Tips for working with GPs and work capacity certificates

An injured worker’s GP is a key facilitator to safe and sustained recovery and return to work. Building transparent and trusting relationships with a worker’s GP can help to avoid barriers to recovery and maintain good engagement from all parties.

A good GP will not only provide evidence based treatment, they will also promote self-responsibility for the worker to manage their injury, reinforce the health benefits of work and the importance of returning to work, and also positively engage with all relevant parties including you as the Return to Work Coordinator.

GPs should incorporate return to work goals and timelines into their treatment plan from the outset and promote suitable employment.

Following a medical assessment of the injured worker, the GP will issue a Work Capacity Certificate (WCC). This forms the basis of the worker’s treatment plan, outlines their functional ability (including mental health), and can help to identify safe suitable employment.

The WCC can help you to understand what activities the worker can safely do, not only in the workplace but also at home and during leisure. This information is valuable when identifying suitable duties.

For guidance on what should be contained in the WCC and how to interpret it, please have a read of the how to read a Work Capacity Certificate booklet.

Attending medical appointments or case conferences

Attending appointments with the injured worker can be useful in understanding their recovery and return to work. Here are some tips to help you get the most from these appointments:

  1. Your presentation is important

    Be mindful of how you present and watch your tone of voice. Doctors are busy so thank the GP for their time and for allowing you to attend and be a part of the appointment.

  2. Adhere to the certified Work Capacity Certificate

    Provide employment that is within the WCC, otherwise this may raise concerns by the GP that the work environment is not safe.

  3. Support the worker’s safe recovery and return to work (and the community)

    Doctors focus on the health and wellbeing of their patient (the injured worker) therefore you need to align with their focus, reassuring the GP that you are genuinely there to support the worker in facilitating a safe and sustainable return to work. GPs and other health practitioners are more likely to recommend increasing the injured worker’s workload if suitable duties are being provided.

  4. Clear and concise communication

    Be clear and concise in your communication, verbal or written. If sending forms for them to complete, think about the time it would take to complete. The bigger the form, the longer it will likely take to receive it back. Consider sending a ‘tick and flick’ style form.

  5. Work together with the GP

    When referring for other services that challenge the certification issued by the GP, discuss this with the GP first as you will need to present the report back to the GP for them to review capacity. Prevent surprises, otherwise the GP may feel they are being ambushed!