WorkCover Intake Checklist

WorkCover Patient Intake Checklist

This comprehensive checklist ensures your practice captures all necessary information for WorkCover patients, reducing claim rejections and improving approval rates.

### Pre-Appointment

- [ ] Verify claim number with insurer - [ ] Confirm employer details - [ ] Check provider approval status - [ ] Review referral validity - [ ] Confirm appointment type authorisation

### Patient Information

- [ ] Full legal name (as per claim) - [ ] Date of birth - [ ] Contact details (phone, email, address) - [ ] Medicare number - [ ] Preferred language/interpreter needs - [ ] Emergency contact

### Claim Details

- [ ] Claim number - [ ] Date of injury - [ ] Insurer name and contact - [ ] Case manager name and contact - [ ] Employer name and ABN - [ ] Workplace location - [ ] RTW coordinator details

### Injury Information

- [ ] Mechanism of injury - [ ] Body parts affected - [ ] Initial treatment received - [ ] Current symptoms - [ ] Functional limitations - [ ] Pain levels (scale 1-10)

### Medical History

- [ ] Pre-existing conditions - [ ] Previous injuries (same body part) - [ ] Current medications - [ ] Allergies - [ ] Previous WorkCover claims - [ ] Other treating practitioners

### Documentation Required

- [ ] Valid referral - [ ] Claim acceptance letter - [ ] Photo ID - [ ] Medicare card - [ ] Previous medical reports - [ ] Imaging results (if applicable)

### Consent and Authorisation

- [ ] Treatment consent - [ ] Information release consent - [ ] Photography consent (if required) - [ ] Understanding of WorkCover process - [ ] Agreement to treatment plan

### Billing Information

- [ ] Fee schedule confirmation - [ ] Gap payment arrangements - [ ] Travel reimbursement eligibility - [ ] Billing address verification

### Clinical Assessment Preparation

- [ ] Examination room setup - [ ] Required assessment tools - [ ] Outcome measures selected - [ ] Documentation templates ready

### Post-Appointment Requirements

- [ ] Initial report timeline - [ ] Progress report schedule - [ ] Case conference requirements - [ ] Return appointment booking

Best Practices

1. **Allow adequate time**: WorkCover initial appointments typically require 45-60 minutes 2. **Train all staff**: Ensure reception and clinical staff understand requirements 3. **Use templates**: Standardise documentation for consistency 4. **Verify before treatment**: Always confirm approval before proceeding 5. **Maintain communication**: Regular contact with case managers improves outcomes

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

- Treating without valid referral - Missing claim acceptance confirmation - Incomplete patient identification - Inadequate documentation - Delayed report submission

Download Full Checklist

This checklist is available as a printable PDF for use in your practice. Register below to download the complete version with additional tips and templates.

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*This checklist is based on general WorkCover requirements across Australian jurisdictions. Always verify specific requirements with relevant state authorities.*