Information for Insurers

IME’s are conducted by our team of Occupational Physicians who provide a truly independent, comprehensive, clinically and legally sound assessment which answers all your questions about diagnosis, causation, eligibility, liability, prognosis, treatment needs, work capacity, permanent impairment and any other relevant issue. A report is submitted to you which provides a detailed overview covering all medical, physical, biopsychosocial, industrial and legal issues, assisting you in making informed decisions.

Sample reports are available on request.

As an insurer or employer you can also refer for second opinion medicine assessments. As this is a voluntary service your employee must consent and we strongly recommend engaging your worker's GP in the decision to refer.

NGOM Specialist Support is able to offer you and your workers fast and easy access to South Australia’s top treating medical specialists.

These specialists are able to assist by providing clinical advice for the treating GP, thereby enabling your workers to access the highest standard of medical care to recover and return to work faster.

What is Second Opinion Medicine?

• A voluntary service
• GP support and patient care focussed on
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Prognosis
• Not a medico-legal opinion.
• 1 to 2 page clinical letter.
• A phone call to discuss findings and recommendations.
• We aim to offer an appointment within 14 days from receipt of referral.

Our Second Opinion Medicine Specialists

Occupational Physicians

• Dr Kar Loong Ng
• Dr Josh Munn
• Dr Robin Chase

Neurosurgeons

• Professor Matthew McDonald
• Dr Marguerite Harding

Rheumatologists

• Dr Anita Lee*

Neurologists

• Dr Matthew Wilcourt*

Psychiatrists

• Dr Nick Ford
• Dr Kerry Pincombe
• Professor Cherrie Galletly
• Associate Professor David Ash
• Dr David Jankowiak

Orthopaedic Surgeons

• Dr Nick Pourgiezis (Knee, Shoulder, Hip)
• Dr Nicholas Chabrel (Upper Limb)
• Dr Mike Smith (Foot and Ankle, Knees)
• Dr Scott Brumby (Hip and Knee)
• Dr Benjamin Allen (Knee)

If you require a subsequent second opinion appointment at a later stage of your worker’s recovery either with the same of different specialist, we would be happy to review your worker to assess their progress or recovery, interpret any new investigation results, review of new medication or a new treatment plan. A new referral requesting for a review second opinion is required.

If your injured worker would like our Specialist Support doctors to take over management after their Second Opinion Medicine appointment, arrangements can be made; this requires a separate referral requesting for management. Please note that not all our Specialist Support doctors take over management, and those that do may only do so on a case by case basis – (those with* marked next to their names do not). In these instances however, our occupational physicians and occupational doctors are able to assist.

A small proportion (less than 20%) of injured workers contribute to 90% of worker’s compensation costs. These workers need specialist help early, as by the time they are identified as high risk or complex injuries, it is too late to get them back on track.

Since 2015, NGOM have been working with employers and insurers to help these workers recover better by early identification and management through specialist intervention . We do this through the use of a highly effective screening tool and conducting a review with an:

• Occupational Physician
• Specialist Physiotherapist
• Psychologist

We have been able to demonstrate that with early specialist diagnosis and intervention, this results in :

• 50% reduction in absenteeism.
• 30% reduction in costs.

A reduction of 90% total cost by 30% results not only in significant cost savings, but an enormous impact on health, culture and productivity.

You and your injured workers now have the option of telehealth (phone or video) consultations which overcomes logistical challengers to deliver medical care, education and advice over long and short distances.

Telehealth has many benefits including:

• COVID and infection safe.
• Saving time and cost from transportation.
• No or reduced time away from work.
• Less waiting room time.
• Enabling consultation whilst still able to uphold family responsibilities such as caring for children or elderly.
• Larger reach for workers where access to medical services may be limited or difficult.
• Ideal for shift workers and businesses in regional or rural locations.

WHAT is a MWSV?

A MWSV is a clinical assessment of a person’s capacity at their pre-injury or host workplace.

A MWSV is a consultative process that involves the patient/worker, one of our experienced occupational doctors, the employer and any other person who is part of the treating team.

A MWSV can offer many advantages for both the worker and the employer, including alleviation of fear, clarification of capacity, and linkage of capacity to available duties.

WHEN should a MWSV be considered?

A MWSV may be considered for any worker who may be finding it difficult to return to work for any of the following reasons:

• Ongoing pain
• Restricted function
• Lack of ‘suitable’ duties
• Fear of return to work
• Employer hesitancy or resistance
• Non-progression of claim

WHAT does a MWSV entail?

A MWSV will involve:

1. An initial consult between the worker and one of our medical practitioners.
2. An on-site medical assessment conducted by one of our medical practitioners at the specified workplace (pre-injury or host employer).
3. A MWSV Report and follow-up phone call to the treating practitioner.
4. A follow-up appointment if desired by the worker.

HOW do I book a MWSV?

There are a number of ways you can book a MWSV for your worker/client:

• Phone call to our NGOM rooms.
• Online portal via our website.
• See ‘Contact Details’ listed below

WHAT can I expect when I book in a MWSV?

1. Initial consult on the same day or next day.
2. On-site visit within 1-2 days after the initial consult.
3. Report and follow-up phone call to treating practitioner within 48 hours of the on-site visit.
4. Follow-up review if requested, at the end of the first week after commencement of work/placement.