Recovery services directory
Once a claim has been accepted, we can fund the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation to restore an injured persons health, independence, and participation in employment and society.
Key treatment and rehabilitation services
The injury related needs of each kiritaki are unique. We aim to make our services accessible, which includes the ability for kiritaki to self-refer for initial assessment and treatment.
As we can only fund treatment and support related to the covered injury (or injuries), our health providers must consider how the service they provide or refer for is related to the injury we have covered.
Complex or specialist services will require a referral to be made by the recovery team member of the kiritaki.
This page provides a list of the key treatment and rehabilitation services funded by us.
All our services are listed below in alphabetical order. You can use this tool below to quickly see lists of some of the services we offer by grouping.
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritakiaffected by an injury who require treatment to help them restore movement and function as part of their recovery.
What is the purpose of the service?
Acupuncture helps relieve the symptoms caused by an injury and promotes recovery to enable a timely return to independence.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki with a covered claim can self-refer.
Who can deliver this service?
Acupuncture can be delivered by health providers trained in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) form of acupuncture.
They are members of the Chinese Medical Council of New Zealand and registered ACC providers.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided at the acupuncturist’s clinic.
How is the service delivered?
Acupuncture is the main treatment we pay for, which involves using very thin disposable needles to stimulate specific sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles. Some other forms of TCM treatments (gua-sha, cupping, tuina) are also funded as additional treatments.
When is the service complete?
Our funded acupuncture treatment provides a maximum of 12 treatments within 12 weeks of the first treatment date, which needs to begin within one year of the date of the accident.
The service is complete when the kiritaki has recovered from the injury, or they no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the service (e.g. if the treatment needs are no longer related to the covered injury).
The kiritaki may also self-discharge from the service if they no longer wish to receive it.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
We contribute towards the cost of the acupuncture treatment we fund. Kiritaki may also be asked for a co-payment.
Kiritaki need to provide a co-payment for non-injury treatment and other non-funded treatments (e.g. liniments, herbal plasters and herbs etc).
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Chinese Medicine Council - public register
Newsroom: Changes to acupuncture treatment
Acupuncturist - provider quick guide
Useful resources for clients
The aeromedical system consists of clinically crewed air ambulances (helicopters and planes) with associated road ambulance transfers, hospital flight teams, and clinical and logistical coordination.
The air ambulance system is jointly funded by ACC and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and managed by the Ambulance Team.
Learn more about this service on the Health New Zealand website:
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora - Aeromedical Commissioning Programme
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritakiwho have had limbs amputated because of an injury.
What is the purpose of the service?
The Artificial Limbs service supports and guides kiritaki through their recovery from amputation, including pre-amputation support (where appropriate), assessment, provision of limbs, post-limb rehabilitation and therapy, reviews, and repairs.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to the Artificial Limbs service by a medical specialist.
Requests for follow-up, adjustments, reviews, and repairs can be made by a registered health professional (RHP), or ACC, or a kiritaki can self-refer.
Who can deliver this service?
The Artificial Limbs service is delivered by our sole provider Peke Waihanga, previously known as the New Zealand Artificial Limb Service Centre.
Rehabilitation can include input from podiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists as needed.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided at Peke Waihanga centres around Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as satellite services outside of their main centres.
How is the service delivered?
A medical specialist will work with the kiritaki and Peke Waihanga to confirm when they are ready to commence limb fitting or rehabilitation. This may occur ahead of the amputation where it is a planned elective procedure.
Peke Waihanga will meet with the kiritaki and agree a plan for their individual journey through the service. Each kiritaki journey will be tailored to their individual situation and could vary in terms of limb type, adjustments required, rehabilitation inputs, and length.
When is the service complete?
The Artificial Limbs service continues indefinitely for reviews, replacements, and repairs.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who have sustained a 5% or greater hearing loss. This can be caused by trauma, workplace noise, or a treatment injury.
What is the purpose of the service?
Audiology supports our kiritaki with hearing loss and finds options to support their needs (e.g. hearing devices).
Audiologists and Audiometrists assess our kiritaki to determine if there is hearing loss and provide treatment or hearing device recommendations.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can self-refer to an audiologist or audiometrist
Kiritaki can also be referred by a GP.
Who can deliver this service?
Audiology can be delivered by an audiologist or audiometrist who is registered with the New Zealand Audiological Society and is an ACC provider.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided in an audiology clinic.
Some tamariki (children) may be seen in a Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospital.
How is the service delivered?
An audiologist or audiometrist will discuss the injury and complete assessments to determine the type and reason for hearing loss.
They will lodge the claim with us and, if approved, discuss the treatment options available.
Hearing loss is often complex and not experienced until later in life when an age-related component may contribute to some of the loss.
We can only fund the injury-related portion (if over 5%). Whaikaha (Ministry of Disabled People) may also contribute towards aids.
When is the service complete?
Audiology services are complete when hearing assessments have been undertaken and devices have been provided (if appropriate).
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded unless the kiritaki chooses to upgrade the level of hearing aid approved.
If the hearing loss is not related to an accident and injury, then support from Whaikaha or Work and Income may be obtained.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Find an NZAS Audiologist/Audiometrist » New Zealand Audiological Society (audiology.org.nz)
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who have either lost their pre-injury job or need to move to a different work type because of their injury.
What is the purpose of the service?
Back to Work Services support kiritaki to regain the capacity needed for their pre-injury role when they have lost their job. They help them to modify their role to accommodate their injury, obtain employment, find maximum employment, and achieve vocational independence.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to Back to Work Services by one of our recovery team members.
Who can deliver this service?
