Transcript Comcare Rehabilitation Case Manager Forum

Comcare Rehabilitation
Case Manager Forum
WORKING WITH THE TREATING DOCTOR
Dr Yan Perumal
• Qualifications:
• MBCHB
• M.Med (Masters Family/Occupational Medicine)
• FRACGP (Fellow of Royal Australian College of GP)
• Certificate Dermatology (Monash)
• Registration:
• Specialist Family Physician
• (Special Interest in Occupational Medicine)
Dr Yan Perumal
• Appointments:
• Clinical tutor, Bond University – Faculty of Medicine
• Independent Medical Examiner, Workcover QLD
• Nominated Medical Advisor, Department of Mines and Industries,
QLD
Health Benefits of Work
• Australian Faculty of Occupational Medicine and University of
Cardiff statements :
• Compelling evidence for physical and mental health benefits.
• Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular, Mental health, Suicide, Self esteem.
• Previous – FFW/NFFW
• Current – FFW/NFFW/FFSD
• “ Use it or lose it”.
• Importance of appropriate RTW:
• Recovering while working
• 20 days off work/70% RTW
• 45 days off work/50% RTW
• 70 days off work/35% RTW
Work Benefits of RTW
• Participation and commitment to rehabilitation means:
• RTW quickly and safely
• Less disruption to family, work and social life
• Improved employment and financial security
• Less time spent recovery from injury
• Prevention/reduction of long term disability
Challenges for the General
Practitioner
• Inadequate understanding regarding workplace environment and
assessment of available suitable duties. No formal training at
medical school.
• Solutions- employer to provide specific alternate duties and
demands of these tasks.
- worksite visits.
- education by Occupational medicine practitioners.
• Reconciling employee needs and expectations with that of employer
• Empathy usually with worker.
Doctor/Employer/Employee
Relationships
• Barriers:
• Differing interests/concerns
• Power struggle
• Worker compensation seeking:
• Differing patient attitude/behaviour between work related and nonwork related injuries
• Legal involvement
• Employer non-compliance with restrictions
• Employee fear of dismissal
Engaging and Communicating
with the General Practitioner
•
Benefit for employer . Merits of an early partnership. Establishing trust
and opening line of communication.
•
Give reasonable notice
•
Send e- mail/fax ahead of meeting or phone call outlining concerns,
available suitable duties
•
Book first/last appointment morning session or same in afternoon.
•
Contacting GP – check with practice manager/receptionist regarding
best time.
•
Initial contact with GP alone, followed by consultation with worker.
•
Follow up e-mails and faxes.
•
Book adequate time.
•
If impasse reached, consider IME assessment.
Case Conferencing Indications
• Slow progress in treatment.
• Definition/clarification of suitable duties.
• Multiple facets to management involving multiple providers.
• Compensable vs non- compensable issues. Evidence based.
• Resolving conflict.
• Independent medical advisor role.
Thank You!