | Back to top