CM information
We work closely with those managing claims and rehabilitation to ensure the best outcome and use of resources
Information about our processes
Referrals from case managers and employers
Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries about referring. We recommend beginning with an assessment by a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician, who will provide a recommendation for management. This may include a pain management program at Australis Specialist Pain Clinic, or with other rehabilitation providers depending on what is most suitable.
Why refer to a specialist clinic?
Complex rehabilitation cases benefit from early and thorough specialist assessment to ensure that all relevant factors are identified and addressed. With expertise in occupational and pain medicine and rehabilitation, and a network of other specialists and allied health providers, Australis Medical and Australis Specialist Pain Clinic are able to provide appropriate management programs.
Funding
The Australis tertiary pain service was co-designed with ACC to meet the needs of clients with complex pain management needs. The service has two components - comprehensive assessment, and IDT pain management program if suitable.
The comprehensive assessment is funded by a PN300A code (and PN410/411 codes if applicable) and are individualised for the clients. The assessment process is coordinated by a key worker and can range from a three discipline multidisciplinary team appointments on the same day, to a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician taking up to 10 hours to assess a client with highly complex medical background and needs. The process may also include further investigations, and can take anywhere between 2 weeks to 2 months to complete. The endpoint of the comprehensive assessment process is when there is a clear case formulation, such that the team can make recommendations regarding management. This is all provided to ACC in the ACC6272 form.
Possible outcomes from the comprehensive assessment include recommending referral to other programs or specialties, referring to the Burwood 3 weeks CHOICES program, being not suitable for pain management, or recommending a tertiary pain management program at Australis.
If the recommendation is for a program at Australis, the ACC6272 will contain details about this proposed program. These details will include whether additional funding (a second PN300A) is required for the program, given the resources required for the assessment process, and the duration and intensity of the proposed program.
If additional funding is required, we will then wait to hear from ACC before commencing any program management. If we do receive approval for the program, we will then start making appointments with the interdisciplinary team involved.
If you have any queries about this Australis tertiary service process, please contact Andrea Baker, who is our ACC Relationship Coordinator.
How to refer
A referral letter is appreciated, and any relevant documentation. We are able to obtain hospital records where this is appropriate.
FAQs
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