Case conferences

Case conferences can be called at any point in time during a work injury claim, by any member of a worker’s support team. There generally needs to be at least three attendees, including the:

• Patient
• NTD
• Employer
• Insurer
• Approved workplace rehabilitation provider

A case conference is a forum to review, plan and agree on your patient’s recovery and recover at work plan. It’s an opportunity to get everyone on the same page about the key issues and barriers facing your patient, and what needs to be done to support their recovery.

Ideally they should be held as a face to face meeting, but can be facilitated over phone or video conferencing. Anyone can request a case conference, but it is generally held at the NTD’s practice.

The person who instigates the case conference is responsible for sharing an agenda ahead of time. You should ensure you set aside enough time to allow for the best possible outcome for your patient. All participants attending should be prepared to contribute openly and honestly in discussions about the key issues.

You can charge for participating in the case conference according to the SIRA fees and rates orders (See Medical Practitioners).