Back to Work Services can be delivered by:
- occupational therapists
- physiotherapists
- registered nurses
- medical practitioners
- psychologists
- social workers
- non-health service providers such as career practitioners and vocational counsellors.
Where does the service happen?
This service is carried out at the service provider’s facility, in the kiritaki’s home or workplace, or in other appropriate community locations.
How is the service delivered?
The service provider will contact the kiritaki for an introduction to set up a time to meet for an initial assessment.
Following the initial assessment, the service provider will complete an initial back at work plan. This plan will include the support the kiritaki requires to achieve the return-to-work outcome, which will be discussed with them and sent to us for consideration.
Throughout the service, the provider will continue to monitor the progress of our kiritaki, and communicate closely with them, their employer if appropriate, other treatment providers, and us.
When is the service complete?
Back to Work Services are complete when the vocational barriers preventing the kiritaki obtaining employment have been addressed and they can progress towards vocational independence.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
BSS is for kiritaki who, because of their serious injury, have significant behaviours of concern that impact on their quality of life.
The behaviours of concern are typically the result of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or a birth-related brain injury.
What is the purpose of the service?
BSS supports kiritaki, their whānau, and caregivers to have an enhanced quality of life and increased resilience. This is done through better understanding of and response to, as well as management, of the behaviours.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to BSS by us. The need for the service is usually identified through one of our other assessment or rehabilitation services.
Who can deliver this service?
BSS is primarily delivered by specially trained and experienced behavioural psychologists.
Depending on the needs of the individual, the psychologist may also include an occupational therapist, speech language therapist, and/or a social worker to help them deliver the treatment plan agreed between the psychologist, kiritaki, and their whānau.
Where does the service happen?
The service can be delivered in the home or other residential setting of the kiritaki, or their school, workplace or other community setting agreed to between the psychologist, the kiritaki, and their whānau.
How is the service delivered?
The psychologist first meets with the kiritaki and their whānau (including any caregivers) to establish a relationship. They will work together to understand the issues and triggers for the kiritaki and agree behaviour-related goals.
A Behaviour Support Plan will be agreed, which aims to equip the kiritaki and their support people with the skills to better manage any behaviours of concern.
The psychologist and other allied health providers will meet with the kiritaki or whānau as often as needed.
A Behaviour Support Plan is typically in place for nine months.
After the plan is complete the kiritaki can also receive (where required):
- Rapid Intervention Service for one-off incidents or set-backs
- Outcome Support and Monitoring to help the kiritaki and whānau transition from the intensive support received from the psychologist, maintain skills learnt, and help engage them and their support people with longer-term help.
When is the service complete?
The service is complete when the Behaviour Support Plan requirements have been delivered, and the behaviour change goals are achieved.
BSS can be accessed by a kiritaki more than once if needed.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who are affected by a musculoskeletal injury and require treatment to help them restore movement and function.
What is the purpose of the service?
Chiropractic services are used to provide kiritaki with timely access to quality treatment, and facilitate a prompt and sustainable return to independence, work, and/or education.
A chiropractor will achieve this through subluxation (restoring alignment) and manipulation of the joints and spine.
There are two forms of chiropractic services in New Zealand:
- traditional, alternative chiropractic (vitalistic)
- modern, non-alternative chiropractic (non-vitalistic).
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can self-refer following an injury event to lodge a claim and receive treatment.
Kiritaki can also be referred to a chiropractor by a health provider.
Who can deliver this service?
Chiropractic can be delivered by a chiropractor who is registered with the New Zealand Chiropractic Board and is an ACC provider.
Where does the service happen?
A chiropractor may work in different places, including:
- private chiropractic clinics
- community health centres.
How is the service delivered?
A chiropractor will meet with a kiritaki and discuss their injury-related needs. They will use hands-on clinical examinations to help assess the kiritaki and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
They will use therapies such as chiropractic manipulation and massage to treat the kiritaki and assist with recovery. They may recommend a kiritaki have an x-ray prior to chiropractic manipulation taking place.
Regular appointments will be arranged with the kiritaki until the treatment is completed.
When is the service complete?
Chiropractor services are complete when the kiritaki has recovered from the injury, or they no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the service (e.g. if the treatment needs are no longer related to the covered injury).
The kiritaki may also self-discharge from the service if they no longer wish to receive it.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
We contribute towards the cost of chiropractic treatment.
Kiritaki may be asked for a co-payment.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Chiropractic New Zealand – Live well. Be well.
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who need to be seen by a medical specialist who has knowledge in a specific area of treatment or rehabilitation.
What is the purpose of the service?
Clinical services give kiritaki access to:
- non-acute assessment of treatment needs by a specific medical speciality
- referral for advanced diagnostic imaging services and some non-surgical interventions, procedures, and diagnostics
- assessment for surgical needs
- pre-operative assessments.
Kiritaki can also be referred for this service when we need to better understand the cause of their treatment needs, and receive an assessment by a provider who is not their current treatment provider.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to clinical services by their primary health providers, their registered ACC treatment providers, as well as:
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora clinicians
- another medical specialist seeking a second opinion or assessment
- our recovery team members for independent Medical Case Review or Specialist Assessment.
Who can deliver this service?
Clinical services can be delivered by Vocationally Registered Medical Specialists.
Where does the service happen?
Treatment can be provided at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora outpatient clinics, in the specialist’s private rooms, or in a private hospital.
Parts of the service can be delivered via digital means (telehealth), where clinically appropriate.
How is the service delivered?
The kiritaki is referred to the specialist for assessment. They should be seen within a clinically appropriate timeframe.
High-tech imaging such as an MRI may be arranged in advance.
