Medical
- Can I visit my family doctor or do I have to go to the doctor specified by my employer?
- Can I get a second medical opinion?
- When am I required to forward medical certificate(s)?
- How do I claim pharmacy expenses?
- Am I still allowed to play sport?
Can I visit my family doctor or do I have to go to the doctor specified by my employer?
You are entitled to be treated by the doctor of your choosing. On occasions, however, your employer and your WorkSafe agent may ask you to visit a health practitioner specified by them.
Can I get a second medical opinion?
Yes. Treatment is a matter of personal choice.
When am I required to forward medical certificate(s)?
You are required to forward medical certificates when lodging a claim. The first certificate can be for a maximum length of 14 days. If follow-on certificates are required these can be for a maximum of 28 days and should be forwarded to your employer as soon as received.
How do I claim pharmacy expenses?
WorkSafe can pay for the reasonable cost of medications and pharmacy items provided they are:
- appropriate for your work-related injury or illness
- requested by a medical practitioner or dentist
- provided by a registered pharmacist
- provided in line with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), where clinically appropriate and available, and
- registered (not listed) in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
Direct billing
WorkSafe prefers that your pharmacist bills your employer or Agent directly. You may wish to discuss this option with your pharmacist. You will need to provide your pharmacist with your claim number and the name of your Agent and employer.
Reimbursement
If you pay for your own medications and pharmacy items you can seek reimbursement from your employer or Agent. When you request reimbursement you will need to provide the following information:
- your name, address and claim number
- a fully itemised receipt showing the pharmacist’s name and address, the date of purchase, a description of the item and total amount paid, and
- for all medications, the details of the name of the medication, the strength and quantity and if on prescription, whether it is a PBS item or non-PBS (private) item.
Your pharmacy receipt should already contain the information required. However, you may wish to confirm this with your pharmacist.
For more information, see WA PVharmacy Policy, the fact sheet Medications and Pharmacy Items - Information for Workers and the Online Claims Manual (section 10.5 under Pharmacy).
Am I still allowed to play sport?
This is a decision best left to the discretion of your doctor.
