Step one:
Understanding your business
The more we know about your workplace, the better informed our doctor’s decisions can be. So in the set-up phase, we take the time to understand the work environment, jobs and tasks, and possible alternative duties.
We’ll review and collaborate to optimise your company’s injury management process. And as well as connecting with your chosen Physios, Occupational Therapists and Case Managers, we’ll hold a range of introductions and education sessions for your teams with our experts in rehabilitation and human resources.
Step two:
Taking care of workers
Once the set-up phase is done, companies have access to the members’ portal on our website. Here, teams can make referrals, book workers in to see our Injury Doctors plus access handbooks and resources. Injury Doc NZ is an employer funded service, so workers get free access to our virtual clinic for a quicker recovery and return to work.
Initial consults are around 45 minutes and available within a weekday or two, so the road to recovery starts sooner. Along with creating a return-to-work plan that’s unique to the worker – plus sorting any referrals, prescriptions or medical certifications – our doctors keep the workplace and insurers in the loop.
We make sure the road to recovery is smooth and efficient with early referrals to specialists, including our own network of Occupational Physicians who are available to help when needed. Our Injury Doctors also collaborate with treating Physios and Occupational Therapists, so everyone can work together to provide the best rehabilitation support.
And because our doctors operate online, workers get the help they need without having to drive themselves to a GP clinic saving time and hassle.
Step three:
Everyone wins
We want workers and workplaces to have a positive experience when it comes to injury management. And getting back to normal routines and movements after an injury gets people better faster, – it’s a fact! So when there’s an opportunity to make an early return to work, our doctors encourage and support that.
While our Injury Doctors provide ongoing care for workers to get back to their lives, work, sports and hobbies, our experts help workplaces be proactive in their injury management and risk management procedures.
The Injury Doc NZ team provide continued company support with exclusive access to our HR and Injury Management specialists for advice and services. We also do regular check-ins and annual reviews with our experts to support continuous improvement.
FAQs
At Injury Doc NZ, our goal is to get injured workers the help they need, so they can get back to their life (and all the fun stuff) faster. We do that by providing medical care and return-to-work management for injured workers through our virtual clinic. We are an employer-funded membership-based service, partnering with companies all over New Zealand to support their worker’s rehabilitation.
We are independent health professionals. While we contract to companies, we advocate for the best health outcomes for workers and help employers provide the best support that they can during a worker’s recovery from injury.
Once a company has partnered with us, they can refer their injured workers to Injury Doc NZ’s virtual clinic to see our team of doctors via video consultations
Our virtual clinic is secure and has electronic access links for ACC claim lodgement, medical certification, and referrals to other treatment providers as required (Physio, radiology, specialists etc.) This means we can efficiently manage your injury and return to work. And because we’re an online service, our doctors can help wherever you are in Aotearoa.
We are an employer-funded service where workers get free access to our online virtual clinic and doctors for a quicker recovery and return to work. With a similar structure to an employee assistance program (EAP), we simply plug into a business of any size or structure.
Once a company has partnered with us, they gain access to our members-only portal to make referrals and online bookings for injured workers.
Absolutely. Telehealth, or virtual consults, have been around since the 1990s. They’re a well-recognised, growing, and convenient way for patients to connect with medical professionals. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, and with improvements in technology online video consults are a great way to access medical expertise easily.
Our qualified doctors at Injury Doc NZ are experienced medical practitioners registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand. They are appropriately experienced and trained in primary care, occupational health, and the use of virtual consultations.
At Injury Doc NZ, we can help you get the appropriate support, treatment, investigations and rehabilitation you need for:
- Soft Tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, lacerations, and contusions (bruising) that impact your work ability
- Ongoing pain and discomfort issues that are impacting your work ability.
- Rehabilitation and return-to-work support after acute medical care, in conjunction with ongoing specialist and/or hospital follow-up care (for example; trauma, fractures, concussion, severe sprains/strains, wounds).
- Return to Work Assessments and Planning
We are not an acute care or Emergency service. If first aid identifies a high-risk injury, individuals should seek immediate acute medical care through Emergency Services 111, Emergency Department, Urgent Care, or their Primary Care Service.
We also can’t treat medical or long-term health conditions, like arthritis, high blood pressure or diabetes, acute mental health issues, or crisis situations.
And we are not the right service for treating general GP issues, such as coughs, colds or COVID-related issues.
Yes. Before our doctors can start providing support to injured workers, we need to understand your workplace and current injury management processes.