At the initial consultation, the specialist will discuss the treatment pathway with the kiritaki.
Some minor procedures may also be completed by the specialist in their rooms.
The clinic notes and/or letters will be sent to us, as well as the provider who referred the kiritaki for treatment.
Where approval for surgery or another ACC-funded treatment is required, an Assessment Report and Treatment Plan (ARTP) will be sent to us. If the procedure does not require prior approval, the kiritaki will be provided with a date for the treatment.
When is the service complete?
Clinical services are complete when the treatment outcome is achieved, the kiritaki no longer requires specialist care, or if the specialist determines that their needs are not (or are no longer) related to their covered injury.
Kiritaki are usually discharged back to the provider who referred them for treatment.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
Most specialists who commonly treat injury-related issues are named providers on a contract with us. Where this is the case, there is no cost to the kiritaki.
Where a specialist is not contracted to deliver services for us, the kiritaki may be asked for a co-payment. The kiritaki or specialist should contact us in these instances in advance of any consultation.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
CATA Assessment and Support services is for kiritaki who require specialised assistance with communication or managing their environment independently.
What is the purpose of the service?
The CATA assessment identifies options that will help a kiritaki with communication and improved independence. This service includes both assessing and trialling equipment solutions such as computer access aids, environmental controls, and alternative communication devices.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
The need for communication support can be raised by us, the kiritaki, their whānau, another health professional, or an educational centre.
If appropriate, our recovery team member will then make a referral.
Who can deliver this service?
CATA Assessment and Support services can be delivered by specialised speech language therapists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists.
Where does the service happen?
Assessments will normally take place in the kiritaki’s home. However, they can also occur in a hospital, workplace (to assist with engaging in work), or in a school environment for learning needs.
How is the service delivered?
The kiritaki’s needs are identified during an initial assessment. The assessor will then recommend options to us. Once we have approved them, the assessor will support the kiritaki to trial different aids or equipment to work out what is best for them.
Following a successful trial, we’ll purchase the equipment via Enable New Zealand.
When is the service complete?
The service is complete when the kiritaki has a suitable solution in place to support their injury-related need.
Reassessment can occur as needed.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki with symptoms following a suspected or confirmed concussion or mild/moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
What is the purpose of the service?
Concussion Services support recovery and return to everyday life for kiritaki, including work and school. The aim is to reduce the long-term consequences after a concussion injury and reduce the occurrence of further brain injury through education. Overall, our goal is to achieve long-term recovery.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to Concussion Services by medical and/or nurse practitioners via GP clinics, Urgent Care Clinics, or Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospitals.
Allied health professionals can refer where the medical notes support a suspected or confirmed concussion diagnosis.
Who can deliver this service?
Concussion Services can be delivered by an interdisciplinary team (IDT), which includes a:
- medical specialist
- neuropsychologist
- occupational therapist
- physiotherapist.
The IDT may also be supported by a:
- psychologist
- registered nurse
- GP
- speech and language therapist
- social worker
- optometrist.
- Where does the service happen?
How is the service delivered?
This service is provided in a clinic setting, and also in the community where this better meets the kiritaki’s needs.
When is the service complete?
The service provider will initially contact our kiritaki by phone to better understand their circumstances.
They’ll then set up an appointment to set goals and explain how the service will work. They will also provide advice on symptom management and/or education about TBIs and rehabilitation.
Each kiritaki has unique needs, so they will receive support from the team of people best able to support them to return to their everyday life at home and work.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
Concussion Services are complete within six months, or before if the rehabilitation goals have been met, or when all the agreed services have been delivered.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who have an existing covered claim and are seeking therapeutic assistance.
What is the purpose of the service?
COTR provides a safe and confidential space to promote wellbeing and develop coping strategies.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki are able to self-refer for COTR Sexual Abuse Counselling through the list of counsellors found on our website:
Kiriaki should contact us to arrange for a formal referral to be made before sessions start.
Our recovery team members usually refer our psychology, or Sensitive Claims Service services, when they are aware this kind of support is needed for a kiritaki they are actively working with.
Who can deliver this service?
COTR can be delivered by mental health professionals who are approved by us to deliver services through COTR. These mental health professionals are governed by the Accident Insurance (“Counsellor”) Regulations 1999 Act and include:
- social worker therapists
- counsellors
- psychotherapists
- psychologists
- psychiatrists.
Where does the service happen?
The service supports the kiritaki, and (where appropriate) whānau, primarily in the therapist’s rooms.
There may also be situations where services can be delivered via digital means (telehealth), or in an agreed alternative and suitable setting.
How is the service delivered?
The therapist will work with the kiritaki to understand how the injury has impacted their mental wellbeing, establish their wellbeing goals, and find strategies to achieve these.
When is the service complete?
The service is complete when the treatment goals created with the kiritaki have been achieved.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
Kiritaki may be asked for a co-payment as the regulations only enable a contribution towards the cost of treatment.
Counselling for Sexual Abuse can be fully funded through the Sensitive Claims Service.For more information please visit:
Psychological support for kiritaki after a physical injury can be fully funded through our Psychology Services. Kiritaki or their health providers should contact us for more information.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
www.findsupport.co.nz (Sensitive Claims Service)
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who require treatment for injury-related dental needs.
What is the purpose of the service?
The purpose of the service is to provide timely and cost-effective injury-related dental treatment.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can self-refer to a dentist, or be referred by a medical provider.
Who can deliver this service?
Dental services can be delivered by dentists who are registered ACC providers.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided at private dental clinics in the community. Specialist dental treatment may also be provided at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospitals.
How is the service delivered?
