Clients who require time off work because of their injury will need a medical certificate from a medical practitioner. You can record incapacity details on the ACC45 claim form, but if an ACC45 has already been lodged, you need to complete the ACC18 medical certificate.
Issuing work incapacity certificates
The ACC18 describes how the client’s injury affects their capacity for work. ACC expects the work incapacity to be in line with our treatment profiles. If there is a difference, medical providers may be asked to explain why.
How to complete an ACC18
All clients should be examined before they are issued with a new medical certificate. ACC regards it as inappropriate to issue new medical certificates without first examining the patient.
- Question the client to find out:
- the type of work your client does
- the tasks the work involves
- how long they have been doing that job
- what their working conditions are like
- any problems or injuries they had before the accident
- any concerns or fears they have about returning to work
- the tasks they are still able to do.
- Estimate the time in which you expect your patient to be fit for normal work. This helps our case managers to negotiate with employers on behalf of the client, and to develop rehabilitation programmes that best suit their needs.
- Request any home help or personal care on the ACC18.
- Make sure the patient signs the ACC18 to say that they agree with your findings.
- Send the ACC18 to your nearest ACC office.
Note:
Retrospective certification is unacceptable practice.
Last updated: 20 February 2009