Occupational Medicine

 

Occupational medicine is concerned with work and health. This includes providing health advice to organisations and individuals regarding health and safety at work. It may include identifying workplace hazards and ways to minimise or remove them, tailoring work to suit individuals’ health, investigating occupational causes of illness or injury, assisting people to return to work after illness or injury, and providing advice on ability to work and rehabilitation. Occupational medicine specialists offer an independent and objective assessment of an individual, taking into account all available information.

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Independent Medical Examination (IME)

 

An Independent Medical Examination is a medical assessment performed by a doctor who is not your treating practitioner and has not previously been involved in your care. It is usually arranged by an insurer, employer, superannuation fund, or workers’ compensation authority to obtain an objective opinion about your medical condition.

 

During an examination, the doctor will:

 

• Review your medical records and treatment history

• Ask questions about your injury or illness

• Examine you (physically or psychologically, depending on the condition)

• Assess your capacity for work

• Consider whether your condition is permanent or not

 

The doctor does not provide treatment and does not decide your claim. Their role is to prepare a report that gives an independent opinion to the insurer or authority, which then uses that report to help determine your entitlement to benefits.

 

Total Permanent Disability Examination (TPD)

 

A Total and Permanent Disability medical assessment is arranged by your insurer or workers’ compensation scheme as well as in TPD insurance claims through superannuation to determine whether your condition is permanent and prevents you from returning to work.

 

During the assessment, the doctor reviews your medical history, treatment records, and work history, and conducts a physical or psychological examination depending on your injury. They assess your current symptoms, functional limitations, and whether your condition has stabilised or reached maximum medical improvement. The examining doctor does not treat you or make the final decision on your claim; instead, they prepare a detailed report that helps the insurer or compensation authority decide whether you meet the criteria for Total and Permanent Disability benefits.