The kiritaki will make an appointment with a dentist of their choice in the community. At the initial consultation, the dentist will discuss the treatment with the kiritaki and lodge an ACC42 Dental Injury Claim Form.
When is the service complete?
Dental services are complete when the treatment outcome is achieved, or if the dentist determines that the kiritaki’s needs are not (or are no longer) related to their covered injury.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
Kiritaki may be asked for a co-payment, which will vary between dental clinics.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Webinar: The beginner's guide to ACC for dentists
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for children and young people (tamariki and rangatahi) who need support to engage in early childhood education or school.
What is the purpose of the service?
Education Assessment and Support services assess the tamariki and rangitahi’s injury-related needs, and then arranges for the right support to assist them to participate in their learning and education-based activities.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
The need for support can be raised by the tamariki and rangitahi, their whānau, their school/early learning centre, or another health professional.
The tamariki and rangitahi’s needs are then formally assessed either via an Education Based Rehabilitation Needs Assessment or Support Needs Assessment. We will then refer to the education provider who arranges the appropriate supports.
Who can deliver this service?
Education Assessment and Support services are carried out by specialised occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or educational psychologists.
If educational support is identified, teacher aides or education support workers are provided by the tamariki and rangitahi’s learning facility.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided at licensed early childhood centres, or in school environments (excluding university).
How is the service delivered?
Assessments normally take place through a combination of visits to the tamariki and rangitahi’s home and their learning environment.
Teacher aides and education support workers work alongside kiritaki in their learning environment to ensure they can participate and engage in activities.
When is the service complete?
The service is complete when a tamariki or rangitahi has recovered from their injury or is no longer attending an education facility.
Reassessment can occur as needed.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
Elective Surgery services are for kiritaki who have been assessed by a medical specialist as needing planned (non-acute) surgery.
What is the purpose of the service?
Elective Surgery services provide our kiritaki with access to surgical treatment, which is needed to help them make the best recovery practicable.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Medical specialists complete an Assessment Report and Treatment Plan (ARTP) which, if needed, is sent to us by the hospital that they wish to perform the surgery at for approval.
For referral and access to medical specialists see Clinical Services.
Who can deliver this service?
This service is delivered under a supplier (usually a hospital) who will use the services of named providers such as surgeons, anaesthetists, and theatre staff to deliver the care.
Where does the service happen?
In a private hospital or Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora facility.
How is the service delivered?
The service is a package of care from preparation for surgery, admission, delivery of surgical procedures, to recovery, discharge, and follow-up care for six-weeks post-elective surgery discharge.
When is the service complete?
For most, the service is complete after six-weeks post-elective surgery.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Kiritaki may be asked to fund optional extras such as additional meals for visiting guests, or telephone calls.
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is funded by us for kiritaki who have a covered claim for complications following the use of surgical mesh in the treatment of issues like pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
The New Zealand Female Pelvic Mesh Service can also be accessed by anyone eligible for publicly funded health and disability services in New Zealand.
What is the purpose of the service?
The service offers a holistic and wraparound service to women and their whānau to maximise healing and recovery.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
The kiritaki’s GP or medical specialist can refer for this service.
Who can deliver this service?
This service is delivered by Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora.
Where does the service happen?
The service is based in two locations – Ōtautahi (Christchurch) and Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).
How is the service delivered?
If your referral is accepted kiritaki are contacted by a member of the team. This may be to set up appointments to meet the health navigator, nurse specialist or doctor, or it may be to ask some questions that help the team plan any investigations that may be needed.
The multi-disciplinary team will work through treatment options that suit the kiritaki’s unique situation and work on a treatment, care, and support plan.
Kiritaki will be invited to an appointment where treatment and care options will be discussed. Surgery, to remove the mesh and/or repair damaged tissue, may be discussed with kiritaki as part of the treatment plan.
A health navigator provides support throughout the journey.
When is the service complete?
The New Zealand Female Pelvic Mesh Service provides support until the kiritaki and the clinical team agree that the treatment goals have been met.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki whose injury has impacted on specific tasks that they need to be able to complete at work, and we need to understand their capacity to undertake these.
What is the purpose of the service?
Functional Capacity Evaluations assess the impact of the injury on specific tasks and assist with identifying the right kind of rehabilitation support.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to Functional Capacity Evaluations by our recovery team when a GP or other medical practitioner has confirmed it is safe to do so.
Who can deliver this service?
Functional Capacity Evaluations can be delivered by a service provider who is registered with us as a rehabilitation professional and meets the appropriate criteria to undertake these services.
Where does the service happen?
The service is provided either at the service provider’s facility or the kiritaki’s workplace.
How is the service delivered?
The service provider will contact our kiritaki to arrange a time to complete their assessment.
At the assessment the service provider will complete pre-evaluation tasks with our kiritaki and arrange to undertake a physical evaluation. Following this, the service provider will complete an assessment report, including their recommendations, and send this to us.
When is the service complete?
Functional Capacity Evaluations are complete when the assessor has completed their assessment and provided their report and recommendations to us.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who have an upper limb injury (elbow, wrist, hand and fingers).
What is the purpose of the service?
Hand Therapy provides our kiritaki with timely access to quality treatment and can facilitate a prompt and sustainable return to independence, work, and/or education.
A Hand Therapist can help kiritaki with:
- rehabilitation and pain management
- splinting
- scar management
- work activity guidance
- giving information and advice on injury prevention techniques
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can self-refer following an injury event to lodge a claim and receive treatment.
Kiritaki can also be referred to Hand Therapy by a health provider.
Who can deliver this service?
Hand Therapy can be delivered by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who is registered with Hand Therapy Nez Zealand and is an ACC provider.
