The Certificate of Fitness: the key medical form in your CTP claim

What it is

In NSW CTP claims, your doctor completes a Certificate of Fitness, which records your injuries and your capacity for work.

You need one to lodge

You need a Certificate of Fitness from your treating doctor to lodge a claim and to get weekly payments.

Get it from a GP, preferably on SIRA's Certificate of Fitness form. Include it with your claim, whether you lodge online or send the form to the insurer. See how to make a CTP claim.

What it records

The certificate records:

• your injuries
• the treatment planned
• how your injuries affect your usual activities
• how your injuries affect your work, whether or not you were working at the time of the accident.

Tell your doctor about every injury and symptom

Keep it current

While you're recovering, keep your certificate current. The insurer can suspend weekly payments if you don't give it a current certificate.

Ask your doctor when you need to come back for a new one, and plan that visit before the current certificate runs out. Send each new certificate to the insurer and keep a copy.

The form

CTP uses a Certificate of Fitness. A certificate of capacity is the workers compensation form. If you were hurt while working, including driving for work, see driving for work.

Tips for a useful certificate

These are tips only. What goes on the certificate is your doctor's clinical judgement.

• Tell your doctor it was a motor accident, and the date.
• Mention every injury and symptom, including how you're coping emotionally and how you're sleeping.
• Ask for a specific diagnosis where one is possible, rather than a general description.
• Ask your doctor to describe clearly what you can and can't do, at work and at home.
• Check the review date, so you know when you need a new certificate.
• Keep a copy of every certificate.

If your GP isn't familiar with CTP claims

Some GPs see few CTP claims. If yours isn't comfortable with the form, you can ask another GP at the practice.

If you'd like, we can introduce you to a doctor experienced with CTP claims. It's your choice, and nothing is shared with anyone unless you agree.

Telehealth

Some doctors offer telehealth appointments, which can help if travel is hard while you recover. Some things need an in-person examination, so ask your doctor what suits your injuries.

Paying for the visit

Before you claim, the insurer may approve a GP visit in the first 28 days once it knows about the accident. This is at the insurer's discretion.

After you claim: The CTP insurer generally pays for treatment that is reasonable and necessary for your accident injuries. It decides what's approved, and its decisions can be reviewed. See treatment and care.