WorkCover QLD Referrals – Information for GPs
The Fortius team is a WorkCover QLD-registered provider for physiotherapy, exercise physiology & podiatry on the Sunshine Coast, committed to helping individuals recover after a workplace accident. We specialise in WorkCover rehabilitation, offering expert care and personalised treatment plans to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being. Our experienced team of physiotherapists, exercise physiologists & podiatrists work closely with each client to support their safe and effective return to work.
Or contact us at 07 5413 5202
When to Refer a WorkCover Patient to Fortius Allied Health
Acute work-related Musculoskeletal Injuries
Back/neck pain, shoulder, knee, upper & lower limb.
Not progressing as expected
Injuries that are not progressing as expected with initial management.
Workplace injuries
Falls prevention, ergonomics assessments, return to work rehab programs
Recurrent or complex musculoskeletal conditions
Affecting work capacity.
Persistent pain and functional limitation
Impacting job performance.
Structured Rehab
A need for structured rehabilitation or work‑conditioning.
What We Offer for WorkCover Patients
Fortius Allied Health provides a multidisciplinary allied health service for injured workers (adapt this if needed: e.g. physiotherapy, exercise physiology, podiatry, etc.).
Key features of our WorkCover service include:
Timely access for WorkCover patients
- New referrals are typically seen within 24–48 hours of receipt
- Initial assessment appointments are usually available within 1-2 business days
Comprehensive initial assessment
- Clinical assessment and working diagnosis within scope of practice
- Functional assessment with consideration of the patient’s usual work tasks
- Identification of factors that may affect recovery and return to work
Evidence‑informed rehabilitation
- Individualised treatment plans aligned with contemporary guidelines
- Graded activity and work‑focused rehabilitation where appropriate
- Collaboration with other treating practitioners as required
Return‑to‑work planning
- Practical recommendations regarding current and future work capacity
- Clear, duty‑relevant restrictions (e.g. lifting, repetitions, postures, hours)
- Liaison with workplace, rehabilitation providers and insurers where appropriate and with consent
Structured, concise communication back to you
- Initial report following assessment, usually within 4 sessions (depending on situation)
- Progress reports at agreed intervals or when there is a significant change in work capacity
- Information presented in a format that can be readily used when completing WorkCover certificates
Our goal is to support your clinical management by providing clear, functional information that can help guide certification and ongoing treatment planning.
What Our WorkCover Reports Typically Include
Reports from Fortius Allied Health are designed to be concise and clinically relevant. A typical WorkCover report may include:
- Presenting problem and working diagnosis (within allied health scope)
- Key clinical and functional findings
- Current work capacity and specific restrictions
- e.g. lifting/carrying limits, standing/sitting tolerances, overhead work, driving, hours of work
- Planned treatment and rehabilitation goals
- Staged return‑to‑work recommendations, where appropriate
- Estimated timeframes for functional milestones (with the understanding that these are estimates and may change)
- Any suggested considerations for GP review, including medication review, imaging, or referral to other specialists if indicated
If you or your practice have specific reporting preferences, we are happy to discuss and adapt our format where practical.
How to Refer WorkCover Patients
We aim to keep the referral process straightforward and compatible with existing general practice workflows.
Where possible, please include:
- Patient demographics and contact details
- WorkCover claim number (if available)
- Employer name, role description and key job demands
- Brief description of the injury, mechanism and onset
- Current work status and any existing restrictions
- Summary of investigations (e.g. imaging) and relevant reports
Referral options
Secure messaging / Medical Objects
Secure email:
Phone (for discussion or urgent cases):
If your practice would like a WorkCover referral template or a one‑page summary of our pathway, please contact us and we can provide this in print or electronic form.
Our Approach to WorkCover and GP Collaboration
Fortius Allied Health recognises the GP as the central coordinating practitioner in WorkCover cases. Our role is to:
- Provide objective, clinically‑based assessments within our scope of practice
- Offer functional information and recommendations that may assist you with WorkCover certification and clinical decisions
- Communicate in a timely and transparent manner
- Work towards safe, durable return to work where appropriate, while considering the patient’s overall health and circumstances
If you would like to discuss our WorkCover services, referral options or a specific patient, please contact:
Fortius Allied Health
Phone: (07) 5413 5202
Email: contact@fortiusalliedhealth.com.au
Address:
- Birtinya – 5 Discovery Crt, Birtinya, QLD, 4575
- Caloundra – 41 Bombala Tce, Caloundra, QLD, 4551
- Noosa – Level 1, 26 Eenie Creek Rd, Noosaville, QLD, 4566
- Gympie – 3 Queen St, Gympie, QLD, 4570
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Using a combination of hands-on therapy, advanced techniques, and education, we aim to empower our clients to achieve optimal health and return to work. Work-related injuries have a high incidence of becoming long-standing injuries if not treated promptly. Our team will be able to perform a detailed physiotherapy assessment to determine the best course of action to help with a positive return to work and recovery.
Here’s what you can expect:
Assessment & History
We’ll start by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. It helps us understand the bigger picture and how we can best support your recovery. We’ll also assess your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility to pinpoint the areas that need treatment.
