Approved Rehabilitation Provider Renewal outcomes for providers and case managers

1. Approved Rehabilitation Provider Renewaloutcomes for providers and case managers Alex O’Shea – Director SRC Policy Section

2. Comcare’s Strategic Framework • The framework identifies a range of connected strategies delivered by Comcare to achieve the employer objectives. These strategies include providing advice and education, investigating compliance and supporting rehabilitation.

4. Provider renewal - The SRC Act requires it • approved rehabilitation providers (ARPs) must apply every 3 years. • it takes up resources – for Comcare and providers • allows for review of standards • Comcare must be satisfied that . . .

5. 3 stage process of renewal • Application • self-audit of closed cases against standards • approach to managing complex cases • Assessment of past performance against:- • RTW outcome - 90%, • median cost - $1,590 (now $1,890), • median duration - 19 weeks, • service standards (timeframes etc) • future performance assessment • Written decision

6. The outcome… • There were 180 ARPs in the system at December 2006. Comcare received 130 renewal applications and most were renewed • a small number of applicants were not renewed • about 20%, including large and multi-state ARPs, were granted ‘conditional’ re-approval.

7. Other outcomes • Comcare strengthened its communications with ARPs

8. Other outcomes (continued) • Comcare observed successful and unsuccessful ARP – employer service delivery models

9. Other outcomes (continued) • Comcare observed strengths and weaknesses in its RTW model

10. Messages for case managers • know the ARP outcome and service delivery standards • engage ARPs who deliver • develop Service Level Agreements with ARPs

11. Messages for case managers • build robust RTW management systems which: • Build strong employer commitment • Have clear policies and procedures • Plan and implement actions and get resources • Are regularly reviewed • Allow for continuous improvement

12. Messages for ARPs • Understand role of ARP in this jurisdiction • Develop service level agreements (SLAs) • Use audit checklists and report on performance • Seek feedback from case managers • Have management systems • Undertake Comcare training

13. Messages for Comcare • Comcare will work with conditionally approved providers to ensure their performance meets standards • Monitoring performance is important for everyone – Comcare, employers and ARPs • Work is being conducted through HWCA on a model of national provider approval

14. Website: www.comcare.gov.au Phone: 1300 366 979 Enquiries: src.policy@comcare.gov.au rehab.approval@comcare.gov.auclaims.help@comcare.gov.au