Where does the service happen?
A Hand Therapist may work in different places, including:
- Hand therapy clinics
- physiotherapy clinics
- GP clinics
- community health centres
- sports facilities such as clubs
- schools
- hospitals.
Hand Therapy may be delivered via digital means (telehealth), where clinically appropriate.
How is the service delivered?
A Hand Therapist will meet with a kiritaki, discuss their injury-related needs, and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Regular appointments will be arranged with the kiritaki until the treatment is completed.
When is the service complete?
Hand Therapy services are complete when the kiritaki has recovered from the injury, or they no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the service (e.g. if the treatment needs are no longer related to the covered injury).
The kiritaki may also self-discharge from the service if they no longer wish to receive it.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
We contribute towards the cost of hand therapy treatment.
Kiritaki may be asked for a co-payment.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Find a Registered Hand Therapist in New Zealand
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who need to have non-acute HTI such as MRIs and CT scans, Duplex/Doppler ultrasound and treatment like guided injections.
What is the purpose of the service?
HTI is used for non-invasive diagnostic and/or treatment.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
There are four ways in which a referral can be made:
- by a medical specialist (see Clinical Services)
- by a GP or nurse practitioner who has completed specific training required by us
- by a GP under the GP with Special Interest contract (GPSI)
- by a supplier if the kiritaki is receiving treatment via the Integrated Care Pathway Musculoskeletal (ICPMSK) service.
Who can deliver this service?
Only New Zealand registered radiologists can provide HTI. They may be supported by radiographers and other qualified staff.
Where does the service happen?
This service happens in a variety of locations, which includes Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospitals and private radiology practices.
How is the service delivered?
The medical specialist, GP or nurse practitioner will assess the kiritaki and determine that imaging is required.
They will discuss the referral with the kiritaki and may offer a choice of radiologists. The kiritaki presents to the radiologist as agreed for the imaging. A report is then sent to us, and also back to the treatment provider, who will discuss the results and treatment plan with the kiritaki.
When is the service complete?
The service is complete when the images have been sent to us and the referring health provider or the procedure is completed.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
High Tech Imaging Operational Guidelines
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who need home help, attendant care, childcare, and/or support with activities of daily living.
What is the purpose of the service?
HCS enables our kiritaki to either recover at home and return to independence, or for those with complex and lifelong injuries, achieve maximum independence and quality of life.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to HCS by us, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, or their GP.
Kiritaki can request HCS via the MyACC app, or by getting in touch with us.
All kiritaki will have an assessment before the service starts, to understand what supports are needed. Depending on the circumstances, this might happen:
- before discharge from a Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospital directly to our HCS suppliers
- during a conversation with one of our recovery team members
- following an assessment completed by our Home and Community Support - Return to Independence (HCS-RTI) suppliers, or
- following a Social Rehabilitation Needs Assessment (SRNA) or Support Needs Assessment (SNA) assessment of need.
Who can deliver this service?
HCS can be delivered by one of our contracted suppliers who employ a range of skilled people to provide this service. This includes registered nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, as well as skilled support workers who can provide personal care, childcare, and home help.
The supplier will work with our kiritaki and their whānau to arrange for the right care and support.
Where does the service happen?
The service is provided in the kiritaki’s home or place of residence in the community.
How is the service delivered?
The support needs of each kiritaki are unique. To achieve their identified goals, assistance will need to be provided.
Support could include childcare, meal preparation, cleaning, grocery shopping, and assistance accessing the community and personal cares.
We are unable to provide support for home maintenance, gardening or lawn mowing.
When is the service complete?
HCS continues until kiritaki have returned to independence and/or no longer have an injury-related need for this support.
For some kiritaki, the support will be provided for life.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who require Housing Modifications so they can access or remain in their own homes.
What is the purpose of the service?
Housing Modifications assist kiritaki to live as independently and safely as possible by removing structural barriers and/or adding fixed features in their homes.
Depending on the kiritaki’s needs, this can include minor modifications like:
- installation of grab-rails
- minor ramps less than 1m in height
- decks/landings less than 1m in height
- door widening
- bathroom fixtures.
Examples of more complex modifications that require building consent include:
- ramps exceeding 1m in height and/or requiring multiple changes in direction
- bathroom modifications, including wet area showers
- kitchen/laundry modifications
- any modifications that require an extension to the footprint of the existing home.
The more complex modifications are generally needed by our kiritaki who have experienced a spinal cord injury or other injury with significant impacts.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
We refer our kiritaki to this service as needed.
Who can deliver this service?
Housing assessments are undertaken by an allied health provider (occupational therapist or physiotherapist).
Housing Modifications are managed by building specialists who oversee everyone involved in the modification process.
Where does the service happen?
We can modify the homes of our kiritaki who live in New Zealand if they are owned, rented (with the owner’s permission), or otherwise lawfully occupied by the kiritaki.
How is the service delivered?
There are two steps to most Housing Modifications processes.
First, an assessor will meet with the kiritaki in their home to understand what impact their injury has on their ability to access it. They will then make recommendations to maximise the independence of our kiritaki, which may include making changes to the structure of their home or installing equipment.
If structural modifications are needed, our Housing Modifications suppliers will then work with the kiritaki, their whānau, builders, and other specialists to plan and undertake the work.
When is the service complete?
Housing Modifications services are complete when all the modifications have been finished and the kiritaki is able to live at home.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Some kiritaki may choose to contribute if they have specific preferences or non-injury-related modifications which they ask to be done at the same time.
Key links
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki with a permanent impairment from their physical or mental injury.
What is the purpose of the service?
