Using MAC advice
While MAC advice can be us
Requesting MAC advice
The vast majority of MAC requests should be made in R&C ISH or iRBS.
The identity of the MACs must be protected at all times, including in R&C ISH, iRBS, case notes in R&C ISH and emails to both the MAC mailbox and the Senior Medical Adviser (SMA).
Staff must only use the initials of the MAC and position number, if known.
Registered nurses
A registered nurse is not a qualified medical practitioner and, except in rare circumstances, must not diagnose medical conditions.
Where evidence shows the medical practitioner diagnosed the condition(s), including any requirements of policies and SOPs, it may be reasonable for a registered nurse to fill out the DVA paperwork.
Treating specialists
If delegates or CSOs are unable to obtain the necessary information from the client’s treating GP, it may be necessary to approach a treating specialist.
A specialist is a medical practitioner with the necessary qualifications and clinical training to carry on practice in a particular medical field. Only seek information from a treating specialist in the medical field relevant to the condition(s) being assessed.
General practitioners
It is preferable to gather medical information from a client’s treating GP unless it is required by DVA policy. This is because GPs are likely to have better access to and knowledge of the client’s current medical history.
Medical Impairment Assessment forms
The purpose of the medical impairment assessment (MIA) forms is to establish essential medical information to assess impairment points for VEA DCP and MRCA PI compensation in connection with the GARP, and whole person impairment for DRCA PI in accordance with the DRCA PI Guide. MIAs are designed to specifically address the Guides assessment rules.
Depending on the available medical evidence, it may not be necessary to send all relevant MIAs to the medical practitioner. For example:
Medical reports
For efficiency and completeness, wherever practical the standard medical report request for your business area should be used.
When reviewing the medical report request, you can remove sections or questions if the department already has the relevant information. However, questions that provide context for subsequent ones should remain intact, even if the department already has that specific information. This ensures that the request remains clear and logically structured, preserving the necessary context for later questions. Key points to remember:
Written requests
Requests for information should be made in writing if the information:
- is medically complex
- involves the medical practitioner answering multiple questions
- requires medical advice.
Medical advisers can assist with the development of appropriate questions to ensure the requests are clinically sensible.
Verbal requests
If seeking information verbally, delegates should only request factual information, such as radiology or pathology test results.
Any verbal information needs to be confirmed in writing, either by the medical practitioner sending written confirmation to the delegate, or the delegate writing a record of the conversation and asking the medical practitioner to confirm this.
GPs declining to provide medical information
If a GP is reluctant to release medical information or reports, you should:
- Discuss the authorisation on the multi-Act claim form which sets out the information that is being requested. This explanation may address the issue of requested reports being declined.
- If the GP still declines to provide the report, request details of the specialist (if not known) and contact them directly to request the report.