Help us improve return to work outcomes within primary care

In February we shared with you that our data is showing more New Zealanders are taking time off work for low complexity injuries, and their time to recover is getting longer. We know that longer recovery timeframes and extended time off work has negative impacts for the injured person, their whānau, employer, and community. This is also putting significant pressure on the Accident Compensation (AC) Scheme and the sustainability of the entitlements we provide.   

Achieving better rehabilitation outcomes continues to be a key focus for ACC and we want to collaborate with you on interventions that are going to improve recovery outcomes for kiritaki (clients). As the main entry point into the AC Scheme, we see primary care as a critical contributor to this effort.  

To continue work towards this goal, we published an Advanced Notice this week to signal our intention to seek innovative and practical solutions to improve the processes and outcomes associated with medical certification.  

We want to embed a more consistent and reliable approach to medical certification that supports both ACC clients and clinicians, reduces administrative burden, and drives early and sustained return to work.  

We are seeking at least three entities to implement and manage interventions, in collaboration with ACC. We require suppliers to have coverage across multiple general practice clinics (i.e. meso-level organisations) and meaningful clinician influence, with potential to scale.  

Read the Advanced Notice for more information.