How to arrange WorkCover exercise physiology
- Report the injury to your employer and lodge a claim. WorkSafe or the agent managing your claim decides whether it is accepted.
- Get the claim accepted. Until it is, there is nothing to bill against.
- Arrange a medical referral and treatment approval. WorkSafe exercise physiology requires a medical practitioner referral and prior approval. Confirm these with your treating practitioner and WorkSafe agent; approval for another service does not automatically cover exercise physiology.
- Book, and bring your claim number and your case manager's details. With approval in place, the clinic bills WorkSafe rather than you.
What WorkSafe publishes, and why you should read it
WorkSafe Victoria publishes both a fee schedule for exercise physiology services and a set of provider guidelines, and they are the authority on what is funded, at what rate, and for how long. Any clinic's summary, this one included, is a summary. If your case manager tells you something different from what a clinic tells you, the case manager and the WorkSafe guidance win.
What if your claim is still pending?
You can still be seen. You pay privately in the meantime, and whether that is reimbursed later depends on your claim and is a question for your case manager, not for the clinic. If you have private health extras, that may cover part of it while you wait.
How TAC exercise physiology funding differs
TAC has its own funding rules. Exercise physiology for transport accident injuries may be funded without a separate approval request during the first 90 days after the accident, subject to TAC's requirements. Your provider must seek approval for treatment beyond that period. Give the clinic your claim details and confirm funding before treatment.
Where to next. Our fees and rebates page sets out what to bring for WorkCover, TAC and DVA appointments. Book an appointment.