Guide the right treatment, early.
One place for employers, brokers, insurers and case managers to work out the right pathway for an injury or health condition, whether it happened at work or not.
Every situation starts in one of three places
Work-related injury
WorkCover WA or ICWA claims. Early referral, suitable duties and a coordinated treating team.
Funded by: the insurer, once approved
Pain Pathways Program
For a physical injury where pain, stress or mood are getting in the way, or a psychological injury. Exercise Physiologist and Psychologist working together.
With STAR Injury Management · 4 to 6 sessions each, plus reports
About Pain PathwaysNon-work injury or condition
Weekend injuries, menopause, endometriosis, diabetes, persistent pain, mental health. Not a claim, but it still shows up at work.
Funded by: GP care plan, private health or private
Early intervention
Act in the first weeks, not the first months. Spot the warning signs and get the right support before things drift.
The earlier, the simpler
Start the triage toolWhich pathway fits?
Four quick questions. You'll get the funding route, how soon to act and the next steps.
A guide only, not a clinical assessment. Always follow the advice of the treating GP. In an emergency call 000.
The quick reference
Open one to read it here, or download the one-page version to pin up or send on.
Funding routes at a glanceWorkCover, ICWA, GP care plans, private health and community programs
| Route | Covers | What it gives | Who starts it |
|---|---|---|---|
| WorkCover WA | Work injuries | Approved treatment for the claimed injury | GP certificate, claim form, insurer approval |
| ICWA | Motor vehicle injuries | Approved treatment | Claim with ICWA |
| GP Chronic Condition Management Plan | Conditions lasting 6+ months | Medicare rebate on up to 5 allied health visits a year | GP |
| Type 2 diabetes group services | Type 2 diabetes | Medicare rebate on an assessment plus up to 8 group sessions a year | GP |
| Endometriosis Management Plan | Endo or chronic pelvic pain | Structured GP plan, links to a care plan | GP |
| Mental Health Treatment Plan | Mental health conditions | Medicare rebate on up to 10 psychology sessions a year | Usual GP |
| Private health extras | Depends on cover | Part rebate on Exercise Physiology | No referral needed |
| Community programs | Mental health, diabetes, cancer, arthritis | Government or charity funded programs, no cost to attend: Medicare Mental Health Centres, Diabetes WA, Cancer Council WA, Arthritis WA | Self-referral |
Who's in the treating teamWho does what, plus a fill-in contact sheet
Leads care, certificates and care plans
Builds capacity and confidence to move
Early assessment and hands-on treatment
Stress, mood and pain coping
Keeps everyone connected
Suitable duties and keeping in touch
Early warning signs to watchSigns recovery might stall, and what to do
These don't mean someone won't recover. They mean it's worth acting early.
- Worried that work or movement will cause harm
- Expecting not to be back at work for a long time
- Low mood, poor sleep or high stress
- Not feeling supported at work
- Managing other health conditions
- Off work for more than 2 weeks with little change
The first two weeksA simple checklist for employers after an injury
- Check in within 24 to 48 hours
- Encourage an early GP visit
- Talk about what they can do, not just what they can't
- Offer suitable duties or adjustments
- Agree when you'll check in next
Early, coordinated and whole-person care works
lost time claims in WA in 2024/25
WorkCover WA Annual Statistical Report 2024/25of WA lost time claims ran 60+ days, making up 89% of claim costs. Up from 41% four years earlier.
WorkCover WA Long Duration Claims Report 2024/25returned to work after 180+ days off, compared with about 95% of those off for under 60 days
WorkCover WA Long Duration Claims Report 2024/25median time off for mental health claims nationally, almost 5 times the 7.4 week median for all serious claims
Safe Work Australia, Key WHS Statistics 2025Workplace support shortens time off work
For musculoskeletal conditions, workplace interventions reduced time to return to work and improved pain and function.
Cochrane review, van Vilsteren et al. 2015Coordinated healthcare matters for recovery
Health care plus coordination plus work adjustments reduced time away for pain and mental health conditions.
Cullen et al. 2017Chronic conditions can slow recovery if we ignore them
Diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart disease and depression were linked to longer time off after a work injury.
Smith et al. 2014, 150,000+ claimsMovement confidence matters
A Perth-led trial of Cognitive Functional Therapy showed large, lasting gains for persistent back pain at lower cost.
Kent et al. 2023, The LancetWhat you can expect from us
Accredited Exercise Physiologists in musculoskeletal rehab, persistent pain and women's health. Mobile across Perth and the Southwest, plus our Greenwood clinic on Wednesdays.
Not sure where to start? Let's work it out together.
If this sounds like someone on your team or your caseload, we'd love to help.
The information in this hub is general and isn't a substitute for advice from a health professional. External links are provided for convenience and listing a service doesn't mean we endorse it. In an emergency call 000.