Impairment Assessments determine the level and impact of impairment using a standard set of measures.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Only permanent and stable injuries can be considered for lump sum compensation. Impairment is usually assessed at least 12 months after the injury, or several months after the last treatment intervention.
Our kiritaki can apply for an Independence Allowance (IA), a lump sum entitlement, or both, at any time. They can do this by contacting us. They may need their GP to complete an application form and submit the relevant medical records.
If they meet the criteria, we will arrange for the assessment to happen.
Referrals may also be discussed with the kiritaki by our recovery team members where they have identified they should be assessed.
Who can deliver this service?
Impairment Assessments can be delivered by a medical practitioner who has at least general registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ), three years’ post-registration clinical experience, and has completed our training course on the Assessment Tool.
Kiritaki with a mental injury are assessed by a psychiatrist, or other specialised assessor.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided at the service provider’s facility.
How is the service delivered?
The service provider will contact our kiritaki to confirm the referral and arrange a time for the assessment to take place.
At the assessment, the service provider will use a standard form of questions to calculate the impairment level. This may include a physical examination.
They then submit the report to us. We will then review it, and if the impairment level meets the threshold, we will match it to the payment amount.
When is the service complete?
Impairment Assessments are complete when the assessment has been undertaken, the report received and, if appropriate, the lump sum has been paid.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who have a non-permanent musculoskeletal injury to their lower back, shoulder and/or knee, who will live in Aotearoa for the duration of their rehabilitation pathway, have had the injury in the last 12 months, and are likely to need surgery.
What is the purpose of the service?
ICPMSK provides an interdisciplinary wraparound service that enables our kiritaki to get the treatment, including surgery, and support they need to recover and return to work and/or independence.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to ICPMSK by allied health practitioners, medical specialists, general or nurse practitioners, rongoā Māori practitioners, Kaupapa Māori health providers, or their employer.
Who can deliver this service?
ICPMSK can be delivered by a team of clinicians and professionals who best meet their needs.
The team could include:
- health navigators
- physiotherapists
- medical specialists
- pain specialists
- psychologists
- vocational rehabilitation providers.
The ICPMSK suppliers may also include other allied health or rehabilitation professionals.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided in clinics, at the kiritaki’s workplace, or in the community.
How is the service delivered?
The ICPMSK supplier will first confirm that the kiritaki can be accepted into the service.
They will then meet with the kiritaki to set the recovery goals and create a plan to achieve them.
The kiritaki will be given a service navigator who will be the key point of contact.
The service navigator will gather the right clinicians and other professionals to fully support the kiritaki to implement the plan and achieve the goals.
The kiritaki will complete any preventative rehabilitation, have surgery, and then be supported to recover and return to work or independence.
The service navigator replaces the need to have a dedicated ACC recovery team member. They will ensure that the kiritaki receives financial support (weekly compensation) and is referred to any other of our services such as Home and Community (HCS) support as needed.
When is the service complete?
ICPMSK services are complete when the kiritaki achieves their agreed rehabilitation goals.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers and clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for anyone, including visitors to the country, who has experienced sexual abuse or assault in New Zealand.
What is the purpose of the service?
The Sensitive Claims Service provides therapy, assessment services, social work, and whānau support for the kiritaki, with the goal of having the skills and ability to manage their own wellbeing.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can self-refer or be referred by a recovery team member.
The kiritaki don’t need to have a claim lodged before seeing a therapist, or have reported it to the New Zealand Police or other authority.
Who can deliver this service?
The Sensitive Claims Service is primarily provided by experienced psychologists, counsellors, and/or psychotherapists, but may also include:
- occupational therapists
- physiotherapists
- registered nurses
- speech and language therapists
- dieticians
- psychiatrists
The service can include some group-based therapy, cultural advice, social work, and whānau support.
Where does the service happen?
Therapists usually meet with the person in their consulting rooms.
Digital means (telehealth) may also be used if it’s safe to do so.
How is the service delivered?
A Sensitive Claims Service therapy provider will meet with the kiritaki to build a relationship and talk about what kind of treatment or support is needed.
They’ll create a plan together which sets out the best way to support the recovery of the kiritaki.
Therapy starts straight away and can include support for whānau.
Every kiritaki is different, so the service is designed to provide as much or as little therapy or support as needed.
The therapy providers can also enable kiritaki to consider whether a Specialist Cover Assessment may be needed. These are used to determine formal cover for a mental injury and for financial supports including weekly compensation. The Sensitive Claims Service supports kiritaki throughout this process.
When is the service complete?
Sensitive Claims Services are complete when the kiritaki determines they don’t wish to have an assessment for mental injury cover, the sessions available have been used, or after all the sessions are completed.
The service can be re-accessed at any time over the next three years.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who have been formally assessed as vocationally independent.
What is the purpose of the service?
Job Search is designed to provide additional support to help our kiritaki seek and secure employment in the three-month period before their weekly compensation ends, following a vocational independence decision.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to Job Search by one of our recovery team members.
Who can deliver this service?
Job Search services can be delivered by:
- career practitioners
- vocational counsellors
- recruitment consultants.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided at the service provider’s facility, the kiritaki’s home or workplace, or other appropriate community locations.
How is the service delivered?
Job Search is provided over a 12-week period from the date the service provider accepts the referral for our kiritaki.
The service provider will contact the kiritaki for an introduction to set up a time to meet for an initial assessment.
The provider will then work closely with the kiritaki to develop a job search plan that matches their capabilities and relevant work types, support the development or modification of their CV, and provide job search support and techniques.
When is the service complete?
