In honour of National Doctors Day we’re celebrating the incredible work of General Practitioners—our everyday heroes in healthcare. From diagnosing conditions to guiding recovery journeys, GPs are the backbone of our communities, keeping us healthy and on the path to wellness.
In the world of occupational rehabilitation, their input is invaluable—and when we, as Exercise Physiologists, collaborate with them, we create a powerhouse team that drives better return-to-work outcomes for our clients.
Why GP Collaboration is a Game-Changer for Return to Work
When it comes to helping claimants return to work, GPs are often the central hub of medical guidance. They determine treatment plans, assess work capacity, and make critical decisions that influence recovery timelines. But with so many moving parts, problem-solving becomes key. Whether it’s overcoming barriers to return to work, adjusting medication management, or coordinating specialist referrals, a strong collaboration between GPs and allied health professionals can fast-track progress and ensure clients get the right support at the right time.
Building Strong GP Relationships from Day One
At Specialised Health, we don’t just show up halfway through a client’s rehab journey—we make it a priority to connect with their GP from the very start. We reach out at program commencement to introduce ourselves and obtain any necessary medical clearance for exercise. From there, we keep them in the loop with regular updates, ensuring they stay informed on their patient’s progress. This ongoing communication fosters trust, helps align expectations, and keeps everyone on the same page.
How We Make Life Easier for GPs
We get it—GPs have back-to-back appointments and limited time with each patient. That’s where we come in! As Exercise Physiologists, we have the luxury of spending extended periods with clients in real-world settings, giving us insights that wouldn’t be visible in a 10-minute consult. We see clients at home, observe how they navigate their daily environments, and even liaise with their employers to understand job demands. Whether it’s tracking their ability to move in public spaces like gyms or assessing their interactions with others, we provide GPs with the full picture, helping them make informed decisions.
Bringing It All Together: GP Case Conferences
Case conferences are our secret weapon for getting everyone on the same page. These meetings bring together all key stakeholders—GPs, rehabilitation consultants, insurers, and us—to align on progress, tackle challenges, and carve out a clear return-to-work pathway. And because we’ve kept communication flowing throughout the program, GPs come in already familiar with our functional updates. We provide real-world evidence of what the client can do, giving the GP confidence in their decision-making.
Collaboration for the Win!
By working together, we make the return-to-work process smoother, more effective, and ultimately more successful for the client. So here’s to our GPs—thank you for all that you do! And here’s to even stronger partnerships that keep people moving, thriving, and getting back to work with confidence.
Author: Yolanda van Vugt