Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation (Scales of Medical and Other Charges) Variation Regulations 2005 (SA)

Case

South Australia

Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation (Scales of Medical and Other Charges) Variation Regulations 2005

under the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986

Contents

Part 1—Preliminary

  1. Short title

  2. Commencement

  3. Variation provisions

Part 2—Variation of Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation (Scales of Medical and Other Charges) Regulations 1995

  1. Variation of regulation 3—Interpretation

  2. Substitution of regulation 4

    3AScales of charges—public hospitals

    4Scales of charges—private hospitals

  3. Variation of regulation 5—Scales of charges—physiotherapy services

  4. Substitution of regulation 6

    6Scales of charges—psychology services

  5. Variation of regulation 7—Scales of charges—speech pathologists

  6. Variation of regulation 8—Scales of charges—occupational therapists

  7. Substitution of regulation 9

    9Increase in charges for GST

  8. Substitution of Schedule 1 and Schedule 1A

    Schedule 1—Scales of charges—private hospitals

  9. Variation of Schedule 2—Scales of charges—physiotherapy services

  10. Substitution of Schedule 3

    Schedule 3—Scales of charges—psychology services

  11. Variation of Schedule 4—Scales of charges—speech pathologists

  12. Variation of heading to Schedule 5

Part 1—Preliminary

1—Short title

These regulations may be cited as the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation (Scales of Medical and Other Charges) Variation Regulations 2005.

2—Commencement

These regulations will come into operation on 16 January 2006.

3—Variation provisions

In these regulations, a provision under a heading referring to the variation of specified regulations varies the regulations so specified.

Part 2—Variation of Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation (Scales of Medical and Other Charges) Regulations 1995

4—Variation of regulation 3—Interpretation

  1. Regulation 3(1), definition of Claims Agent—delete the definition and substitute:

    claims agent means a private sector body that is a party to an authorised contract or arrangement under section 14 of the WorkCover Corporation Act 1994 involving the conferral of powers to manage and determine claims;

  2. Regulation 3(1), definition of Self-Managed Employer—delete the definition and substitute:

    occupational therapist means a person registered as an occupational therapist under the law of this State;

    physiotherapist means a person registered as a physiotherapist under the law of this State;

    psychologist means a person registered as a psychologist under the law of this State;

    self-insured employer means exempt employer;

5—Substitution of regulation 4

Regulation 4—delete the regulation and substitute:

3A—Scales of charges—public hospitals

Pursuant to section 32(11) of the Act, the scales of charges set out in the South Australian Health Commission (Compensable and Non-Medicare Patients Fees) Regulations 2004 as in force at 16 January 2006 are, subject to modification under regulation 9, prescribed as scales of charges for the purposes of section 32 for the provision of services in recognised hospitals and incorporated health centres (within the meaning of the South Australian Health Commission Act 1976).

4—Scales of charges—private hospitals

Pursuant to section 32(11) of the Act, the scales of charges set out in Schedule 1 are, subject to modification under regulation 9, prescribed as scales of charges for the purposes of section 32 for the provision of services in private hospitals.

6—Variation of regulation 5—Scales of charges—physiotherapy services

  1. Regulation 5—delete "subsection (11) of section 32" and substitute:

    section 32(11)

  2. Regulation 5—delete "regulation 9(1)" and substitute:

    regulation 9

  3. Regulation 5—delete "that section" and substitute:

    section 32

7—Substitution of regulation 6

Regulation 6—delete the regulation and substitute:

6—Scales of charges—psychology services

Pursuant to section 32(11) of the Act, the scales of charges set out in Schedule 3 are, subject to modification under regulation 9, prescribed as scales of charges for the purposes of section 32 for the provision of services by a psychologist.

8—Variation of regulation 7—Scales of charges—speech pathologists

  1. Regulation 7—delete "subsection (11) of section 32 of the Act, the fees" and substitute:

    section 32(11) of the Act, the scales of charges

  2. Regulation 7—delete "regulation 9(1)" and substitute:

    regulation 9

  3. Regulation 7—delete "that section" and substitute:

    section 32

9—Variation of regulation 8—Scales of charges—occupational therapists

  1. Regulation 8—delete "subsection (11) of section 32" and substitute:

    section 32(11)

  2. Regulation 8—delete "regulation 9(1)" and substitute:

    regulation 9

  3. Regulation 8—delete "that section" and substitute:

    section 32

  4. Regulation 8—delete "registered"

10—Substitution of regulation 9

Regulation 9—delete the regulation and substitute:

9—Increase in charges for GST

If a service for which a charge is prescribed in a scale of charges is subject to GST, the amount prescribed as the charge is increased by the amount of the GST.

