Insurance Commission of Western Australia Injury Claim Requires Medical Review

LJckte on 19/02/2024 - 16:26
Last edited 19/02/2024 - 18:02 by 1 other user

Does anyone have any experience to share or advice regarding independent medical examinations and what to expect based on the reports prepared by the medical examiner?

I was rear-ended by another car while stationery late last year and suffered whiplash as a result of the accident. I have some nerve compression in parts of my neck based on MRI scans but my symptoms and pain are more extensive than is normal with injury in this area.

The other driver was found at fault so I have been receiving treatment funded by ICWA but I have been requested to attend a "medical review". I understand this is part of the claims management process but should I be concerned that this is intended to reduce or stop treatment funding?

Appreciate any insight or guidance as it is a very confusing and opaque process to navigate.

• 

  pjetson on 19/02/2024 - 16:44

  +3

  should I be concerned that this is intended to reduce or stop treatment funding

  Can you think of any other reason why they would request it?

  • 

    Jckte on 19/02/2024 - 16:57

    Having no experience of the process, I don't. I'm hoping someone else has experience or insight they can share

    • 

      Baysew on 19/02/2024 - 18:17

      After the review they may either continue funding as is or they won't.

      • 

        deme on 19/02/2024 - 18:39

        -4

        Thank you for such a useless comment

        • 

          Baysew on 19/02/2024 - 18:57

          @deme: What other outcome do you see?

        • 

          Drakesy on 19/02/2024 - 20:25

          +2

          @deme: The irony of your comment

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  Drakesy on 19/02/2024 - 16:49

  +4

  Well if you were paying for someone's medical bills and peripherals wouldn't you want a checkup every 6 months to see if it's sorted itself out?

  • 

    deme on 19/02/2024 - 18:39

    -2

    But they already see a doctor.

    • 

      Drakesy on 19/02/2024 - 20:25

      Where does it say that?

      • 

        deme on 19/02/2024 - 20:34

        That's how the whole thing works.

        • 

          Jckte on 19/02/2024 - 20:52

          @deme: Yes. I saw my GP straight away and multiple times since and have also been seeing allied health providers as well as been referred to other specialists.

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  Crossgates on 19/02/2024 - 18:19

  I have been through this exact process, having suffered a major injury in a road accident in WA and was not at fault. The medical review is conducted by an impartial doctor and is designed to provide ICWA with an assessment of your injuries, in their current state, and what - if any - medical treatment is required now, and also into the future. If you haven't already, I would recommend considering a lawyer/getting legal advice as to whether you have a claim against the individual responsible for the accident. This takes into consideration injuries current and future, pain & suffering, loss of earnings (including future loss of earnings) and more, but will depend on how severe your injuries are.

  Long story short, don't worry about it, they're not out to remove your treatment or make you suffer, they just need an accurate assessment of the situation.

  • 

    Jckte on 19/02/2024 - 18:30

    Thanks. That's really helpful

    • 

      Crossgates on 19/02/2024 - 18:32

      No problem, just remember when you are having a review that being tough/brave and downplaying your pain levels etc won't do you any favours, so if you are in pain then make sure you tell the doctor firmly how you are feeling.

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  AndyC1 on 19/02/2024 - 18:48

  Get advice from a lawyer.

  • 

    NevC on 19/02/2024 - 20:06

    Lawyers will send you to more medical examinations. One I saw cost about $2K which comes out of any claim you make. Took about fifteen minutes for him to earn that..