State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
Mr Michael Ryan is an Independent Physiotherapy Consultant (IPC) for SIRA (formally WorkCover NSW).
IPCs are appointed by a professional selection panel. The appointment is meritorious and reviewed regularly by SIRA.
IPCs are experienced in the assessment and management of work related injuries and provide independent peer reviews of physiotherapy management and of patient conditions. These reviews range from the simple review of a written request for equipment to the thorough physical examination of a worker and provision of a comprehensive report. IPCs often liaise with the treating physiotherapist to discuss options and develop an agreed management approach.
If you have been injured at work and have not improved or returned to work despite ongoing treatment, you may need an assessment by an IPC.
If you are a physiotherapist who is concerned about a worker’s progress or any other issue with which you feel you need some assistance, then an opinion by an IPC may assist you with your patient’s management.
For more information, visit SIRA.
CTP and SIRA Assessments
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Assessments
Our Specialists provide high quality, detailed assessments for claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents, who are insured under the NSW CTP system.
Our independent assessments and recommendations for management follow available best practice, evidence based practice and clinical guidelines.
Our Specialist Physiotherapists are happy to liaise with treating practitioners at the direction of the CTP insurer. If needed, we can recommend alternate practitioners if the current treatment is not achieving the outcomes expected.
Director, Dr Trudy Rebbeck, has extensive experience in preparing detailed assessments for each of the CTP insurers in NSW and educating CTP insurance personnel and health professionals in the management of whiplash.
All Specialist Physiotherapists certify that they have read and are familiar with Schedule 1 of the District Court’s Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses and agree to be bound by that Code. Their reports will to the best of their ability, be prepared in accordance with the Code.
We welcome enquiries from CTP insurance personnel including claims consultants, case managers and rehabilitation advisors.
Contact our office for further information.
State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) (formally MAS) Assessments
Dr Trudy Rebbeck is an Assessor for the State Insurance Regulatory Authority.
SIRA assesses medical disputes between a person injured in a motor vehicle accident and an insurer.
SIRA Assessors are appointed under Section 59 of the Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 on the basis of their acknowledged expertise, independence and credibility within their area of specialty.
If you have been injured and need more information about this service, call the SIRA Claims Advisory Service on 1300 656 919 or visit the SIRA website.
Medico Legal Services
We can provide the highest level of service and support for all medicolegal matters.
Our Specialists have acted as expert witnesses in civil court proceedings and have provided input to legal teams on matters relating to physiotherapy.
We have acted in defence of physiotherapists and conversely for those bringing action against a physiotherapist or a health service, dependent on those who have sought our opinion. We also have proven experience providing independent opinion in Commission based and Conciliation proceedings.
We are steadfastly committed to maintaining our independence and autonomy.
The skilled, experienced and eloquent medicolegal opinions furnished by our Specialists will be at all times independent, concise, clear and well constructed. Our opinions are always rigorous and robust and relate directly to the instructions provided. They are supported by an insightful interpretation of current best practice guidelines, professional standards of practice and of ethical behaviour.
All Specialist Physiotherapists providing medico-legal opinions certify that they have read and are familiar with Schedule 1 of the District Court’s Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses and agree to be bound by that Code. Their reports will to the best of their ability, be prepared in accordance with the Code.
We welcome enquiries from legal practitioners, conciliators or others who require a highly skilled and well crafted opinion about physiotherapy treatment or physiotherapist behaviour.