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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:
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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 non-work 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.