How a return to work assessment works, step by step

After a brain injury or a psychological injury, going back to work can feel daunting. A return to work assessment by a neuropsychologist can show what has changed, what is still strong, and which changes at work would help you return safely.

Below, each step from referral to report is mapped out, along with who can refer, who usually pays in Victoria, and how the report is used by your doctor, employer and insurer.

The return to work assessment path at a glance

Every person’s path is different, but most return to work assessments follow these steps.

1. 1

   Noticing changes at work

   Weeks or months after an injury

   What happens

   Tiredness, slower thinking, memory lapses or low mood make work harder than before. Sometimes a manager or colleague notices it before you do.

   What you can do

   Tell your GP or treating doctor. If you have a claim, also tell your return to work coordinator or case manager.

2. 2

   A referral is made

   Day 0

   What happens

   Your doctor, case manager, lawyer or rehabilitation provider refers you, or you contact us yourself. For WorkSafe or TAC funding, a medical referral is needed, and WorkSafe or the TAC may need to approve the assessment first.

   What you can do

   Before you book, ask your case manager what approval is needed. Send us any referral questions, so the report answers them.

3. 3

   We get in touch

   Within 2 business days

   What happens

   Our admin team contacts the referrer, then calls you to explain the process, the fees and who will pay.

   What you can do

   Tell us about interpreter needs, pain, fatigue or anything that makes appointments hard.

4. 4

   We read your records

   Before your appointment

   What happens

   The neuropsychologist reads the referral questions and your records, such as hospital and treating reports and your job description.

   What you can do

   Send your job description, certificate of capacity and any return to work plan if you have them.

5. 5

   Assessment day

   Several hours, with breaks

   What happens

   An interview about your injury, health, work and daily life, then tasks on memory, attention, speed of thinking and problem solving. Everyone does routine checks that help show whether results are valid.

   What you can do

   Sleep well, eat, and bring glasses, hearing aids and a list of medicines. Then tell us whenever you need a break.

6. 6

   Your report

   Usually 2 to 3 weeks later

   What happens

   The report explains your strengths and difficulties, what is likely causing them, and practical recommendations for work: hours, breaks, tasks and the work environment.

   What you can do

   Ask for a feedback session if you would like to talk through the results.

7. 7

   Using the report at work

   Ongoing

   What happens

   Your doctor uses it to inform your certificate of capacity. Your employer, rehabilitation provider and case manager use it to plan suitable duties and a gradual increase in hours.

   What you can do

   Also join the return to work meeting or case conference. Ask for a review if things change.

Who can refer you for a return to work assessment

• Your GP or treating doctor. This is the most common route, and a medical referral is needed for WorkSafe and TAC funding.
• Your WorkSafe agent or TAC case manager, sometimes after a suggestion from your rehabilitation provider.
• A lawyer, if the assessment is for a legal claim. In that case, it is a medico-legal assessment.
• You can also contact us directly. We will help you work out whether a referral is needed for funding.

Who pays for a return to work assessment

WorkSafe Victoria can pay for comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. Its guidelines say a medical practitioner must refer you before the service starts, WorkSafe must approve it first, and the neuropsychologist must hold an endorsement in clinical neuropsychology.

The TAC can pay for the reasonable cost of approved psychology and neuropsychology services. However, these must be referred by a medical practitioner. If a provider’s fee is higher than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. Ask your case manager what applies to you.

If a lawyer arranges the assessment for a claim, the law firm often pays. Medicare does not cover medico-legal assessments.

Treating assessment or independent medical examination?

A treating assessment is arranged to help your recovery and return to work. By contrast, an independent medical examination (IME) is different. WorkSafe or a self-insurer may ask you to attend one so a practitioner who does not treat you can give an opinion about your injury, work capacity and treatment. WorkSafe books psychological IMEs through a central system. Our IME guide explains what to expect.

How the return to work assessment report is used

A neuropsychologist cannot complete a certificate of capacity. WorkSafe notes that their findings can still give valuable input, including advice on any restrictions or supports needed. Your doctor uses this when writing your certificate.

Your employer, return to work coordinator and rehabilitation provider can use the recommendations to plan suitable duties. Under Victoria’s workers compensation law, employers must, as far as reasonable, provide suitable employment while you have some capacity for work, for a total of 52 weeks. They must also plan your return to work. The case manager, the rehabilitation provider or the neuropsychologist can also ask for a return to work case conference.

Research also supports this team approach. A 2016 review found strong evidence that work-focused programs, combined with education or coaching, help people return to work after a brain injury. The helpful parts were a tailored plan, early action, involving both the person and the employer, and changes to the work or workplace.

If your injury is psychological

Since 31 March 2024, Victorian workers compensation for mental injury has narrower rules. Claims mostly caused by stress or burnout from usual, expected work are generally excluded. Claims caused by bullying, harassment or traumatic events at work can still be covered if other conditions are met. For these claims, only a GP or psychiatrist can give the diagnosis. However, a psychologist can still assess and recommend support. Our article on WorkSafe Victoria claims and psychological injury explains more.

Invictus Health 能提供哪些協助

我們的神經心理學家提供 personal injury and work capacity assessments for TAC, WorkSafe, Comcare and other claims. Reports focus on practical recommendations for work and are reviewed by Dr Judy Tang OAM. Fees start from $3,300 including GST, and may be higher for complex cases. Often the insurer, scheme or law firm pays instead.

If conflict at work is getting in the way, our mediation service includes return to work mediation. For referrers, our referral guide explains how to send a referral and documents securely.

If cost is a barrier, please talk to us. We have these conversations all the time, and it’s OK to ask. This article is general information. Please speak with your doctor, insurer or lawyer about your own situation.