The Insurance Commission of Western Australia says businesses and injured people are expected to benefit from payment terms dropping from 20 days to 24 hours for pre-approved injury treatment.
The change, to come into effect next month, will mean the Commission will be the first motor injury and workers’ compensation insurer in Australia to pay for pre-approved treatment services using the health industry payment system, HICAPS.
The Commission said customers would receive a text message with a treatment number that could be provided to their health practitioner to be entered into the HICAPS terminal to verify and initiate payment.
“Automated payments will simplify invoice and payment processing, enabling health practitioners to receive payment within 24 hours for pre-approved treatment and reducing the likelihood claimants will have to pay for treatment costs,” it said.
In 2018-19, the Insurance Commission paid out $70 million for around 400,000 health services for 15,000 injured Western Australians.
Treasurer, Ben Wyatt said the new payment terms would make life much easier for injured Western Australians and businesses.
“It will deliver payment certainty and improved cash flow for businesses, which is critical in our current environment, and facilitate early treatment for Western Australians following an accident,” Mr Wyatt said.
“I applaud the Insurance Commission on its innovative and efficient approach to payments for small businesses, and I encourage all Agencies to find ways to pay their suppliers swiftly.”
