WorkCover Client Information

At Western District Physiotherapy, we understand how important it is to recover quickly and safely from workplace injuries. Our team of experienced physiotherapists is here to provide you with personalized care, helping you return to work and your daily life as efficiently as possible.

WorkCover provides insurance coverage for employees injured at work. If you’ve experienced a workplace injury, you may be eligible to receive funding for rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy.

We offer a comprehensive range of physiotherapy services tailored to meet your rehabilitation needs:

• Initial Assessment and Goal Setting
  Our physiotherapists will conduct a thorough assessment of your injury, understand your work requirements, and establish a treatment plan to help you achieve your recovery goals.
• Hands-On Treatment
  This includes joint mobilisations, soft tissue techniques, and other manual therapy methods to reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Exercise-Based Rehabilitation
  We design individualised exercise programs to build strength, flexibility, and function, helping you return to work safely and with confidence.
• Workplace Simulations
  We incorporate functional exercises and activities that mimic the physical demands of your job.
• Pain Management Education
  Learn strategies to manage pain effectively and prevent further injuries.
• Progress Reporting
  We provide regular updates to your WorkCover case manager, employer, and doctor, ensuring your recovery stays on track.

1. Obtain a WorkCover Certificate
   Visit your doctor to report your injury and obtain a WorkCover medical certificate.
2. Lodge a Claim
   Submit your WorkCover claim to your employer or insurer.
3. Book an Appointment
   Contact us to schedule your initial assessment. Please bring your WorkCover details, claim number, and medical certificate.
4. Commence Your Rehabilitation
   Start your tailored physiotherapy program with our expert team.

If your WorkCover claim has not yet been accepted:
 • You are required to pay for each consultation on the day.
 • You will need to seek reimbursement from your employer until your claim is officially accepted by your Employers’ WorkCover Insurance Agent.
 

Once your WorkCover claim is accepted by the Insurer*:
 • We will invoice the insurer directly, with no gap fees.
 Please retain your receipts from us to assist with employer reimbursement.

What to expect next:

1. Following initial assessment with a Physio, you will need to complete a Treatment Plan with our staff.  This is a requirement of WorkCover if you require more than five consultations, in order for them to assess your need for ongoing Physiotherapy based on information contained in the Plan.  A separate appointment will be made for completion of this Plan.  Based on the assessment of your Physio, the Plan requests funding for the number of consultations estimated to be required for the duration of the Plan (maximum three months).
2. The Insurer for your Employer advises you the patient and us the provider with the outcome of their assessment of the Treatment Plan.  This will include acceptance or amendment of funding levels.
3. Appointments can then be made on an ongoing basis based on the treatment frequency not greater than that accepted on the Plan (so you have no out of pocket expenses).
4. At the expiry of the Plan, the Insurer may request an updated Plan for their assessment and approval of further Physiotherapy funding .  They assess the Plan with regard to whether improvements in symptoms and function have been made with Physiotherapy input, to justify continued funding.
5. *Continue Physiotherapy treatment according to the Insurer approved funding levels.
6. Should the Insurer cease funding, you will need to decide whether to continue treatment by self-funding or other funding pathways.
7. You will have avenues to dispute the cessation of funding if this happens.

Certificates of Capacity (COC)

Your Employer may request a Certificate of Capacity, a document that outlines whether you have:

· A capacity for pre-injury employment, or

· A capacity for suitable employment with modifications, or

· No capacity for employment

A COC can be dated for a maximum period of 28 days.  Please note that initial Certificates of Capacity need to be completed by your GP, and your Physiotherapist can then issue subsequent Certificates. Please indicate to admin staff prior to your appointment whether you will need a Certificate, to allow adequate time for the Physio to complete.

Do I need to pay for my sessions?
You will need to pay for your sessions until your claim is accepted and you have a claim number from the insurer.  You can get re-imbursed from your employer for accepted claims.  WorkCover typically covers the cost of approved physiotherapy services. Check with your case manager or insurer for details.  Once your claim is accepted and funding levels set, you will have no gap or out of pocket expenses for consultations within the funding levels. 

How long will my rehabilitation take?
The duration of your program depends on the type and severity of your injury. Your physiotherapist will discuss this with you during your initial assessment.

What happens if I’m not improving?
If progress is slower than expected, we will reassess your program and consult with your doctor and WorkCover team to explore additional options.