An injury at work can really disrupt your daily routine, and worrying about physiotherapy costs only adds to the stress. At Pivotal Motion in Newmarket, we handle WorkCover patients regularly and take care of billing WorkCover directly once your paperwork is sorted. This way, you can concentrate on healing instead of paperwork.Â
It doesn’t matter if your injury stems from lifting something too heavy once or from repetitive desk work over time, our physiotherapists craft a personalised treatment plan that fits your job needs and focuses on getting you back to work safely. If you have your claim details ready, feel free to book your physiotherapy appointment online or give us a call at 07 3352 5116.
What to bring to your WorkCover physiotherapy appointment
For your initial consultation concerning your workplace accident, there are two vital things that you need to bring. For starters, have your accepted WorkCover Queensland claim number. Your accepted WorkCover Queensland claim number proves that your claim is accepted by WorkCover Queensland. Secondly, have your medical certificate from your GP. The medical certificate will highlight your injury and coverage period.
Keep these documents on hand for any follow-up visits. It’s crucial to note that the dates on your medical certificate are just as important as your claim number. If your treatment needs to continue beyond the specified dates, you’ll need to get an updated certificate from your doctor so we can continue billing WorkCover.
Additionally, it’s helpful to bring any imaging related to your injury and your work capacity certificate. Having the contact details of your WorkCover claims officer can also facilitate the coordination of your treatment plan.
Can you start physiotherapy before your WorkCover claim is approved?
Waiting is often not the best choice. Starting treatment early usually leads to a quicker and smoother recovery. This means you can begin physiotherapy even while your WorkCover Queensland claim is being processed. The downside is that you will need to cover the cost of each session upfront, similar to a regular private appointment.
Once your claim receives approval, you can submit your receipts to WorkCover Queensland for reimbursement of the sessions you paid for during the waiting period. If you recently filed your claim, it’s likely still under review. To check its status, you can contact WorkCover Queensland at 1300 362 128 before your appointment.Â
For many, the small upfront cost is worth the advantage of not delaying recovery by weeks. However, if finances are tight and you prefer to wait for approval, let us know, and we can discuss the best timing for your situation.
How your WorkCover physiotherapy is funded in Queensland
Your own workplace will determine who has to pay for your physio, and sometimes it’s not even WorkCover Queensland. There are three systems in Queensland, and each has its own rules as to how many visits and how they are referred. Knowing which one you are part of will save you a lot of time and money.
WorkCover Queensland claims
In Queensland, most workplace injuries fall under the coverage of WorkCover Queensland, the state’s government-owned insurer. If your employer has a WorkCover Queensland policy and your claim gets the green light, the scheme covers the cost of physiotherapy directly. All it needs is your claim number and medical certificate on file.
Initially, the scheme covers five physiotherapy sessions for those with an approved claim. Should your injury require more than those initial visits, your physiotherapist evaluates your progress. They then collaborate with your WorkCover claims officer to request additional sessions, typically through a provider management plan.Â
This plan outlines your recovery goals and your anticipated timeline for returning to work. Generally, basic soft tissue injuries heal within the first set of sessions. However, injuries related to heavy lifting or jobs with ongoing physical demands often necessitate an extended treatment plan.
FPES Physio Recovery (Woolworths and Big W)
At Woolworths and Big W, employees often find relief through the FPES Physio Recovery program instead of filing a direct WorkCover claim. Once an injury is reported to your manager, they will contact FPES, which quickly schedules an appointment with a network physiotherapist, usually within 48 hours. This speedy response is a significant benefit of choosing the FPES route.
Initially, FPES covers six physiotherapy sessions. If your injury requires further care, you can then file a WorkCover Queensland claim for continued support. Your workplace manager will assist you with this process. Notably, you won’t need a WorkCover claim number to begin treatment with FPES, making it an ideal option for addressing minor strains early on.
InjuryNet (Australia Post, Myer, Coles and Telstra)
In Australia, employees at organisations like Australia Post, Myer, Coles, Telstra, and the Woolworths Liquor group receive coverage through InjuryNet. The unique aspect of this service is how referrals work. To ensure InjuryNet covers the costs, your general practitioner referral must originate from a doctor who is part of the InjuryNet network. Once you report your injury, your manager will guide you to one of these approved doctors.
Interestingly, you don’t need to have an approved WorkCover Queensland claim or claim number to begin your treatment with InjuryNet. The program starts by covering four physiotherapy sessions. If you require further treatment beyond these initial visits, you’ll transition to a WorkCover Queensland claim, with your manager assisting you in initiating this process.
What happens at your WorkCover physiotherapy appointment
Your first session begins with a detailed evaluation. Your physiotherapist will discuss how your injury occurred and carefully examine the affected area. They will then assess your movement and strength to identify what is restricting you and the reasons behind it. With this information, you’ll receive a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan that considers both your injury and the physical requirements of your job.
The treatment combines hands-on manual therapy, specific exercises, pain relief strategies, and practical advice on safe movement and work practices during your recovery. A significant focus of WorkCover physiotherapy is to restore the necessary function for your job. Therefore, your physiotherapist will offer advice on what tasks you can handle at work and keep detailed records of your progress for your claims officer. Each session builds on the previous one, with the ultimate goal of restoring your mobility and helping you return to your usual work duties.
Book your WorkCover physiotherapy appointment in Brisbane
For more than 18 years, our clinic at 240 Enoggera Road, Newmarket, has been dedicated to helping Brisbane workers recover from injuries. We take care of all the WorkCover details, allowing you to concentrate on healing. Have questions about your claim, funding options, therapy sessions, or what to bring along? Just give us a call at 07 3352 5116, and our friendly team will guide you through everything. Once you’re set, you can conveniently book your WorkCover physio appointment online. Remember to bring your claim number and medical certificate to your first session.
WorkCover physiotherapy FAQs
How many physiotherapy sessions does WorkCover cover?
WorkCover Queensland allows five physiotherapy sessions in the initial phase for any approved claim. FPES begins with six, while InjuryNet begins with four. This is the number of sessions to start with and not an absolute limit. Should you require more, your physiotherapist will record your progress and arrange for more sessions via your claims officer or WorkCover Queensland claim.
Do I need a doctor's referral for WorkCover physiotherapy?
In order to make a claim for WorkCover Queensland, you have to have an authorised claim number along with a medical certificate from your GP, not a referral. InjuryNet requires you to have a referral letter from a GP who is registered on the InjuryNet network. If you are not sure which applies to you, call us before booking, and we will check.
What happens if my medical certificate expires during treatment?
Your certificate determines the period covered by WorkCover, so if you lose coverage during treatment, we cannot continue charging WorkCover on your behalf until the certificate has been renewed. Make an appointment with your doctor to renew the certificate before it expires to prevent any interruption in your upcoming sessions.
Can I choose my own physiotherapist for a WorkCover claim?
If your claim is with WorkCover Queensland, you will be able to pick your physiotherapist yourself and get treatment at Pivotal Motion. FPES and InjuryNet will assign you to someone from their providers, although it’s still possible to ask for a particular clinic. If you prefer our clinic, inform your manager/claims officer.
What work injuries can WorkCover physiotherapy treat?
WorkCover physiotherapy treats almost all physical injuries resulting from work activities, ranging from sudden injuries such as a back strain when lifting or falling, to chronic injuries resulting from repetitive bending or incorrect sitting positions at the desk. Some examples of WorkCover injuries include neck injuries, back injuries, shoulder injuries and rotator cuff injuries, as well as wrist and elbow injuries.
