What this practice can help with.
WorkCover Queensland, CTP, DVA and employer-funded referrals are accepted for hip and knee problems. The practice is focused on hip and knee replacement, so a work-related shoulder, back, hand or ankle injury needs a different surgeon and the referral will be redirected rather than sat on.
What to send.
- The referral, from a GP or nurse practitioner.
- The claim number and the insurer's details.
- Your case manager's name, phone and email.
- Imaging, including the films rather than only the report.
- A brief description of the job: what you lift, how far you walk, whether you kneel or climb, and whether modified duties are available.
That last point is the one most often left out and the one that most affects the plan. A knee replacement in someone who kneels all day is a different conversation from the same operation in someone at a desk.
What comes back.
After the consultation, a written report goes to the insurer and the referring practitioner covering the diagnosis, whether the condition is likely to be work related, the treatment plan, expected timeframes, and current capacity with specific restrictions rather than a blanket certificate.
Work relatedness and apportionment.
This is where most joint replacement claims become complicated, so it is worth being plain about it.
Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee is usually multifactorial. Age, genetics, weight and previous injury all contribute. Some occupations, particularly those involving heavy lifting, prolonged kneeling and repeated squatting, are associated in the literature with a higher rate of knee osteoarthritis. A discrete work injury can also accelerate pre-existing arthritis.
Whether a claim is accepted, and in what proportion, is a decision for the insurer. What this practice provides is an honest report on the clinical findings, the imaging and the plausible contribution of the work, including where the evidence does not support a work cause. Reports are not written to a preferred conclusion.
Return to work.
Return is planned as a staged process rather than a single date:
- Desk or sedentary work. Often two to four weeks after a hip or knee replacement, sometimes sooner with flexibility around driving and swelling.
- Light manual work. Typically six to eight weeks.
- Heavy manual, kneeling or ladder work. Usually twelve weeks or more, and kneeling in particular may remain uncomfortable long term after a knee replacement.
Modified duties earlier generally produce a better outcome than full duties later, and that is what the reports will recommend where the employer can accommodate it.
Common questions.
Can I see Professor Rodda on a WorkCover claim?
Yes. WorkCover Queensland, CTP, DVA and employer-funded referrals are accepted. Bring your claim number and insurer details to the first appointment so approval can be confirmed before surgery is scheduled.
Do I need my claim approved before the appointment?
You can be seen while the claim is being processed, but surgery cannot be scheduled until funding is confirmed. Providing the claim number early is what prevents delay later.
Will a joint replacement be approved on a work claim?
It depends on whether the arthritis is accepted as work related, which is a question for the insurer rather than the surgeon. Where a work injury has accelerated pre-existing arthritis, the apportionment question is often the sticking point, and a clear report addressing it helps.
How long until I can return to work?
Desk work is often possible two to four weeks after a hip or knee replacement. Manual work is usually eight to twelve weeks, and heavy or kneeling work can be longer. A staged return with specific restrictions is usually better than waiting for full capacity.
Will you write to my case manager?
Yes. A written report goes to the insurer and to the referring practitioner after the consultation, setting out the diagnosis, the plan, expected timeframes and any restrictions.
This page provides general information about a medical condition and a surgical procedure. It is not individual medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified practitioner. Outcomes vary between individuals and all surgery carries risk. A referral is needed for a consultation with Professor Daevyd Rodda; without one, you can start with the practice nurse practitioner, who can provide it.