11—Substitution of Schedule 1 and Schedule 1A

Schedule 1 and Schedule 1A—delete the Schedules and substitute:

Schedule 1—Scales of charges—private hospitals

Item No

Service description

Maximum charge

(excl GST)

SERVICES OTHER THAN PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES OR REHABILITATION SERVICES

Accommodation

Advanced surgical—shared room

PR100

1 or more days but not more than 7 days

$523.20 per day

PR105

8 or more days but not more than 14 days

$449.75 per day

PR110

15 or more days

$308.50 per day

Surgical—shared room

PR120

1 or more days but not more than 7 days

$446.35 per day

PR125

8 or more days but not more than 14 days

$384.20 per day

PR130

15 or more days

$259.90 per day

Medical—shared room

PR180

1 or more days but not more than 7 days

$437.30 per day

PR185

8 or more days but not more than 14 days

$385.35 per day

PR190

15 or more days

$261.05 per day

Other

PR300

High dependency unit

$715.30 per day

PR310

Advanced dependency

$898.35 per day

PR330

Intensive care—no ventilator

$1 593.30 per day

PR340

Intensive care—ventilator

$2 262.25 per day

PR400

Private room allocated on the basis of medical need

The private room charge only applies where the private room has been allocated on the basis of a medical need, as determined by the treating/admitting medical practitioner. In all other cases, the shared room rate applies.

Extra $12.45 per day

Inpatient pain assessment/management

PR700

1 or more days but not more than 7 days

$409.05 per day

PR705

8 or more days but not more than 14 days

$384.20 per day

PR710

15 or more days

$249.75 per day

Same day services

PR410

Band 1: including gastrointestinal endoscopy, some minor surgical and non surgical procedures not normally requiring anaesthetic.

$218.10

PR420

Band 2: including procedures other than Band 1 performed under local anaesthetic with no sedation.

Theatre time less than 1 hour.

$322.05

PR430

Band 3: including procedures other than Band 1 performed under a general or regional anaesthesia or intravenous sedation.

Theatre time less than 1 hour.

$376.30

PR440

Band 4: including procedures other than Band 1 performed under general or regional anaesthesia or intravenous sedation.

Theatre time 1 hour or more.

$398.90

Theatre

Only 1 theatre fee is payable per session.

The band into which services fall will be determined in accordance with the Procedure Banding List published by the Australian Private Hospitals Association Limited, 1 November 2005.

PRT1A

Band 1A

$96.05

PRT01

Band 1

$310.75

PRT02

Band 2

$396.65

PRT03

Band 3

$551.45

PRT04

Band 4

$797.80

PRT05

Band 5

$1 023.80

PRT06

Band 6

$1 348.10

PRT07

Band 7

$1 844.15

PRT08

Band 8

$1 968.45

PRT9A

Band 9A

$2 289.40

PRT09

Band 9

$2 626.10

PRT10

Band 10

$3 437.45

PRT11

Band 11

$4 878.20

PRT12

Band 12

$5 237.55

PRT13

Band 13

$4 952.80

PRT50

Dental minor

$293.80

PRT55

Dental major

$529.95

HOSPITAL REHABILITATION SERVICES

Rehabilitation orthopaedic program

An orthopaedic program involves referral and assessment by the rehabilitation coordinator of the program. It is a defined program with intense service provision. Rapid improvement is expected and there are specific outcome goals. The program includes physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, case conferences and discharge planning.

PR600

1 or more days but not more than 21 days

$447.50 per day

PR605

22 or more days

$375.15 per day

Rehabilitation trauma program

A trauma program involves referral and assessment by the rehabilitation coordinator of the program. It is a defined program with intense service provision. Rapid improvement is expected and there are specific outcome goals. The program includes physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, case conferences and discharge planning.

