An overview for medical practitioners, physiotherapists and psychologists

Network pain management programs are part of the TAC's commitment to achieving better health and return to work outcomes for injured Victorians.

Network pain management programs aim to help TAC clients manage their musculoskeletal injuries and persistent pain, and increase their independence at home, at work and in the community.

Network pain management programs help TAC clients develop strategies to:

• stay at or return to work
• manage their injuries
• adjust and cope with their pain and injuries
• reduce and rationalise medications, where possible

Network pain management program providers deliver outpatient, multidisciplinary assessments and programs for TAC clients with persistent pain. Providers are located across Melbourne and have skills and experience in pain management and compensable medicine.

Who can be treated?

Network pain management programs may be appropriate for patients who have:

• an accepted TAC claim
• persistent pain and musculoskeletal injuries
• tried a range of other medical and allied health services, and
• difficulties functioning at home, work or in the community due to their pain.

If your patient meets these criteria, referring them to a network pain management program may benefit both you and your patient.

Benefits for your patient

Network pain management programs provide your patient with the following benefits:

• access to a coordinated team of healthcare professionals with skills and experience in managing TAC clients and injured workers, managing pain, and focusing on staying at or getting back to work
• fast tracked access to pain management (usually within 4 weeks of approval)
• a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment, tailored program and follow-up reviews
• a bio-psycho-social approach incorporating
  • CBT addressing beliefs, thoughts and expectations as well as managing distress
  • Graduated activity including reducing rest, increasing activity despite pain
  • Education about pain, medication, physical activity and return to work
  • Lifestyle modifications related to goal setting, pacing and communication
• guidance and clear explanation about TAC and VWA policies and procedures
• no out-of-pocket costs as the TAC will be billed directly for the assessment and program, if your patient has an approved claim.

Benefits for you

Network pain management programs provide you with the following benefits:

• One stop approval: with the assessment and program requiring a single approval allowing faster access into the program
• your patient will undergo a comprehensive medical and multidisciplinary assessment and program by the network pain management program provider
• continued involvement in your patient’s management. The network pain management program provider will consult with you at key stages of your patient’s assessment and program
• regular updates on your patient’s progress. You will receive copies of comprehensive written reports prepared by the provider for the TAC including medication and other treatment planning and intervention

Making a referral

If you would like to refer your patient to a network pain management program, please refer to the list of providers below. You will need to write a referral letter to the relevant provider specifying your patient’s injuries and the anticipated goals and outcomes of the program for your patient.

Please note that network pain management program providers will only accept referrals from a TAC client’s medical practitioner, physiotherapist or psychologist.

For more information

If you’d like more information about a network pain management program please phone the TAC.