Consultations between injured workers and health service providers can be conducted by telephone under new rules from the NSW regulator to foster social distancing and relieve pressure on the health system.

The changes, announced by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), apply to consultations with doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, psychologists, counsellors, exercise specialists and other consultants.

“We recognise that COVID-19 may impact an injured person’s ability to attend face-to-face medical appointments,” SIRA says.

“So that we can minimise social contact and the demand on our health system, we have introduced new arrangements for telehealth services so that consultations between injured people and providers can occur over the telephone.”

Insurers will need to consider the appropriateness of this service on a case-by-case basis and provide pre-approval for the consultation to take place. SIRA says insurers should also consider the use of video consultations at this time.