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WorkCover medical certificates

WorkCover medical certificates are completed by legally qualified medical practitioners in relation to an injury sustained during the course of employment.

There are currently two valid names for medical certificates that are acceptable for use, a Prescribed Medical Certificate (PMC) and a WorkCover Medical Certificate (WMC). The name PMC is being phased out with the introduction of the WMC from 1 January 2009, because this form will no longer be prescribed. However the contents of both remain the same. The medical certificate will be referred to as the WMC here.

A WMC must be correctly completed for an injured worker to make a claim for compensation. This certificate serves two main purposes:

  • It enables Employers Mutual or the self-insured employer to determine a claim for compensation.
  • It assists in the management of the injured worker's treatment in order to return them to safe and sustainable work or to the community.

Only legally qualified medical practitioners can complete the WMC. For more information, refer to section 52(1)(c) of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986.

Note: A completed WMC does not mean that a claim has been made. A worker must also lodge a claim with Employers Mutual or WorkCover. See Lodge a claim for more details.

Best practice tip

A worker should be certified as fit if they have capacity for work, even if not fit for their usual duties. Noting clear medical restrictions will assist the employer and the case manager to identify duties that match the injured worker’s capacity.

Lodging an electronic WMC (eWMC)

WorkCovers new electronic WorkCover Medical Certificate (eWMC) is saved directly to the patient database and securely emailed to WorkCover for processing using a digital certificate issued by the Federal Governments Health eSignature Authority (HeSA). A fee is paid for each eWMC received via the gazetted email format.
The following medical patient software applications contain an eWMC function:

  • Medical Director
  • Medtech
  • Zedmed
  • Genie

You can contact your software vendor for installation instructions. Their contacts details are:

Note: WorkCover's public key must be installed on your computer using the instructions provided to you by your software vendor. If this key is not installed you will not be able to email the eWMC to WorkCover.

Features, tips and techniques
For additional WMC information read features, tips and techniques.

eWMC via this website
If you do not use any of the medical software applications mentioned above, you can alternatively use the eWMC facility within WorkCover's website. To apply for access you will need to register your details as a secure site user by filling in the secure site registration form and returning it to our Service Centre.

WorkCover secure site user registration form [477KB]

Hardcopy WMC

There is a hardcopy WMC for medical practitioners who wish to hand-write certificates. Handwritten certificates do not attract a fee.

If you require pads of WMCs, please put your request in writing on letterhead stating the name and provider number of the medical practitioner. Post your request to WorkCover or fax to (08) 8233 2466.