PR610

1 or more days but not more than 50 days

$555.95 per day

PR615

51 or more days

$501.70 per day

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES

Inpatient services

PR800

1 or more days but not more than 14 days

$475.75 per day

PR803

15 or more days but not more than 28 days

$366.10 per day

PR813

29 or more days but not more than 42 days

$280.25 per day

PR815

43 or more days

$213.55 per day

PR822

Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT)

$152.55 per day

PR850

Private room allocated on the basis of medical need

The private room charge only applies where the private room has been allocated on the basis of a medical need, as determined by the treating/admitting medical practitioner. In all other cases, the shared room rate applies.

Extra $12.45 per day

Drug and alcohol programs—inpatient

This program provides specialised treatment and care for patients with alcohol or drug dependencies (including analgesics/narcotics/opiates and Benzodiazepine). The program is managed by a multi-disciplinary team including a Medical Director and consultant psychiatrists. Where required, the program involves a medically controlled, safe withdrawal of drugs or alcohol.

PR990

1 or more days but not more than 14 days

$507.00 per day

PR991

15 or more days but not more than 35 days

$371.00 per day

PR992

36 or more days

$206.00 per day

Assessment treatment services

PR993

Multidisciplinary assessment treatment services

$600.00 per day

Same day services

A day program is usually available to provide ongoing support and care to patients after discharge for treatment as inpatients. It is managed by a multi-disciplinary team of health care professionals, and is tailored to the individual needs of the patient. It can include specialised therapy modules including cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation, assertiveness skills and anxiety management.

Outreach is treatment or care provided by the hospital to a non-admitted patient at a location outside the hospital premises (being treatment or care provided as a direct substitute for treatment or care that would normally be provided on the hospital premises).

For billing purposes, the 'O' in item numbers for same day services is an alphabetical letter not the number zero.

PRO81

Group session

$61.00

PRO82

Electro-convulsive therapy day program

$318.00

PRO83

Half-day program

$162.70

PRO84

Day program

$257.65

PRO95

Outreach

$147.00

12—Variation of Schedule 2—Scales of charges—physiotherapy services

  1. Schedule 2—delete "Self-Managed Employer, Exempt Employer or Claims Agent" wherever occurring and substitute in each case:

    self-insured employer or claims agent

  2. Schedule 2—delete "Self-Managed Employer, Exempt Employer, Claims Agent" wherever occurring and substitute in each case:

    self-insured employer, claims agent

  3. Schedule 2, Item No PT552—delete "self-managed employer or self insured (exempt) case manager,"

13—Substitution of Schedule 3

Schedule 3—delete the Schedule and substitute:

Schedule 3—Scales of charges—psychology services

This Schedule supersedes the scale of charges for medical services delivered by a registered psychologist fixed by notice under section 32 of the Act and published in the Gazette on 10 March 1994 at page 709.

This Schedule must be read in conjunction with the Psychology Fee Schedule Guidelines.

Item No

Service description

Maximum charge

(excl GST)

Psychological assessment

Assessment by a psychologist involving the psychologist's attendance on the client.

W0111

An attendance of not more than 15 minutes duration

$39.00

W0112

An attendance of more than 15 minutes duration but not more than 30 minutes duration

$58.50

W0113

An attendance of more than 30 minutes duration but not more than 45 minutes duration

$97.50

W0114

An attendance of more than 45 minutes duration but not more than 75 minutes duration

$156.00

W0115

An attendance of more than 75 minutes duration but not more than 105 minutes duration

$234.00

W0116

An attendance of more than 105 minutes duration but not more than 135 minutes duration

$312.00

W0117

An attendance of more than 135 minutes duration

$353.60

Consultations

Treatment and intervention by a psychologist involving the psychologist's attendance on the client.

Initial attendance

W0101

An attendance of not more than 15 minutes duration

$39.00

W0102

An attendance of more than 15 minutes duration but not more than 30 minutes duration

$58.50

W0103

An attendance of more than 30 minutes duration but not more than 45 minutes duration

$97.50

W0104

An attendance of more than 45 minutes duration but not more than 75 minutes duration

$156.00

W0105

An attendance of more than 75 minutes duration

$195.00

Subsequent attendance

W0121

An attendance of not more than 15 minutes duration

$39.00

W0122

An attendance of more than 15 minutes duration but not more than 30 minutes duration

$58.50

W0123

An attendance of more than 30 minutes duration but not more than 45 minutes duration

$97.50

W0124

An attendance of more than 45 minutes duration but not more than 75 minutes duration

$156.00

W0125

An attendance of more than 75 minutes duration

$195.00

Group therapy

Group therapy under the continuous direct supervision of a psychologist.