Diagnosis & Goal Setting
Once we’ve gathered all the information, we’ll explain what’s going on and what might be contributing to the issue. Together, we’ll set both short-term and long-term recovery goals that are specific to your needs and discuss your treatment plan, regarding the number of sessions required with Physio +- other modalities/investigations
Treatment Plan
Your treatment will be tailored to help you recover quickly and effectively. This might include:
- Hands-on therapy like massage, joint mobilisation, or dry needling to ease tension and improve movement.
- Exercise prescription with stretching, strengthening, and rehab exercises designed for your recovery.
- Education on things like posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle changes to help you manage your condition and prevent further injury
- Pain management tools like ice/heat therapy, taping, or electrotherapy if needed to help manage discomfort.
Home Program
To keep you on track, we’ll provide you with exercises and self-care strategies to do at home. We’ll also check in on your progress and discuss any follow-up appointments to ensure you’re heading in the right direction.
Our goal is to make your recovery as smooth and effective as possible – with a plan that fits into your life and helps you feel better, faster!
Our Specialties
Pre & Post-surgical
Rehabilitation & Screening
Pre-surgical rehabilitation ("prehab") helps optimize strength, mobility, and conditioning before surgery, improving recovery outcomes. Post-surgical rehab focuses on restoring function, reducing pain, and preventing complications through mobility exercises, pain management, and progressive strengthening. Both phases aim to enhance recovery, improve overall function, and support a safe return to daily activities.
Chronic Pain Management
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in chronic pain management by focusing on pain education, helping individuals understand pain mechanisms and reduce fear-avoidance behaviours. Through targeted exercise therapy, manual techniques, and movement retraining, it improves strength, flexibility, and overall function. By addressing both physical and psychological aspects of pain, physiotherapy empowers individuals to move confidently and manage pain effectively in daily life.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries range from acute sprains and strains to overuse conditions like tendonitis. Physiotherapy plays a key role in recovery by reducing pain, restoring mobility, and preventing re-injury through tailored exercises, hands-on therapy, and movement retraining. It also focuses on injury prevention and performance enhancement, helping athletes return to sport safely and efficiently.
Return to Work Assessments
As a registered WorkCover QLD provider, our return-to-work assessments are designed to help you safely transition back to your job after an injury or surgery. Our physiotherapists evaluate your physical capabilities, work demands, and any potential challenges you may face in your specific role. By identifying any areas of concern, we can develop a personalized plan to address weaknesses, improve mobility, and ensure you’re fully prepared to return to work with confidence and minimal risk of re-injury.
Our Modalities
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can Physiotherapy help with?
Absolutely. Even if your doctor suggests a physiotherapist, you have the right to select your preferred provider, provided they are registered with WorkCover Queensland.
Do I need a referral to start Physiotherapy under WorkCover QLD?
Yes, to have your physiotherapy treatment covered by WorkCover Queensland, you typically need a referral from your General Practitioner (GP). Your GP will provide a Work Capacity Certificate confirming your injury and the need for physiotherapy.
Can Physiotherapy help with chronic pain?
Yes, physiotherapy is effective in managing chronic pain by addressing movement dysfunction, strengthening muscles, and using pain management techniques like education, manual therapy, and exercise. At Fortius Allied Health, we work closely with Chronic Pain Specialists to ensure you are managed effectively.
What should I wear to a Physiotherapy appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily and access the area being treated. For example, shorts or loose pants for leg treatments or a loose top for shoulder or back issues.
Will I need to do exercises at home?
Depending on your condition and the Assessment completed by the Physiotherapist, you may be required to complete a home exercise program. If directed to complete this by your Physiotherapist, you will be sent a link to view the videos and exercises on an App known as Physitrack.
Is Physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Physiotherapy is often covered by private health insurance, depending on your plan. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage. At Fortius Allied Health we will also see patients with: Workcover, CTP Claims, DVA, NDIS and Medicare Care Plans (Not Bulk Billed).
What should I expect after a Physiotherapy treatment?
After treatment, you may feel some mild soreness or fatigue, especially if you’ve worked on strengthening exercises or received manual therapy. This is usually temporary and should subside within 24–48 hours. If discomfort persists, it’s important to contact your physiotherapist and make them aware of how you are feeling. Following your sessions you should feel more educated on your condition and have a clear treatment plan moving forward.
How long will I need physiotherapy?
The duration of physiotherapy depends on the condition being treated, its severity, and your personal progress. Your physiotherapist will assess your needs and develop a treatment plan with specific goals and timelines. At Fortius, we ensure that we provide you with self-management tools so that you do not have to repeatedly return for appointments.
Can I choose my own Physiotherapist under WorkCover QLD?
Absolutely. Even if your doctor suggests a physiotherapist, you have the right to select your preferred provider, provided they are registered with WorkCover Queensland.
Are there any out-of-pocket costs for WorkCover physiotherapy?
Generally, there are no out-of-pocket expenses for approved WorkCover physiotherapy treatments. However, if your physiotherapist recommends a treatment or item not covered by WorkCover, you may incur costs if you choose to proceed with those services.
What is the process for making a WorkCover claim for physiotherapy?
To initiate a WorkCover claim:
Consult your GP to obtain a Work Capacity Certificate.
Inform your employer about your injury and provide them with the certificate.
Lodge your claim with WorkCover Queensland.
Once your claim is approved, you can commence physiotherapy treatment with a registered provider.
How many physiotherapy sessions are covered under WorkCover QLD?
WorkCover typically approves an initial block of 5–6 sessions. More can be added following review or updated clinical notes.