Four things to know about the Official Disability Guidelines

Earlier this year APM WorkCare presented at the National Worker’s Compensation Summit in Melbourne.

As part of the presentation APM’s Alicia Sanzo, Branch Manager for Victoria, discussed the value to businesses and employers of The Official Disability Guidelines in supporting their injured employees.

In particular using the ODG to help achieve successful return to work outcomes with medical practitioners.
Alicia’s presentation was so well received we have published a PDF version you can view here.

If you missed out on this year’s summit here are four key things you need to know about the ODG.

1. The Official Disability Guidelines are an online database containing recommendations for RTW and evidence-based treatment guidelines for specific conditions. This data has been collated from the analysis of over 10 million injury cases and review of best practice literature.
2. The ODG are regularly updated and reviewed internally and externally.
3. In supporting a client returning to work, the information gained from the ODG RTW guidelines can be used to support appropriate certification of a client, identification of risk when a client is not progressing as the evidence would suggest prompting collaborative client-centred conversations to address key barriers for RTW and recovery, guide claims management projections and assist with the development of RTW plans.
4. The evidence-based treatment guidelines can also be used by claims management teams to streamline treatment approvals in line with the best practice evidence to ensure the appropriate treatment is delivered, reduce delay to treatment and ensure clients are adequately supported to achieve the highest possible level of recovery.

To learn more about how APM WorkCare can help you use the ODG to support your workforce, contact us today. Email workcare.customers@apm.net.au and we’ll be in touch!