Job Search services are complete at the end of the 12-week period unless advised by us that our kiritaki can exit the service.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Vocational rehabilitation service suppliers
Finding alternative employment after an injury
Who is this service for?
Living my Life (LML) is a disability support service for kiritaki whose injury impacts their ability to participate and engage in everyday activities in their community.
Commonly this service supports our kiritaki with a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or birth-related brain injury.
What is the purpose of the service?
LML gives kiritaki the ability to have choice and control over “where I want to live, what I want to do, where I want to go and who with”.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to LML by us. The need for the service is usually identified by one of our assessment services or rehabilitation providers.
Who can deliver this service?
LML services are delivered by an interdisciplinary team (IDT), including:
- support workers
- occupational therapists
- counsellors
- physiotherapists
- registered nurses
- social workers
- speech language therapists.
Where does the service happen?
LML is a community-based service.
How is the service delivered?
LML service providers work with the kiritaki and their whānau to:
- enhance kiritaki quality of life through the provision of tailored disability supports
- facilitate engagement in meaningful personal, community and employment activities
- enable kiritaki to exercise choice and control over their everyday lives.
There are four parts to LML that can be used at different times and stages in life:
Facilitated Pathway Map
The kiritaki is supported to create a visual map about what they want to achieve. The map describes their goals, and the people and places important to them.
Independent Facilitation
The kiritaki is empowered to make decisions about how they would like to take part in their community, what supports they need, and where to find them.
Tailored Support
Providers will support kiritaki individually and in groups in their community to:
- work on activities that are meaningful
- expand interests, activities, and relationships
- find ways to live where they want and do the activities they want
- find or stay in paid or unpaid work
- develop skills to do more for themselves.
Coaching to Self-Manage
This is for kiritaki who would like to self-manage the ongoing purchase of the support they need (e.g. paying carers directly). They manage within an agreed budget with us.
When is the service complete?
LML services are complete when:
- the support is no longer needed, because the kiritaki can manage their own activities and engage in everyday activities in their community without support
- we are unable to approve further requests for support.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Living my Life Operational Guidelines (acc.co.nz)
Useful resources for clients
Disability Information New Zealand
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who need ongoing Medical Consumables that are not provided under other services, such as a GP clinic. This can include wound care, skincare, respiratory, ostomy, nutrition, continence, and protective (i.e. gloves), and irrigation products.
What is the purpose of the service?
Medical Consumables includes the supply and delivery of these products to our kiritaki.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Medical Consumables requests are placed directly through the Onelink CommunityClient website by any appropriate registered health professional (RHP) who has been requested by ACC to assess the needs of the kiritaki.
Who can deliver this service?
Medical Consumables are provided by Onelink.
Where does the service happen?
Onelink delivers Medical Consumables directly to the kiritaki’s home, or to an alternative location agreed with them.
How is the service delivered?
An appropriate RHP will assess the kiritaki as having a need for Medical Consumables.
An order is placed on the Onelink CommunityClient website, which then comes to us for approval.
Items are then dispatched to the kiritaki at an agreed frequency and volume. The health provider can review the order at any time and make amendments to volume or frequency or cancel the order.
Kiritaki may request some changes to their orders themselves, such as a temporary hold and change of address.
When is the service complete?
The Medical Consumables services cease when the kiritaki no longer need them and the order is cancelled.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Kiritaki are responsible for any costs associated with disposing of unused items.
Kiritaki are encouraged to only store as much as they require for use and for emergency supplies.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Medical consumables operational guidelines
Kiritaki are encouraged to speak to their treatment providers about any needs they may have. Anyone can search the Onelink website for items they may need. However, the full list is not visible to avoid prompting of unnecessary items.
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who have or are suspected to have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or have a cognitive condition and are experiencing ongoing symptoms.
What is the purpose of the service?
Neuropsychological Assessment Services aim to:
- confirm the existence of a TBI and determine how the kiritaki is affected by it
- confirm whether the kiritaki’s symptoms have been caused by the injury, or if there may be other possible causes
- provide recommendations for intervention, if appropriate
- assess the kiritaki’s cognitive, behavioural and emotional, as well as social and vocational, functioning.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
A recovery team member refers kiritaki into the service.
Who can deliver this service?
Neuropsychological Assessment Services are provided by contracted neuropsychologists. These are psychologists who have specialised knowledge of assessment, diagnosis treatment, and the rehabilitation of people with cognitive or behavioural issues.
Where does the service happen?
The service takes place in the rooms of the neuropsychologist or can be done via digital means (telehealth) if it is safe to do so for the kiritaki.
How is the service delivered?
The kiritaki is contacted by the neuropsychologist and offered an appointment for the assessment. After the assessment, the neuropsychologist submits the assessment report to us with a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will discuss the results of the assessment with the kiritaki.
We will also share this report, with consent from the kiritaki, to relevant heath care professionals involved in supporting their recovery.
When is the service complete?
Neuropsychological Assessment Services are complete when a Neuropsychological Assessment Report has been received by us.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Neuropsychological Assessment Services
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
HBOT services are for kiritaki who have an injury that is not responding to the usual medical or surgical care. HBOT treatment may be funded by us for:
- diabetic feet
- compromised amputation sites
- non-healing traumatic wounds
- vascular insufficiency ulcers.
What is the purpose of the service?
This service is to provide assessment and treatment to significantly improve or restore skin integrity and bring about improvement in function.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to HBOT by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora clinicians.
Who can deliver this service?
This service is delivered by a Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora interdisciplinary team (IDT) qualified to provide HBOT and with the appropriate experience in wound care management. The team includes medical practitioners and registered nurses.
Where does the service happen?
