The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) has launched a new Allied Health Treatment Request (AHTR) form to replace the older Allied Health Recovery Request (AHRR) form.
This new form aims to streamline the process for health practitioners to provide essential information to insurer case managers, ensuring timely determinations of treatment requests.
SIRA developed the interactive PDF form in collaboration with allied health practitioners and insurers.
The regulator said the initiative aligns with its value-based healthcare approach in New South Wales's personal injury schemes, supporting a structured, person-centred approach to requesting allied health treatment and care.
Each section of the form incorporates the five principles of the Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services, focusing on delivering appropriate care promptly.
Health practitioners are encouraged to complete the form in partnership with the claimant, promoting risk screening and collaborative efforts to overcome recovery barriers.
The new form features clear, expanded sections and uses standardised outcome measures to demonstrate treatment effectiveness and track progress over time.
There will be a transition period until Dec. 15, 2024, during which requests can be submitted using either the AHTR or AHRR forms.
Starting Dec. 16, 2024, only the AHTR will be accepted for approval requests.
SIRA advises health practitioners to use this time to update their systems and educate their teams about the new form.
For assistance, practitioners can email [email protected] or call 13SIRA (137472).
The release of the new AHTR form follows the publication of SIRA’s new regulatory framework, a detailed document outlining the regulatory strategies employed to meet obligations under the State Insurance and Care Governance Act of 2015.
This framework serves as a strategic guide for SIRA’s operational priorities, focusing on efficient resource allocation for personal injury and home building compensation schemes. It aims to clarify the regulator’s roles and responsibilities, enhancing transparency for all stakeholders.
The framework includes key components such as guiding principles, governance structures, risk-assessment-based decision-making criteria, and an overview of regulatory processes, including possible interventions by SIRA.
By implementing this framework, the regulator aims to provide clear, effective oversight and support within the insurance and care sectors.
