Workers Compensation

Advicon Imaging accepts NSW workers compensation claims for X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI and image-guided procedures. There is no patient gap fee for an approved examination. We bill your insurer directly and handle the paperwork.

We recognise that navigating workers compensation and injury-related claims can be a complex and often stressful experience. To support a smooth and efficient process we have a dedicated workers compensation administration team focused on delivering timely, accurate and high-quality service, so you can concentrate on your treatment and recovery.

All you need to arrange your appointment is your imaging referral and your insurer's approval letter. Our team takes care of the rest.

Injured in a motor vehicle accident instead? See our CTP imaging page.

Workers' Compensation imaging services available at Advicon Imaging

Depending on your referral and your insurer's approval, we can provide:

• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• CT
• 3.0T Wide Bore MRI
• Musculoskeletal imaging
• Image-guided procedures
• Other specialised diagnostic imaging examinations

Not every examination is offered at every clinic. Contact us with your referral and we will arrange your appointment at the most convenient location.

Will I pay anything for my scan?

No. Under the NSW workers' compensation scheme, a provider is not permitted to bill an injured worker directly for services related to their claim.

Advicon Imaging invoices your workers' compensation insurer at the fee rates set by SIRA, the NSW regulator. There is no patient gap fee for an approved examination, and you will not be asked to pay anything on the day.

Your insurer's approval letter confirms which examinations they have agreed to fund. If you attend for something that is not covered, our team will contact you before proceeding.

If you are not sure whether your scan is covered, email your documents to contact@advicon-imaging.com.au or call your nearest clinic, and we will check for you.

Do I need insurer approval before my scan?

Not always. SIRA's guidance sets out a number of treatments and services that do not require pre-approval from the insurer, and some diagnostic imaging falls within them.

Imaging that can generally proceed without prior insurer approval includes:

• Plain X-rays referred by your nominated treating doctor or a specialist medical practitioner
• Ultrasound, CT and MRI within three months of the date of injury, where your nominated treating doctor has referred you to a medical specialist for further injury management
• Any diagnostic investigation referred by your treating specialist within three months of the date of injury
• Any treatment within 48 hours of the injury

A GP's MRI referral must also meet Medicare Benefits Schedule criteria. Higher-cost imaging outside these exemptions generally needs insurer approval before it is funded.

These are general scheme rules rather than a decision about your individual claim. Your nominated treating doctor or your insurer's case manager can confirm what applies to you. Full details are in SIRA's Guidelines for claiming workers compensation at sira.nsw.gov.au.

What we need from you: bring your referral and your approval letter, if one has been issued. If you have a referral but no approval letter, contact us before booking, and our team will tell you what is required for your examination.

Can I choose where I have my scan?

Yes. Under the NSW workers compensation scheme, you choose your own service providers, including where you have your imaging. There is no approved panel for diagnostic imaging.

icare's guidance for injured workers is that you select your own providers, much as you would choose a GP or a physiotherapist. Your doctor may suggest a provider, but the decision is yours.

Things worth thinking about: how close the clinic is to home or work, whether it offers the examination your doctor has requested, and whether it bills workers' compensation insurers directly so you are not out of pocket.

If your referral names a different provider, you can still choose to attend Advicon Imaging. Bring the referral with you.

Referring a Workers' Compensation patient

Advicon Imaging accepts workers' compensation referrals from doctors, specialists and other eligible healthcare practitioners, and works directly with insurers and case managers on approved examinations.

Billing. We invoice the insurer directly at the applicable SIRA fee rates. The patient is not billed, and there is no gap.

Prior imaging. Where earlier studies are relevant, comparison with prior imaging can help distinguish injury-related findings from pre-existing change. Let us know at the time of referral and we will arrange access where possible.

Reports are returned to the referring practitioner.

Send referrals and approval letters to contact@advicon-imaging.com.au, or use the online referral form.

Injured in a motor vehicle accident?

If your injuries came from a car, motorcycle or other motor vehicle accident, your imaging is usually covered by Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance rather than workers' compensation.

The process at Advicon Imaging is much the same. Bring your referral and your insurer's approval letter, and there is no patient gap fee. Our CTP page covers how claims work, what to do if you do not have a claim number yet, and which scans are available.

If your accident happened while you were working, both schemes may apply. Your employer, insurer or treating doctor can advise which claim covers your imaging.

Frequently asked questions