From the working environment, systems, and workplace culture down to individual job roles and tasks, we build a complete picture of the business in the set-up phase. This will enable us to help you face any challenges and support injured workers more effectively and optimally.
We also connect with your local Physios and Occupational Therapists to work with your Injury Management team on the ground.
It depends. During the set-up phase, we work with each company to set the parameters around what types of injuries can be referred – from workplace injuries only to non-workplace injuries and/or pain/discomfort.
If an injury is stopping you from working and you need rehabilitation and return-to-work support, Injury Doc NZ can help.
If there are workers with hearing impairments or communication difficulties, a virtual appointment may not be appropriate.
If a worker needs help with translation, they may wish to have a support person with them during the appointment, or a pre-organised translator.
Any specific requirements should be included on the referral form.
All our doctors are based in New Zealand and are experienced medical practitioners registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand
- It’s FREE. Injury Doc is a service paid for by your employer. We simply plug into your workplace – just like an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- You get convenient and fast access to our team of doctors with both early morning and evening availability – so you can start the road to recovery sooner.
- Virtual appointments mean no travel cost, no stress, and no wait times in a GP waiting room. Instead, you can access the virtual clinic from anywhere with good internet access.
- Longer consults give your Injury Doc clinician time and space to listen and communicate.
- Injury Doc NZ understands your workplace and your job – so we can tailor return-to-work plans that are unique to you and your role.
- Work with the same Injury Doc clinician throughout your recovery – you won’t have to waste time rehashing what’s gone before.
- We work with your workplace, physio, GP, specialists, and insurer so you get the support you need for a speedy recovery.
We are independent health professionals. While we contract to companies, we advocate for the best health outcomes for workers and help employers provide the best support that they can during a worker’s recovery from injury.
Injury Doc NZ is a service paid for by your employer.
If your company has partnered with us, they can refer you for an initial appointment through our online booking portal with your consent.
Once you’ve been referred, you can manage your future appointments directly with us. You’ll receive a text message 24 hours and one hour before your scheduled appointment with all the instructions you need.
If you need an initial appointment talk to your manager, so they can refer you.
You can cancel or reschedule an appointment, but you must do it at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time.
If you wish to cancel, please email clinic@injurydoc.nz. And if you cancel less than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment, the full consultation fee is charged to your company.
If you miss your appointment or you’re more than five minutes late, we’ll issue a no-show cancellation, and the full consultation charge will apply.
To avoid missing an appointment, we send text message reminders directly to injured workers 24 hours before and again, one hour before the appointment. We also let managers know when a worker’s appointment is scheduled to avoid any issues.
Yes. Injury Doc is contracted to your workplace to help with most employee injuries.
Yes. We use secure and encrypted platforms that are compliant with New Zealand privacy legislation for all our virtual appointments to protect the privacy and security of our patients’ information. Our doctors also adhere to strict confidentiality standards. And our virtual clinics are not recorded.
Yes. For simple medical certificates, we usually provide them straight after your online consultation – we’ll email it to you. And if you require a specialist referral or face-to-face assessment, your Injury Doc clinician can arrange this for you.
Yes, our Injury Doc clinicians are experts in injury management and offering guidance on returning to work safely after a workplace injury.
We can help you develop a gradual return-to-work plan and provide recommendations for restrictions and adaptations if needed. Our clinicians will also communicate with your workplace and any other healthcare providers that may be involved in your recovery.
Yes. Your Injury Doc clinician will provide follow-up care and return-to-work rehabilitation management for your referred injury. They will also refer you for any tests and/or specialist appointments if needed, as well as communicate with your other rehabilitation providers (like Physios and Occupational Therapists) to assist in your recovery journey.
We provide medical documentation directly to you, your employer, and ACC, including treatment recommendations and work restrictions.
This sharing of information is outlined in the consent form we ask you to complete before your consultation. Your Injury Doc clinician will also discuss this with you during your appointment. We always prioritise patient confidentiality and adhere to all relevant privacy laws and regulations.
After your initial consultation, the clinician will provide a report to you and your employer which includes a brief summary of the issues, recovery plan, and recommendations. We will also provide a copy to other relevant health providers with your consent.
Your employer will then periodically be updated on your progress, including whether any recommended treatment plan has been completed or any further recommendations or referrals are needed.
We stay focused on your injury recovery and a safe return to work. But if you have employment-related questions (i.e., about payments, job security, or performance targets), talk to your employer.
Injury Doc NZ is not a compulsory service – you don’t have to use us for your injury treatment. You may, however, be asked by your workplace to have an assessment with us to help guide your return to work where there are health and safety concerns or delays, and in these instances, with your consent, we will liaise with your GP.
