Return to Work Coordination

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Return to Work Coordination

An employee’s return to work following injury or illness can be a delicate process that needs to be carefully managed. Recovery Partners offer a complete RTW Coordination service for businesses wanting to manage this process efficiently and with sensitivity to the needs of their employees. We have delivered RTW Coordination for over 20 years and continue to deliver outstanding results with our overall RTW success rate standing at 99% for our customers.

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[CLIENT SUCCESS RATE] Same Employer 95% and New Employer 89%

Outsourced Return to Work Coordination

Recovery Partners assists businesses with their acute injury management needs by supplying a consultant to effectively manage each injured worker’s rehabilitation. For all incidents resulting in an injury management and RTW response, the consultant will act in a central role as a RTW Consultant regardless of the level of incapacity, or severity of the claim. Our consultants will be on call to provide advice over the phone and can periodically attend worksites to meet with key stakeholders.

Our service delivery takes a coordinated approach to involving the following stakeholders and thus we collectively adapt the process and support to meet the needs of injured employees:

• Treating Doctor.
• Treating Allied Health Professionals.
• The workplace.
• Insurer.

This function also includes:

  • Continued development and adjustment of RTW plans for all injured workers.
  • Negotiation on suitable duties with treating doctors.
  • Attendance at treating reviews.
  • Communication with treating professionals to ensure optimal recovery timeframes.
  • Communication with internal stakeholders to minimise internal barriers.
  • Liaison with the respective insurance agents and other stakeholders regarding claims strategy.
  • Assistance with reporting requirements.
  • Attendance at claims reviews.

Our coordinated approach to RTW is an evidence-based practice that offers peace of mind to all involved. By taking the time to openly engage with these stakeholders we are able to implement RTW plans that effectively return injured employees back to the workplace in an expedited manner without fear or fuss. Notably, this approach is supported by key regulatory agencies including SIRA NSW and WorkCover QLD.

Learn more about the specific requirements for Return to Work Coordination in South Australia and Queensland.

Did you know that each State has different RTW Guidelines?

We have created a quick state by state reference summary for you.

Summarised State Table plus each State's Guidelines
Table of Comparable Terminology Between States

Benefits of Outsourced Return to Work Coordination 

There are various benefits to engage with outsourced return to work coordination. They include:

  • Reduced costs.
  • Reduced time lost.
  • Positive employee experience.
  • Expertise and compliance.
  • Improved to work outcomes.

What is a Return to Work Coordinator?

A Return to Work Coordinator’s (RTWC) role primarily involves helping injured or ill workers return to work safely and as soon as possible after an injury or illness has occurred. The Recovery Partners consultant will act in a central role as a Return to Work Coordinator and will field all initial notifications. From this point, the consultant will manage each injured worker who is claiming Workers Compensation or a significant injury, regardless of the level of incapacity, or severity of the claim.

Depending on the complexity of the matter, a Return-to-Work Coordinator’s responsibilities may include:

  • Managing the return to work process.
    • Development of return to work plans for injured workers.
    • Responding to information requests from the worker’s solicitor, ensuring only appropriate and necessary details are shared.
    • Communication with the insurer/case management regarding a claim’s strategy.
    • Attendance at claims reviews to supply information regarding the rehabilitation of injured workers.
    • Reporting in line with the clients daily/weekly/monthly requirements.
  • Liaising with healthcare professionals.
    • Negotiation on suitable duties with nominated treating doctor.
    • Communicating with treating professionals to ensure optimal recovery timeframes.
    • Scheduling case conferences with preferred doctors and attendance.
  • Communicating with the injured worker and their supervisor.
    • Liaising with site managers to ensure rosters accommodate the worker’s capabilities.
  • Identifying and managing potential barriers to return to work.
  • Promoting a safe and healthy workplace.

Benefits of a Return to Work Coordinator

Employers who appoint a third-party coordinator have access to:

  • A strong understanding of the return to work process and what to do following a workplace injury.
  • Dedicated resources, such as triage services, for supporting workers and employers.
  • Early intervention strategies to quickly diagnose and treat injury, minimising compensation costs and time off work.
  • Creating a positive workplace culture where employees feel safe.

Improved communications across treating parties, such as Doctors, Allied Health Professionals and Claims Agents.

 

FAQ'S

Do I need a Return to Work Coordinator?

Under workers compensation law, the following people are required to have a Return to Work Coordinator:

  • Category 1 employers (i.e. employers whose basic tariff premium exceeds $50,000).
  • Self-insurers.
  • Employers who are insured by a specialised insurer and employ more than 20 workers.

What is a Return to Work Plan?

A Return to Work Plan is a plan agreed by the injured employee, their treating Doctor and the Return-to-Work Coordinator. The plan details how many hours and duties the injured employee can perform, as well as any medical restrictions and review dates.

What are Transitional (Suitable) Duties?

Duties consistent with medical advice that are meaningful, productive, and suitable for the injured employee’s physical and psychological condition. They are agreed between the Return to Work Coordinator, treating Doctor and the injured worker and aim to assist in rehabilitation and return to work.

Suitable duties could include:

  • Parts of the job the injured employee was doing before the injury or illness.
  • The employee’s pre-injury job on reduced hours.
  • Training opportunities.
  • Different duties all together.

Just wanted to give some Kudos to Andrea who has been a great help in supporting our NSW claims portfolio and injured team members. Always positive and upbeat with a caring approaching to injury management which aligns well to our approach – myself, the injured workers and the team really appreciate her support. We just had a catch up and she is achieving some great outcomes too.

Joshua was wonderful, made the process as painless as possible everything was incredibly straightforward. Compared to other health checks I've done he was very respectful and provided adequate feedback through the whole process. As someone with a nervous disposition his service was incredibly helpful.

Recovery Partners show dedicated support to our shared clients and in doing so build great relationships. Their ongoing communication instils confidence in their abilities to achieve shared goals. Thank you Recovery Partners!

Our agency has been working with Justin and the Recovery Partners team in Canberra for many years now. From workstation assessments, to initial needs support, to assistance with cases, nothing is too much trouble. The communication is fast, effective and professional and nothing is ever too much trouble. Recovery Partners assist us in achieving desired results and positive outcomes for our employees, and we are very grateful for that.

The team at Recovery Partners are great communicators; they get back to us quickly when we need them. Everything is smooth and seamless; they have bought our systems up to date, which makes it easier for us to manage work health and safety compliance. 

Working with Recovery Partners to assist injured employees back to work faster delivers financial benefits. Last year we received a $150,000 refund on our workers compensation premium, and this year we are anticipating a similar result.

Since engaging Recovery Partners, we have significantly reduced our number of claims, our estimate has also notably decreased, with an improved overall RTW time frame. We have also managed to establish stronger relationships with workers and stakeholders in partnership with Recovery Partners.

Their team are focussed on high quality service that deliver positive outcomes, which has built trust and have always been a great resource and source of support when dealing with complex rehabilitation matters.

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