What is involved in the assessment?
There will be a detailed discussion about the medical condition, any treatment and the response to that treatment. The effects of the condition on abilities and activities will also be considered. Your past medical history, and possibly your family medical history, will be enquired about.
There will also be a discussion of the work issues. This will include the nature of your current, or most recent, job. A complete work history will also be obtained. It can be helpful to bring along any curriculum vitae.
Psychological and social factors will also be discussed as they can influence response to treatment and recovery. Such issues that will be considered include symptoms of anxiety, depression, fears, as well as social supports.
A physical examination will be performed. This will be of areas relevant to the medical condition(s). The examination will also include a brief general examination such as height, weight, and eyesight as such factors are relevant in regards to fitness for work. Note that a chaperone is available as necessary. For women, it is best to wear clothing that can readily allow for a physical examination e.g. singlet underneath to allow for a shoulder examination. Alternatively a gown is available
The assessment generally takes about one to two hours. You are welcome to bring a support person along.
If the referral is from an insurer or healthcare provider then a report will be sent to the referrer that details all the information obtained at the assessment. Note, that with the exception of confidential information relevant to third parties, no information would generally be held back from inclusion in the report. The reason for such disclosure is that any information gathered may have a bearing on any opinion expressed, or how it is justified, in the report.
If the referral is from an employer, although a similarly detailed assessment will be undertaken, any report will be restricted to comments on fitness for work, prognosis, and workplace interventions. A more limited report is appropriate for employers who should not be informed about individuals’ health issues unless there is specific circumstances such as certain safety concerns. At times, two reports will be provided e.g.a limited report for the employer, and a detailed report for the company doctor or company nurse.
There will be a detailed discussion about the medical condition, any treatment and the response to that treatment. The effects of the condition on abilities and activities will also be considered. Your past medical history, and possibly your family medical history, will be enquired about.
There will also be a discussion of the work issues. This will include the nature of your current, or most recent, job. A complete work history will also be obtained. It can be helpful to bring along any curriculum vitae.
Psychological and social factors will also be discussed as they can influence response to treatment and recovery. Such issues that will be considered include symptoms of anxiety, depression, fears, as well as social supports.
A physical examination will be performed. This will be of areas relevant to the medical condition(s). The examination will also include a brief general examination such as height, weight, and eyesight as such factors are relevant in regards to fitness for work. Note that a chaperone is available as necessary. For women, it is best to wear clothing that can readily allow for a physical examination e.g. singlet underneath to allow for a shoulder examination. Alternatively a gown is available
The assessment generally takes about one to two hours. You are welcome to bring a support person along.
If the referral is from an insurer or healthcare provider then a report will be sent to the referrer that details all the information obtained at the assessment. Note, that with the exception of confidential information relevant to third parties, no information would generally be held back from inclusion in the report. The reason for such disclosure is that any information gathered may have a bearing on any opinion expressed, or how it is justified, in the report.
If the referral is from an employer, although a similarly detailed assessment will be undertaken, any report will be restricted to comments on fitness for work, prognosis, and workplace interventions. A more limited report is appropriate for employers who should not be informed about individuals’ health issues unless there is specific circumstances such as certain safety concerns. At times, two reports will be provided e.g.a limited report for the employer, and a detailed report for the company doctor or company nurse.