Group therapy (minimum of 2 clients, maximum of 9 clients)

W1704

Group therapy of more than 45 minutes duration and not more than 75 minutes duration

$30.75 (each client)

W1705

Group therapy of more than 75 minutes duration and not more than 105 minutes duration

$47.25 (each client)

W1706

Group therapy of more than 105 minutes duration and not more than 135 minutes duration

$62.65 (each client)

W1707

Group therapy of more than 135 minutes duration

$69.75 (each client)

Family group therapy (2 clients)

W1724

Family group therapy of more than 45 minutes duration and not more than 75 minutes duration

$78.00 (each client)

W1725

Family group therapy of more than 75 minutes duration and not more than 105 minutes duration

$117.00 (each client)

W1726

Family group therapy of more than 105 minutes duration and not more than 135 minutes duration

$156.00 (each client)

W1727

Family group therapy of more than 135 minutes

$176.10 (each client)

Family group therapy (3 or more clients)

W1714

Family group therapy of more than 45 minutes duration and not more than 75 minutes duration

$52.00 (each client)

W1715

Family group therapy of more than 75 minutes duration and not more than 105 minutes duration

$78.00 (each client)

W1716

Family group therapy of more than 105 minutes duration and not more than 135 minutes duration

$104.00 (each client)

W1717

Family group therapy of more than 135 minutes duration

$117.00 (each client)

Interview of a person other than a client

Interview by a psychologist of a person other than a client (eg spouse, employer, supervisor) for the purposes of obtaining information crucial to the treatment and management of the injury. The psychologist must be able to provide clear justification for this service, if requested.

W0131

Interview of a person other than a client, not more than 15 minutes duration

$39.00

W0132

Interview of a person other than a client, more than 15 minutes duration but not more than 30 minutes duration

$58.50

W0133

Interview of a person other than a client, more than 30 minutes duration but not more than 45 minutes duration

$97.50

W0134

Interview of a person other than a client, more than 45 minutes duration but not more than 75 minutes duration

$156.00

W0135

Interview of a person other than a client, more than 75 minutes duration

$195.00

Independent clinical assessment

Services provided by a psychologist other than the treating psychologist comprising—

      •      a review of the worker's psychological/medical history; and

      •      clinical assessment of the worker; and

      •      preparation of a report,

for the purpose of clarifying the worker's current psychological/psychosocial status and barriers to return to work, and providing advice on appropriate treatment or management.

The report may be requested in writing by—

      •      a claims agent or self-insured employer; or

      •      a worker or worker's representative.

W0780

Independent clinical assessment

$156.00 per hour

Vocational assessment

A vocational assessment of a worker by a psychologist to identify potential and alternative career and employment options carried out by means of integrated clinical and standardised assessment procedures and instruments.

WV111

Vocational assessment, an attendance of not more than 15 minutes duration

$39.00

WV112

Vocational assessment, an attendance of more than 15 minutes duration but not more than 30 minutes duration

$58.50

WV113

Vocational assessment, an attendance of more than 30 minutes duration but not more than 45 minutes duration

$97.50

WV114

Vocational assessment, an attendance of more than 45 minutes duration but not more than 75 minutes duration

$156.00

WV115

Vocational assessment, an attendance of more than 75 minutes duration but not more than 105 minutes duration

$234.00

WV116

Vocational assessment, an attendance of more than 105 minutes duration but not more than 135 minutes duration

$312.00

WV117

Vocational assessment, an attendance of more than 135 minutes duration

$353.60

Reports

Vocational report

A vocational report by a psychologist providing advice on factors affecting occupational options following a vocational assessment. These factors may include—

      •      psychosocial factors such as beliefs, motivation, attitude and personality

      •      skills and abilities

      •      cultural, religious or ethnic factors

      •      socio-economic context

      •      medical status

      •      education

      •      advice on strategies to assist in the return to work process.

