The term 'support team' refers to the parties involved in ensuring a safe and sustainable recovery process for the injured worker.
Whether recovering from a car accident or a workplace injury, the term "support team" is used to refer to everyone who's involved in the rehabilitation process. These key stakeholders include: the employer, the insurer, the Nominated Treating Doctor (NTD), allied health provider, and the workplace rehabilitation provider.
Employer
Employers play a crucial role in recovery, and are often assisted by a Return to Work Coordinator.
Their responsibilities in a workers compensation case include developing a Return to Work program, promptly notifying insurers of injuries, and participating in the worker's injury management plan.
Employers must also maintain an injury register and provide suitable duties that match the worker's capacity. Engaging in these steps ensures the worker's safe and supported recovery.
Insurance Case Manager (also known as Insurer)
The insurer coordinates all aspects of a worker's compensation claim, managing injury recovery and return to work activities.
As the primary contact for the support team, the case manager promptly engages with the worker, employer, and stakeholders to assess needs. They ensure the employer meets legal obligations, arrange assessments, and authorise necessary medical services.
Additionally, they oversee payments for medical expenses and compensation, supporting the worker's recovery while ensuring compliance with workers compensation requirements.
Nominated Treating Doctor (NTD)
A nominated treating doctor (NTD) is selected by the injured worker to play a vital role in their recovery.
The NTD utilises their medical expertise to help with assessing, diagnosing, and recommending treatment for the claimant. They're also responsible for issuing a certificate of capacity (COC), developing a return to work (RTW) plan, and keeping the rest of the support team updated about the injured worker's conditions.
They also assist with identifying suitable work options to support the worker's rehabilitation and facilitate a safe return to work.
Allied Health Providers
Allied health providers are specialists who address the specific health needs of the injured worker, with the primary objective of supporting and optimising the worker's recovery at work.
Their role in the support team is to provide detailed assessment and treatment, help determine the worker's capacity and monitor the overall recovery progress.
Workplace Rehabilitation Provider
Workplace rehabilitation providers address the physical and psychological barriers that may impede a worker's recovery.
The specialised support they offer helps employers identify suitable work and make necessary workplace adjustments. Work rehab providers also assist workers with transitioning to new employment if needed.
Their services are supplemental to the employer's, activated when the recovery process requires additional support or when return to work is complex.