Injury Doc NZ will send a copy of your consultation notes to your regular GP Practice via electronic health record-sharing networks. If you don’t want this to happen, please state this on your consent form.
Yes, you can continue to use your regular GP Practice. Injury Doc NZ does not replace your usual GP practice and care provider.
Yes. If you need a prescription for your injury, your Injury Doc clinician is able to prescribe a limited supply of medication. It is generally considered best practice for your GP to manage any prescribed medications as they have access to your full medication history, including medications unrelated to your injury, previous adverse reactions to medication, and allergies. If we do provide a prescription, we will send your prescription directly and securely to your selected pharmacy electronically through the NZ ePrescription Service.
There may be some circumstances when we’re unable to provide a prescription for a medication in a virtual appointment due to New Zealand law and regulations, more information is available in the prescribing policy found on our website. For example, we are not able to prescribe opiates or cannabis.
Injury Doc NZ does not provide repeat prescriptions for unrelated medical conditions. This must be done via your regular GP Practice.
Injury Doc may provide a repeat prescription for a medication relating to your referred injury if an acute care provider (such as an emergency department) has made an initial prescription, but we will encourage you to obtain any repeat prescriptions from your GP for the reasons above
No. You will need to see your regular GP Practice as they have an ongoing relationship with you.
Completing any aspect of a recovery plan is ultimately your decision. But your Injury Doc clinician will chat through any recommendations with you, and you can ask them questions along the way.
If you’re not happy, please speak with the Injury Doc clinician. If you wish to provide formal feedback or make a complaint, please do so via our website
Injury Doc can lodge ACC claims, write medical certificates and update medical diagnoses.
Any questions or concerns regarding payments and entitlements need to be directed to your employer, ACC or other insurer.
Your employer has made a commitment in their partnership with Injury Doc NZ to support recommended investigations, conservative treatment and return to work for all referrals made to us for up to 12 weeks. This is based on the usual expected times for healing from most musculoskeletal injuries, and evidence shows that if rehabilitation and return to work are supported during this time, the outcomes are better for everyone.
If after this time your symptoms have not resolved and/or are found to not be injury-related, we may need to pass on the ongoing care to your GP.
If you need to contact your clinician in between appointments, email clinic@injurydoc.nz or call 0800 465 879 to leave a message.
Our clinicians will check emails and messages periodically within their regular work hours. This might only be every few days, so the response won’t be instant.
HealthOne is a South Island-based secure electronic record that allows registered healthcare providers directly involved in your healthcare to quickly access information such as your test results, allergies, medications, GP summaries and hospital information.
HealthOne adheres to the principles of the Privacy Act 2020 as well as the Rules set out in the Health Information Privacy Code 2020. Access is only possible via an approved highly secure healthcare information network which is regularly audited and tested. Privacy auditing is used to check that only those directly involved in your care are accessing your information.
To find out more about HealthOne, go to healthone.org.nz. Please note you are entitled to restrict the sharing of your healthcare records by contacting 0508 837 872 or emailing HealthOne.privacy@pegasus.health.nz
Virtual clinics (also known as Telemedicine or Telehealth) are online medical consultations carried out via internet-based video calls.
New Zealand law requires initial consultations to be more than just a telephone call if we want to prescribe something new, so the video component is necessary
Virtual clinics are becoming increasingly popular, and Covid-19 has shown the country (and GPs) that we can accomplish most of our jobs online.
A virtual appointment with one of our Injury Doc clinicians is booked via an online booking system. A test message or email link will be sent to the injured worker to access at the appointment time.
If your company has partnered with us, you can get access to the Injury Doc NZ virtual clinic where you can book-in with our doctors and have your appointments.
Our virtual clinic is secure and has electronic access links for local prescribing, radiology referrals, ACC claim lodgement, and medical certificates. This means we can efficiently manage your injury and return to work. And because we’re an online service, our doctors can help wherever you are in Aotearoa.
If you’re not sure how to access Injury Doc NZ’s virtual clinic, talk to your manager or HR representative.
It’s easy to access our virtual clinic. All you need is a smartphone or computer/laptop with a good internet connection and video camera function.
And because our virtual clinic runs on a web browser, you don’t need to download any apps or software.
Yes. We use secure and encrypted platforms that are compliant with New Zealand privacy legislation for all our virtual appointments to protect the privacy and security of our patients’ information. Our doctors also adhere to strict confidentiality standards. And our virtual clinics are not recorded.