The report may include responses to specific questions asked by the claims agent or self-insured employer.

WRV20

Vocational report, to provide advice on factors affecting occupational options following vocational assessment—First page

$125.00

Second and subsequent pages

$62.00

Other reports

Report by a psychologist, other than a report of an independent clinical assessment or a vocational report, requested by a claims agent, self-insured employer, worker or worker's representative.

Comprehensive report

A report will be taken to be comprehensive when re-examination of the patient is a prerequisite for the preparation of the report.

WR020

Comprehensive report—first page

$125.00

Second and subsequent pages

$62.00

Standard report

A report will be taken to be standard when re-examination of the worker is not required and the report is based on a transcription of existing clinical records.

WRT20

Standard report—first page

$93.00

Second and subsequent pages

$47.00

For the purposes of the charges for vocational and other reports—

    (a)    a page means a page of A4 paper that complies with the following:

     (i)     a top margin of no more than 2 centimetres;

    (ii)     a bottom margin of no more than 2 centimetres;

    (iii)    side margins of no more than 2.5 centimetres;

    (iv)    line spacing of no more than 1.5 centimetres;

    (v)    more than 75% of the lines on the page contain text; and

    (b)    if a page complies with (a) except (a)(v), the charge will be reduced as follows:

     (i)     if 25% or less of the lines on the page contain text, the charge is 25% of the charge otherwise payable;

    (ii)     if more than 25% but not more than 50% of the lines on the page contain text, the charge is 50% of the charge otherwise payable;

    (iii)    if more than 50% but not more than 75% of the lines on the page contain text, the charge is 75% of the charge otherwise payable.

Telephone calls

Calls of a case specific nature made by a psychologist to, or received by a psychologist from, the worker's referring/treating medical expert, worker's employer, rehabilitation provider, claims agent or self-insured employer, WorkCover provider consultant or worker's representative, excluding—

    (a)    calls made during a consultation; and

    (b)    calls of a duration of 3 minutes or less.

There is no charge for a telephone call to or from a worker.

W0180

Telephone calls greater than 3 minutes

$2.60 per minute

Travel

A return trip approved by a claims agent or self-insured employer by a treating psychologist from the treating psychologist's rooms to another place for the purpose of a home, hospital or worksite visit or case conference.

WT001

Travel time

$156.00 per hour

Case conference

Case conference, attended by a psychologist and authorised by a claims agent or self-insured employer, for the purpose of determining—

      •      details of limitations/recommendations relating to a sustainable return to work

      •      options for management of a worker's recovery

      •      other related information

A case conference may be requested by—

      •      a treating medical expert

      •      an employer

      •      a worker or worker's representative

      •      a claims agent or self-insured employer

      •      a rehabilitation provider contracted by WorkCover.

W0130

Case Conference

$156.00 per hour

The hourly rate excludes travelling time from rooms or other appropriate departure point to the venue and return. Travel may be charged separately.

Non-scheduled services

A service of a kind not listed above provided by a psychologist and authorised by a claims agent or self-insured employer prior to the delivery of the service as being necessary, appropriate and reasonably required.

W9999

Non scheduled services

$156.00 per hour

14—Variation of Schedule 4—Scales of charges—speech pathologists

  1. Schedule 4—delete ", Self-Managed Employer, or Exempt Employer" wherever occurring and substitute in each case:

    or self-insured employer

  2. Schedule 4—delete "Self-Managed Employer or Exempt Employer" wherever occurring and substitute in each case:

    or self-insured employer

  3. Schedule 4—delete "an Exempt Employer" wherever occurring and substitute in each case:

    a self-insured employer

  4. Schedule 4—delete the item headed "ACCOUNTS/RECEIPT PREPARATION STANDARDS" (including Notes 1 to 4 under that heading)

15—Variation of heading to Schedule 5

Heading to Schedule 5—delete "Registered"

Note—

As required by section 10AA(2) of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1978, the Minister has certified that, in the Minister's opinion, it is necessary or appropriate that these regulations come into operation as set out in these regulations.

Made by the Administrator

following consultation as required under section 32(13) of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986 and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council

on 15 December 2005

No 276 of 2005

05WKC010CS & 05WKC013CS

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