Are you getting the help you need?

1. My situation: a) Does your pain affect your work, relationships at work, or sense of job security?

1. My situation: b) Does your pain affect your ability to look after yourself (food, shopping and personal care)?

1. My situation: c) Does your pain affect your sleep?

1. My situation: d) Does your pain affect your activities, friendships and ability to be social?

1. My situation: e) Does your pain affect your life goals or what you think is possible for you?

2. Medical: a) I have had a medical review for this pain/injury by a GP or hospital doctor.

2. Medical: b) I have a treatment plan and program. I am doing it, and it’s getting results.

2. Medical: c) If surgery has been recommended: I have had at least two surgical opinions. I have sought advice from other experts (e.g. Rehabilitation Physician, Physiotherapist, Exercise Physiologist) on whether surgery is my best or only option.

3. Recovery: a) I trust and have confidence in my health providers. I feel heard and respected by them.

3. Recovery: b) I understand the treatment options available in the conventional and alternative health systems and the differences between them.

3. Recovery: c) I have been given a detailed program to strengthen and retrain my body, supervised weekly. If not, the reason has been explained to me and I know I will require training in the future.

3. Recovery: d) I understand the basics of how my back and body works including the major muscular and skeletal components.

3. Recovery: e) I have had an assessment of my posture, movement, work and exercise technique by an Occupational Therapist, Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist.

3. Recovery: f) If my pain/injury has been for more than 3 months: I have attended a Pain Clinic or specialized Pain education. I understand the different types of pain and how to manage mine.

3. Recovery: g) I have had a workplace an/ord home Occupational Assessment to ensure these are optimized for my needs including aids and appliances.

4. Cost Control: a) If there is or has been an insurance claim for this pain/injury: I have a qualified mental health expert I am working with.

4. Cost Control: b) I have a program in place that minimizes costs and maximizes reimbursements for all my treatment costs; work related, any home services and medical expenses.

4. Cost Control: c) I understand my options for claimable treatment on Medicare.

4. Cost Control: d) If you have private health or other insurance: I understand in detail what the insurance covers including for in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation.

4. Cost Control: e) If you have private health insurance: I have done the sums and know my extra’s cover is worth the money.

4. Cost Control: f) If you have Private Health Insurance: I understand in detail what my policy covers, and exclusions, including surgical and in-patient rehabilitation.

4. Cost Control: g) If you have insurance or an insurance claim: I know how and what I can claim back from my insurer - and I’m doing that regularly.