Over many years Hobart Occupational Medicine has accepted GP referrals to assist with the medical management and rehabilitation of patients with complex work-related injury and disease. This has included the provision of telephone advice, clinical and workplace assessment and, where requested by the GP and agreed in consultation with other parties, acceptance of the role of co-ordinating doctor – referred to as the Primary Treating Medical Practitioner (PTMP) in Tasmanian Workers compensation legislation.
Unfortunately Hobart Occupational Medicine can no longer continue its commitment to accept GP referrals because of lack of availability of suitably qualified practitioners as I move closer to retirement.
As from 01 November 2024, I can no longer accept GP referrals, although I am happy to provide telephone advice where urgent occupational medical issues arise.
Where a patient’s needs primarily relate to legal and employment matters e.g., the assessment of causation, impairment rating, fitness for work etc, I will continue to provide assessments, but the worker’s employer, insurer or legal practitioner must make the referral.
I have contacted qualified Occupational & Environmental Physicians who have a presence in Southern Tasmania about their availability to accept GP referrals and advise about treatment and rehabilitation, as a part of the injured worker’s treating team.
The only option at present for GP referrals to a specialist Occupational Physician, as far as I am aware, is through Dr Carlin White’s WorkFit practice in Launceston, but patients would need to travel to Launceston.
For more information, Dr White can be contacted on 63317711.
Peter Sharman 14 November 2024
