Impairment assessment

On this page:

• When an impairment assessment happens
• Who chooses the impairment assessor?
• What can I expect from the assessment?
• Do I get a copy of the assessment report?

When an impairment assessment happens

If you have a permanent impairment resulting from your work injury, then an impairment assessment will be undertaken.

When there is medical evidence that your injury has stabilised, your claims agent will arrange a whole person impairment assessment with you. You will be guided and supported by your claims manager through the process.

You do not need to have legal representation to undertake a permanent impairment assessment.

Who chooses the accredited impairment assessor?

You can choose the accredited impairment assessor you wish to complete your assessment from a list of accredited impairment assessors- external site.

The assessment is done according to a set of published Impairment Assessment Guidelines and involves you meeting with an accredited impairment assessor who is a medical specialist accredited by the Minister.

What can I expect from the assessment?

The accredited impairment assessor will ask you questions about your injury and examine you to determine your level of impairment. They have access to medical information about your injury and recovery to ensure the impairment assessment is as accurate as possible.

The impairment assessment will determine:

• whether the injury has stabilised; and
• whether the injury has resulted in an impairment; and
• the degree of whole person impairment attributable from the work injury.
• watch the video below

Do I get a copy of the assessment report?

Yes, ReturnToWorkSA is required to review the report for compliance with the Impairment Assessment Guidelines and may communicate with the accredited impairment assessor if clarification is required. A report will be provided to your claims agent to help them make a determination for any lump sum payments. An impairment assessment is important as this will be used to determine your lump sum payments and whether you may have access to ongoing serious injury support.

Watch the video below for an overview of a whole person impairment and what to expect from your impairment assessment.

What to expect from your impairment assessment

Video transcript- external site