02 September 2010
Four psychologists have been referred to the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency (AHPRA*) over concerns relating to WorkSafe clients.
A WorkSafe review raised concerns about the practices of the psychologists. Other practitioners are under review.
WorkSafe is concerned that some psychologists are over-servicing or not providing effective services for clients who may be suffering from a range of conditions such as stress or who have developed psychological problems as a result of other injuries.
Each of the psychologists were asked to show-cause why they should not be referred to AHPRA’s state-based predecessor, the Psychologists Registration Board.
The Director of WorkSafe’s Injury Support and Service Division, Simon Bailey, said treatment record-keeping, the number of sessions provided and inadequate detail in billing were among the identified issues.
“WorkSafe’s role is to help injured people recover from injuries associated with their work but it is essential that they be given appropriate treatment so they make the most complete and quickest-possible recovery.
“Some practitioners kept poorly-detailed clinical notes with some patients having notations like ‘Treatment as above’.”
“As the custodian of the premiums paid by employers, we must also ensure that money is used appropriately and that billing is accurate.”
Mr Bailey said bills which did not describe what services were provided, and when, were not acceptable.
“Our message to psychologists and others who treat WorkSafe clients is to ensure your work is accurately recorded. It is in the interests of the patient and the wider community.
“There is no excuse for having haphazard records where these vulnerable people are concerned. They need to be kept so they can be verified or used by another person if the patient moves on.
“WorkSafe will seek voluntary compliance, but where poor standards could put people at risk or there is potential for fraud, we have options that will be pursued.”
* AHPRA (www.ahpra.gov.au) is the national agency responsible for the registration and accreditation of ten health professions. Apart from psychologists, AHPRA covers chiropractors, dentists, medical practitioners, nurses & midwives, optometrists, osteopaths, pharmacists, physiotherapists and podiatrists.
Source: Worksafe Victoria
1 comment:
I have had some experience with psychologists & found them useless. My own GP is more effective in my treatment.
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