In less common situations, where an employee has already undertaken a RTWP and no longer has a rehabilitation provider, he or she must still have assistance provided by someone experienced in use of aids and appliances when visiting the centre. These are known as assisted visits.
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Example - Assisted visit |
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An employee was assessed as not capable of undertaking a rehabilitation program. However, he still requires the use of aids and appliances, which is supported by his treating doctor. |
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The doctor has provided referral to an ILC, and the employee visits the ILC with the assistance of an Occupational Therapist based at the Centre. The therapist shows the employee around the Centre and demonstrates how each of the aids and appliances would best suit the employee's needs. |
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The employee tries out a number of different aids and appliances and the therapist provides a written recommendation to Comcare based on the outcome of the employee trialling each product. |
A referral of support must be provided by the employee's treating doctor prior to the visit, and any recommendations made by the ILC qualified provider (usually an Occupational Therapist) must be provided in writing to Comcare for approval.
Aid or appliance recommendations should always indicate how the item would assist with increasing an employee's independent functioning and enhanced return to work options.
As there is no RTWP in place for assisted visits, where the ILC assesses the employee, provides recommendations and a report to Comcare, the same hourly rate applicable to approved Rehabilitation providers (or Occupational Therapist) in each State will apply.
This cost should be detailed when a claim for section 39 expenses is made.
However, where the ILC has merely provided assistance by pointing out aids and appliances or has photocopied information sheets, such an hourly rate will not apply and a more reasonable figure should be approved, commensurate with services provided.
This will usually be the Occupational Therapist hourly rate published by the Occupational Therapy Regulating Body.
Consult with state office rehabilitation advisors or the National Rehabilitation Policy Unit if assistance or clarification in this regard is required.