Make it count when ordering equipment

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Every year, ACC supports over 40,000 clients with 55,000 pieces of equipment to help them recover or to live as independently as possible. The right equipment at the right time can be instrumental in a client’s return to independence. Conversely unnecessary, or ‘just in case’ equipment orders can clutter and confuse leading to wastage and escalating costs.  

Over the last few years, equipment volumes and costs have been rising. We’re working closely with our equipment supplier Enable New Zealand, to see whether there are any opportunities to improve how we purchase equipment.  We would also like to work with our approved equipment assessors to gather their insights on equipment ordering to ensure the service remains sustainable for all New Zealanders.

Make your equipment order count

• Utilise the equipment lists as much as possible. Using list equipment means items are likely to get to the client quicker and can be more cost effective than bespoke items.
• Check if there are low-cost items (under $100 excluding GST) which are not on the list and unlikely to be returned for re-issue, order the item directly from the Supplier (not Enable), and invoice ACC under EU100 through your specialised service contract to be reimbursed. Prior approval may be required.
• Check - will the client find the items valuable and are they able, and likely to use them? We hear of clients who didn’t open their equipment as they didn’t need it or understand how to use it.  
• Add a recall date as you place the order. This helps ensure items will be returned, refurbished, and can then be re-issued. If the client isn’t ready to return the equipment item by the recall date, this can easily be extended.
• Justify in your assessment report what list items have been considered before a bespoke option was chosen. This feedback helps us determine whether the list needs to expand or change.
• Ensure the items have a clear injury-related rationale and a clear outcome related to their work or essential function and independence. For example, recreational equipment will need approval from ACC. If you are unsure, please discuss with us before submitting a request.
• Consider whether items are of the type that a person or employer would otherwise be expected to buy or own. If this is the case but there is an injury-related need meaning the current option isn’t suitable, talk to the client’s Recovery Team Member. Dependent on client circumstances we may be able to offer partial reimbursement instead e.g. beds or mattresses.
• Use hire equipment where this is the most cost-effective option. For items that are likely to be re-used by other clients, it could be more cost effective for ACC to buy the item, and have it returned to the equipment pool for re-use.
• Request orthotics such as braces or supports, should be completed via the ACC7428 process, not purchased through equipment.

If you would like to share your thoughts on how the equipment service could be improved, email our team.

MRES@acc.co.nz

This is a message or reminder for providers working under specific services that ACC have allowed to order equipment on our behalf.

These include: 

• Social rehabilitation assessment service providers
• Vocational rehabilitation service providers (Vocational equipment only)
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation providers
• Integrated Care Pathways Musculoskeletal providers
• Training for Independence providers (simple list equipment only)
• Non-Acute Rehabilitation Pathways providers (simple list equipment only)

Please note, that equipment ordering outside of the delivery of these services is not available.