ARTICLE · 16 JUNE 2023

What is a WorkCover independent medical examination?

Polaris Lawyers

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A WorkCover independent medical examiner is organised by Workcover to address specific queries about your injury claim.

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An independent medical examination is an appointment with a specialist medical practitioner, organised by the insurer, to address some aspect(s) of your worker's compensation claim or litigation. Independent medical examiners that are commonly engaged in WorkCover claims include:

orthopaedic surgeons;
occupational physicians;
allied health practitioners (osteo, chiro, physio);
pain specialists; and/or

Depending on the nature and circumstances of your workplace injury, there are other independent medical examiners that may be required.

WHEN IS AN INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION REQUIRED FOR A WORKCOVER CLAIM?

An independent medical examination is often required by the WorkCover insurer in the following scenarios (this is not an exhaustive list):

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