WorkCover Doctors in Southport
Injured at work on the Gold Coast? Our Southport GPs manage WorkCover Queensland claims every week, from your first work capacity certificate through to your return to work. Open 7 days at Australia Fair Metro.
Injured at work? Come in as soon as you can. Let reception know it is a WorkCover matter and we will get you in promptly.
If you have been hurt at work, the first thing you need is a GP who knows how WorkCover Queensland actually works and gets your paperwork right from day one. Our Southport clinic sees WorkCover patients from right across the Gold Coast, from tradies and hospitality staff to healthcare, transport and office workers. We assess your injury, complete your work capacity certificate, get you straight into our onsite physiotherapy, and stay involved through your whole recovery so your claim keeps moving and you get back on your feet.
What our GPs do for WorkCover patients
Our role goes well beyond the first assessment. Across your claim we handle:
- Initial injury assessment
- Work capacity certificates
- Help lodging your claim
- Ongoing injury management
- Return to work planning
- Referrals to physiotherapy
- Referrals to specialists
- Permanent impairment assessment
- Work related mental health support
- Liaison with your employer
- Regular progress reviews
- Suitable duties advice
Work injuries we treat
We look after WorkCover patients from construction, trades, retail, hospitality, healthcare, transport and office based work across the Gold Coast. Common injuries we manage include:
- Back and spinal injuries
- Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries
- Knee injuries
- Wrist and hand injuries
- Neck strain and whiplash
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Psychological injuries
- Skin conditions from work exposure
How the WorkCover Queensland process works
If you have never made a claim before, here is how it generally runs in Queensland.
- Report the injury to your employerAs soon as you can after it happens, tell your employer and make sure it goes in the workplace incident register.
- See a GPCome in as soon as possible. We assess your injury and complete your work capacity certificate, which is the medical certificate your claim cannot proceed without. Bring your employer details and any incident paperwork if you have it.
- Lodge your claim with WorkCover QueenslandLodge online at worksafe.qld.gov.au, by phone on 1300 362 128, or through the Worker Assist app. Your employer can lodge it with you, which speeds things up. There is generally a 6 month window to lodge from when you first saw a doctor about the injury, but the sooner the better.
- Your claim is assessedWorkCover Queensland usually decides within about 20 business days. Once your claim is accepted, treatment related to your injury is covered.
- Treatment and rehabilitationWe manage your recovery with regular reviews, referrals to physio, psychology or specialists, and keep your work capacity certificate up to date.
- Return to workFor most people a gradual return on suitable duties is an important part of recovery. We work with you and your employer on a realistic plan. A return to work plan is generally in place within 10 business days of your claim being accepted.
The work capacity certificate
The work capacity certificate is the key document in any Queensland WorkCover claim. You might also hear it called a workers compensation medical certificate. Your claim is not valid without a complete and current one, and only an AHPRA registered doctor can issue it, not a physiotherapist or psychologist. Your GP completes it and can submit it to WorkCover online for you.
It covers:
- Your diagnosis
- Your current work capacity
- Any restrictions or limitations
- Recommended treatment
- Expected recovery timeframe
- Return to work goals
Keep your reviews regular so your certificate stays current. Gaps in attendance or an out of date certificate can hold up your payments. We will remind you when your next review is due.
What it costs while your claim is assessed
WorkCover Queensland pays for your treatment once your claim is accepted. That means you may be charged privately for your first visit and your work capacity certificate while your claim is being decided. Once it is accepted, treatment related to your injury is covered by WorkCover, and the costs you paid up front can usually be reimbursed. Reception will always explain any fees before your appointment, so there are no surprises.
Onsite physiotherapy and psychology
Physiotherapy is one of the most important parts of recovering from a work injury. Because our physio team is based in the clinic, your GP and physio plan your recovery together without you having to travel between providers. For accepted claims, physiotherapy is covered by WorkCover Queensland and your GP provides the referral at your first appointment.
Psychological injuries such as stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD are covered by WorkCover Queensland where work is a significant contributing factor. Raise it with your GP and we can include it in your plan and, where appropriate, refer you to our onsite psychologist.
Information for employers
If you are a Gold Coast employer looking for a medical centre to support your team through WorkCover claims, we work with businesses of all sizes. With your employee’s consent, we can liaise directly with you on work capacity, suitable duties and return to work timelines. We also offer pre employment medicals and occupational health assessments.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after a workplace injury should I see a GP?
As soon as you can, ideally the same day or the next. Delays in getting seen can complicate your claim and slow your recovery. Call us on (07) 5612 7830 and let reception know it is a WorkCover matter so we can get you in.
Do I need to lodge a claim before seeing a GP?
No. See a GP first. We assess your injury, complete your work capacity certificate and help you lodge your claim. You do not need an approved claim before your first appointment.
Who pays for my treatment while my claim is being assessed?
WorkCover Queensland pays once your claim is accepted, so you may be charged privately for your first visit and certificate while it is being decided. After your claim is accepted, treatment related to your injury is covered, and the costs you paid up front can usually be reimbursed. We will always explain any fees before your appointment.
Can I choose my own GP for a WorkCover claim?
Yes. In Queensland you have the right to choose your own treating GP. You do not have to use a doctor nominated by your employer or their insurer.
What is a work capacity certificate?
It is the medical certificate your Queensland WorkCover claim needs. Completed by a doctor, it sets out your diagnosis, what work you can and cannot do, the treatment you need and your expected recovery. Your claim is not valid without a current one.
My injury is affecting my mental health. Is that covered?
Yes. Psychological injuries such as stress, anxiety and depression are covered by WorkCover Queensland where work is a significant contributing factor. Raise it with your GP and it can be included in your plan, with a referral to our onsite psychologist if appropriate.
I am a tradie. Do you see a lot of WorkCover patients?
Yes, regularly. We see WorkCover patients from construction, trades, hospitality, retail, transport and many other industries across the Gold Coast. We understand physical work and take a practical approach to getting you back on the tools safely.
How long does a WorkCover claim take?
WorkCover Queensland usually decides a claim within about 20 business days. They will be in touch if they need more information or if it takes longer.
Related services
Injured at work? Come and see us.
Open 7 days at Australia Fair Metro, Scarborough Street, Southport. We will get you in promptly.