Independent Clinical Reviews

Clinical Review & IPE Services

Independent insight for complex claims.
Objective. Functional. Defensible.

Clear, objective physiotherapy clinical reviews and recommendations for insurers needing rapid file reviews

— without an Independent Medical Examination (IME)

1. Clinical Review – Treatment Appropriateness (Desktop + Provider Call)

→ Purpose: Evaluate whether current or proposed physiotherapy is evidence-based, functionally justified, and scheme-compliant.

Includes:

  • Desktop file review

  • Phone discussion with treating physiotherapist (if appropriate)

  • Alignment with Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services

  • Functional outcome measures and treatment reasoning

  • Independent treatment recommendations (e.g. continue, modify, discharge)

Use Case:
➡ Active claims where treatment is ongoing, slow to progress, or potentially excessive.
➡ Claims agents need quick, scheme-aligned guidance without legal implications.

Output:
→ 1–2-page Independent Clinical Review Report
→ NOT court-submissible

From $880 + GST

2. Liability & Compensability Review (Desktop)

→ Purpose: Determine if the current treatment and injury are causally linked to the compensable event. Often addresses diagnosis drift, chronicity, and overextension of claim scope.

Includes:

  • Full desktop review

  • Review of original incident, medical evidence, and treatment history

  • Assessment against liability principles (e.g. injury nexus, natural history)

  • Case law and scheme rule application (where relevant)

  • Functional and diagnostic commentary

  • Recommendation on liability status and whether treatment is claim-related

Use Case:
➡ When new symptoms arise late
➡ Long-duration claims with unclear diagnosis
➡ Disputes between insurer and treating provider over coverage

Output:
→ 2–4 page Independent Liability Opinion
→ Structured similar to TAC Clinical Panel reporting
→ Potentially used in internal disputes, but not court-submissible

From $1,500 + GST

3. Independent Physiotherapy Examination (IPE): In-Person or Telehealth

→ Purpose: Provide an objective, hands-on (or virtual) assessment of function, diagnosis, and recovery status.

Includes:

  • History taking

  • Physical examination (or structured telehealth functional testing)

  • Use of validated outcome measures

  • Biopsychosocial factors noted

  • Full written report

  • Fitness for work, future treatment needs, and discharge readiness

Use Case:
➡ When insurer requires a legally defensible, standalone assessment
➡ To resolve disputes with treating practitioners
➡ Pre-litigation or return-to-work milestone clarification

Output:
→ 4–6 page Independent Physiotherapy Examination Report
Court-submissible
→ Fulfils role similar to IME (without needing a medical specialist)

From $2,400 + GST

Refer a Case for Independent Review.

We provide fast, independent clinical opinions to help insurers, agents, and legal professionals make confident, defensible treatment decisions.

You can request a review in one of two ways:

Option 1: Book Online

Use our secure online booking portal to request:

  • Clinical Review – Treatment Appropriateness

  • Liability & Compensability Review

  • Independent Physiotherapy Examination

Your booking reserves the case for desktop assessment or examination.
We’ll confirm acceptance and provide next steps within 1 business day.

Option 2: Send a Referral Directly

If you prefer to use your organisation’s internal process or referral system, we’re happy to follow your workflow.

You can:

  • Email your referral documents to tim@fortitude.physio

  • Provide access to your secure portal

  • Or upload files after submitting the case form below

Once we’ve received your case summary, we’ll follow your preferred instructions for secure access and delivery.

Prefer to speak with us first?
Submit the referral form below or contact us directly — we’ll respond within 1 business day.

Independent Reviews Provided for Claims Managed By:

Comcare

Gallagher Bassett

EML

TAC

DVA

Australia Post

iCare NSW

Zurich Australia

Injurynet

MedHealth Group

Qantas

Reserve Bank of Australia

NAB

CBA

CSL Limited

BUPA Defence

Open Arms

Telstra

Zurich Life

AIA

MLC

TAL

Altius Group

WorkFocus Australia

MLCOA

Australian National University

National Library of Australia

Coles Group

Woolworths Limited

Crown Resorts (Melbourne)

Metro Trains Melbourne

Transurban

Australia Pacific Airports Corp

Downer Group

Lendlease

Visy

BHP

Rio Tinto

AGL Energy

Cleanaway

APA Group

QBE Insurance

MetLife Insurance

TAL

AMP Life

Hannover Life

Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA)

and more

Comcare • Gallagher Bassett • EML • TAC • DVA • Australia Post • iCare NSW • Zurich Australia • Injurynet • MedHealth Group • Qantas • Reserve Bank of Australia • NAB • CBA • CSL Limited • BUPA Defence • Open Arms • Telstra • Zurich Life • AIA • MLC • TAL • Altius Group • WorkFocus Australia • MLCOA • Australian National University • National Library of Australia • Coles Group • Woolworths Limited • Crown Resorts (Melbourne) • Metro Trains Melbourne • Transurban • Australia Pacific Airports Corp • Downer Group • Lendlease • Visy • BHP • Rio Tinto • AGL Energy • Cleanaway • APA Group • QBE Insurance • MetLife Insurance • TAL • AMP Life • Hannover Life • Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) • and more •

We provide independent clinical opinions for claims managed by the listed insurers and organisations.  This list reflects relevant schemes, not formal affiliations or partnerships.

Clarity. Integrity. Confidence.

Whether you're managing a complex case or reviewing treatment plans under pressure, we provide clear, defensible clinical opinions to support your decision-making.
No confusion. No wasted time. Just the insight you need, when you need it.