Injury Doc NZ is a service paid for by your employer.
If your company has partnered with us, they can refer you for an initial appointment through our online booking portal with your consent.
Once you’ve been referred, you can manage your future appointments directly with us. You’ll receive a text message 24 hours and one hour before your scheduled appointment with all the instructions you need.
If you need an initial appointment talk to your manager, so they can refer you.
- Checking in
One hour before your appointment you’ll get an email and/or text message with a link to the virtual waiting room.
Click the ‘Check-in’ button five minutes before your appointment to enter the virtual waiting room. While you wait, check your connection by clicking the ‘Pre-Call Test’ button.
- Online consultation
When it’s time, our Injury Doc clinician will start your consultation.
- Recovery plan and follow-up
After the consultation, your clinician will email you their recommendations and any other relevant information. They will also send this to your employer/supervisor.
If you were prescribed any medication, they will send the prescription to your chosen pharmacy, and we’ll let you know when it’s ready for pick-up.
Follow-up appointments will be booked directly with your clinician before the end of your consultation.
During a virtual appointment, one of our Injury Doc clinicians will assess your injury, provide medical advice, and recommend a treatment plan. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, provide information about the injury, and be guided through physical examinations or movements.
At the end of the appointment, the clinician will summarise and discuss treatment, send any referrals, order prescriptions, and provide medical certificates. They will also discuss and gain consent for any communications they will have with others; (workplace, insurers, Physios, Occupational Therapists, Enrolled GP, etc.).
The first virtual appointment can last up to 45 minutes. This gives our Injury Doc clinician time and space to listen and communicate.
Follow-up appointments will be between 10 and 30 minutes. After each appointment, the clinician may spend between 5–30 minutes of billable time making referrals and keeping everyone updated.
You can cancel or reschedule a virtual consultation, but you must do it at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time.
If you wish to cancel, please email clinic@injurydoc.nz. And if you cancel less than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment, the full consultation fee applies.
If you don’t turn up to your appointment or you’re more than five minutes late, we’ll issue a no-show cancellation, and the full consultation charge will apply.
And if the Injury Doc clinician you booked is unable to attend the virtual consultation for any reason, we will contact you and re-book you for a new appointment time.
If the virtual consultation fails (i.e., the video freezes or the sound stops), the Injury Doc clinician will ring the injured worker on their mobile number and complete the consultation over the phone.
If there are workers with hearing impairments or communication difficulties, a virtual appointment may not be appropriate.
If a worker needs help with translation, they may wish to have a support person with them during the appointment, or a pre-organised translator.
If you have any specific requirements, please get your manager to outline them on the referral form.
It’s easy. On your smartphone, tablet or computer/laptop, simply click the link we send over via email or text message and the virtual waiting room will open.
Please arrive five minutes before your appointment. And while you wait for your clinician, check your connection by clicking the ‘Pre-Call Test’ button.
Make sure you have a good internet connection and video camera function on your device. And because our virtual clinic runs on a web browser, you don’t need to download any apps or software.
If the virtual consultation fails (i.e., the video freezes or the sound stops), the Injury Doc clinician will ring the injured worker on their mobile number and complete the consultation over the phone.
If you experience an echoing sound, you and your clinician can try using headphones, turning down the speaker volume, or moving the microphone away from the speakers.
Yes. We use secure and encrypted platforms for all our virtual appointments to protect the privacy and security of our patients’ information. Our doctors also adhere to strict confidentiality standards. And our virtual clinics are not recorded.
Our clinicians go above and beyond to support people on their recovery journey, so sometimes they can be late to an appointment.
If you’re concerned that your clinician is not joining the virtual consultation at the appointed time, please call 0800 465 879 and our team will be able to give you more information.
- Make sure you have a good internet connection. This might mean the people in your household have to stop live streaming while your appointment happens.
- Click ‘Pre-call Test’ in the virtual waiting room to make sure your system is ready for the call.
- Have your current medications with you and think about having a pen and paper to write down what you want to discuss and any follow-up actions.
- Choose somewhere private where you can talk freely and safely. If others are present, let your Injury Doc clinician know verbally or through the chat function.
- Hands-free devices offer a better call experience. If you’re using a smartphone or tablet, find a way to prop it up so you can move around freely.
- Injury Doc NZ will send you an email or a text message 24 hours and one hour before the appointment is due to start.
- Check that you’re clear about instructions given during the appointment, whether that’s to do with medication, work certificates, self-care advice, or warning signs you need further care.