COMCARE OPERATIONAL ADVICE NO. 50
PAYMENT OF MEDICAL EXPENSES FOR THERMOGRAPHY SERVICES
Branch Managers
State Managers
Majors
State Executive Officers
Thermography is a diagnostic tool used by some physicians mainly for diagnosing RSI or similar conditions.
This service satisfies the requirements of the legislation in that:
.it is an examination, test or analysis carried out on, or in relation to an employee at the request or direction of a legally qualified medical practitioner, (sub‑section 4(1)(e));
.it is reasonable treatment in circumstances where the employee obtains the treatment at the request or direction of a legally qualified medical practitioner, (sub‑section 16(1)).
Where thermography has been properly obtained, the only issue for Comcare is that of determining whether the cost of treatment is appropriate.
The cost of thermography services should therefore be paid where the above criteria are satisfied.
SUE HAMILTON
Deputy Chief Executive
14 August 1989