Question 1

What is the Pathways to Pain Management Program?

Accepted Answer

Pathways to Pain Management is a structured, community-based chronic pain self-management and education program delivered by Pain Education and Management. The program supports patients to better understand their pain, develop practical self-management skills, and, where required, access coordinated multidisciplinary support.

The program is underpinned by a biopsychosocial model of care and is designed to complement general practice and existing GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMPs).

For more information, download the brochure

Question 2

Does the Program Cost Anything? (Patient Costs)

Accepted Answer

WorkCover patients are fully funded, with no out-of-pocket costs, for Steps 1, 2 and 3 once approval is granted. Funding for Step 4 support (including allied health services and coaching) is allocated based on the treatment proposal developed in Step 3 and subject to subsequent approval.

For self funded patcients 
 • Step 1:
Free for all referred patients with no out-of-pocket costs

• Step 2:
Each consultation is normally priced at $108.75. GPCCMP referral, NDIS or private health rebates may apply

• Steps 3 & 4:
Standard pricing applies, as published on our website (see services tab). Costs may vary depending on funding eligibility and individual circumstances.

Question 3

How Is the Program Delivered?

Accepted Answer

Delivery is matched to each step of the program to maximise access, flexibility, and clinical appropriateness:

• Step 1 – Online Education
Delivered entirely online, allowing patients to commence immediately after referral and complete the education modules at their own pace.

• Step 2 – Telehealth
Delivered via telehealth, enabling access to multidisciplinary support regardless of location and reducing the need for travel.

• Steps 3 & 4 – Telehealth and Face-to-Face (as Clinically Appropriate)
Delivered using a combination of telehealth and face-to-face services, depending on:
    • Clinical need
    • Discipline involved
    • Patient location and access
    • Individual circumstances

This hybrid model ensures flexibility while maintaining high clinical standards and accessibility for rural and regional patients.

Question 4

What If the Patient Is Not Digitally Literate?

Accepted Answer

We recommend involving a family member or support person where possible. Evidence shows that completing the program with a support person can improve engagement and outcomes.

Question 5

Is There Any Cost to the Practice?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no cost to the practice to refer patients into the program.

Question 6

How Is the Program Funded?

Accepted Answer

Currently, there are two primary funding streams 
1. WorkCover QLD
2. Private funding - Rebates from MBS, NDIS or Private Health extras may apply

Future funding streams currently under review are 
1. DVA
2. NDIS
3. Private Health

Question 7

Do Practices Need to Manage Billing?

Accepted Answer

Generally, practices are not required to manage billing or claiming for program components.
The exceptions are 
1. Case conferences, which are claimed directly to Medicare (MBS) or Workcover QLD by each participating clinician in line with standard requirements.
2. Allied Health providers offering Step 4 services in the Workcover Pathway will bill Workcover QLD directly at the published WCQ Tables of Costs rates.
3. Privately funded consultations outside the scope of the program

Question 8

Who Can Be Referred?

Accepted Answer

Patients must:
 • Have persistent or chronic pain
 • Be referred by a GP or Partnering Allied Health Provider
 • Be suitable for a structured education and self-management program
 • Provide informed consent to participate

Question 9

How Do We Refer a Patient?

Accepted Answer

There are three referral pathways available to support different practice workflows:

1. Best Practice Template
Practices can refer using the Pathways to Pain Management referral template within Best Practice.

2. PDF Referral Form
Practices may complete the standard PDF referral form and hand it to the patient for upload after signing.

3. Online Referral Form
Practices can submit referrals directly using the secure online referral form.

Question 10

Can Patients Self-Refer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Patients may self-initiate the referral process by:
 • Downloading the referral form
 • Taking it to their GP for completion and signature
 • Self-registering online and uploading the signed referral form

All referrals must be signed by a GP prior to program entry.

Question 11

Does the Referral Need to Be Linked to a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP)?

Accepted Answer

No - The referral form allows the GP to indicate whether the referral:
 • Is part of a GPCCMP, or
 • Is not linked to a GPCCMP

Both options are accepted for program entry.

Question 12

What Happens After the GP or Clinician Signs the Referral?

Accepted Answer

Once the referral form is completed and signed, it is handed back to the patient. The patient then:

1. Self-registers online using the secure registration link (provided on the referral form)
2. Uploads the signed referral form as part of registration
3. Is automatically granted direct access to the Pathways to Pain Management online learning program

This enables immediate program entry with no administrative delay once the GP or Clinician has signed the referral.

Question 13

Who Submits the Referral?

Accepted Answer

All referrals are submitted by the patient after it is signed via the secure online registration portal.

The referring practice is only required to complete and sign the referral form.

Question 14

What Happens If a Referral Is Incomplete?

Accepted Answer

If the required information is missing:
 • The patient is contacted to obtain the missing details
 • If GP clarification is required, the practice is contacted directly
 • Program access may be paused until mandatory fields are complete

Question 15

Do You Have Any Supporting Material for Practices to Use?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

A Program Information sheet is available for use in waiting rooms, consultation rooms, and during GP, Allied Health or nurse consultations. This flyer explains the program in plain language and includes referral and self-registration instructions for patients.

A Patient DL Brochure and Workcover Flyer are also available for patients earlier in the decision process

Question 16

Who Holds Clinical Responsibility?

Accepted Answer

The referring GP remains the primary treating practitioner at all times. Pain Education and Management provides multidisciplinary input and recommendations under formal clinical governance.

Question 17

Is there reporting to the Referring GP?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Steps 1 & 2
Progression reports are provided where the referral is part of a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP).
 These reports outline:
·         Patient engagement
·         Module progression

Step 3
Full multidisciplinary clinical reports are provided, including:
·         Comprehensive assessment findings
·         MDT recommendations
·         Agreed pain management plan
·         Case conference outcomes (where held)

Step 4
Standard allied health reports are completed and returned to the referring GP in line with normal professional and Medicare reporting requirements for each discipline involved.

Question 18

How Are Reports Delivered?

Accepted Answer

Reports are delivered via secure email or Medical Objects, based on the practice’s preference.

Question 19

Is This an Acute or Crisis Service?

Accepted Answer

No. This is not an acute, flare-up or emergency service. Patients are directed to continue engaging with their GP or local emergency services for urgent medical needs.

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