The service happens in Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospitals that have hyperbaric oxygen chambers, currently in Auckland and Canterbury.
How is the service delivered?
The kiritaki meets with the HBOT service and an assessment is completed. The team will complete an Assessment Report and Treatment Plan (ARTP) and request approval for treatment funding from us as appropriate.
As HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised environment, the treatment is given either as a day patient or the kiritaki may be admitted to stay.
When is the service complete?
The service is complete when the treatment goals have been achieved or the kiritaki is discharged by the team.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
While there is no age restriction, this service is typically for kiritaki over 65 who require rehabilitation in hospital or the community after an injury.
What is the purpose of the service?
NARP services enable Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospitals to manage rehabilitation in the hospital and in the community, so long as the kiritaki is actively participating in rehabilitation.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Once a patient is discharged from acute care Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora will determine if NARP rehabilitation is needed.
Who can deliver this service?
NARP services are guided by a Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora District interdisciplinary team (IDT), with the rehabilitation plan established by a registered health professional (RHP).
The service includes:
- rehabilitation specialists
- key workers
- registered nurses, enrolled nurses, and nurse practitioners
- allied health:
- occupational therapists
- physiotherapists
- speech language therapists
- social workers
- support workers/health care assistants.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided in a hospital setting, in the kiritaki’s usual place of residence (home), in a residential/aged care facility, or any combination of these places as they recover and transition home.
How is the service delivered?
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora will identify kiritaki who would benefit from this service. If they are eligible, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora will work with the kiritaki and their whānau to develop a plan to support them to return to their usual place of residence. This may involve a stay in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, a temporary stay in an aged care facility, supports at home, or any combination of these.
This service is led by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. Our kiritaki supported in this service are likely only seen by an ACC recovery team member in exceptional situations.
When is the service complete?
NARP services are complete when the kiritaki has regained their pre-injury level of independence following rehabilitation, or when Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora identifies they need continuing support and transfers them to us to consider ongoing services.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who need nursing treatment that can’t be safely managed by their GP team. This may be because the kiritaki is physically unable or unsafe to travel, the injury is too complex, they require nursing treatment outside of normal hours, or they are unable to enrol with a GP team.
What is the purpose of the service?
Nursing Services provide kiritaki with timely access to quality, evidence-based nursing treatment for injury-related needs.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to Nursing Services by a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner registered nurse, community-based health provider or a recovery team.
Kiritaki can also self-refer if they live in a rural area that is at least 50km or a 30-minute drive from the nearest medical centre, public hospital, emergency department, or GP clinic, or if there are other barriers to accessing a GP team.
Who can deliver this service?
Nursing Services can be delivered by nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and enrolled nurses working in the community. They are often known as district nurses.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided in the kiritaki’s home, or at an outpatient clinic or another community location such as their school or workplace.
How is the service delivered?
A nurse will assess the injury and complete a treatment plan at the first visit. The nurse will discuss the treatment with the kiritaki and identify the appropriate service level based on the initial assessment and treatment plan. Regular appointments will be arranged with the kiritaki until the treatment is completed.
When is the service complete?
Nursing Services are complete when the kiritaki has recovered from the injury, or they no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the service (e.g. if the treatment needs are no longer related to the covered injury).
The kiritaki may also self-discharge from the service if they no longer wish to receive it.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who may not be able to return to their previous employment due to their injury and we need to consider an alternative work type for them.
What is the purpose of the service?
This service identifies all the types of work types that our kiritaki could do, any vocational barriers, and recommends vocational rehabilitation options to address these.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to Occupational Assessments by one of our recovery team members.
Who can deliver this service?
Occupational Assessments can be delivered by an Occupational Assessor who has been approved by us.
Where does the service happen?
This service is carried out at the provider’s facility, or another setting agreed with us.
How is the service delivered?
The Occupational Assessor will contact our kiritaki, explain the service and make a time to interview them.
The interview may take place over more than one session, so that the Occupational Assessor has time to consider the suitability of the work type options for the kiritaki, and the recommended work types. A final report will be created and shared with us.
When is the service complete?
Occupational Assessor services are completed when the assessor has completed their assessment and provided their report and recommendations to us and our kiritaki.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who have sustained an eye injury or have changes to their vision because of a covered injury.
What is the purpose of the service?
Optometrists check for problems with eyes following an injury.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can self-refer following an injury event to lodge a claim and receive treatment.
Kiritaki can also be referred to an optometrist by a health provider.
Who can deliver this service?
Optometry can be delivered by an optician who is registered with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board of New Zealand.
Where does the service happen?
The service is provided at optometry clinics around New Zealand, and a small number are at hospital eye departments.
How is the service delivered?
An optometrist will complete an initial eye examination and any potential treatment undertaken.
If this is approved, further assessments or prescribing of glasses or other optical appliances may occur.
When is the service complete?
Optometry services are complete when the kiritaki has recovered from the injury, or no longer needs input from the optometrist.
The kiritaki may also self-discharge from the service if they no longer wish to receive it.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
We contribute towards the cost of an optometry assessment, but our kiritaki should confirm with the optometrist if a co-payment is required.
If glasses are funded by us, we’ll pay the full cost if the requirement is solely due to injury-related needs.
Co-payment applies when the kiritaki requires glasses for both injury and non-injury-related needs.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
New Zealand Association of Optometrists
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who need an orthotic aid (e.g. knee brace).
What is the purpose of the service?
Orthotics is the making and/or fitting of externally applied devices used to support, align, correct, or improve the function of the moveable parts of the body.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Orthotics can only be provided when the referral to the orthotist for the kiritaki has been made by an approved health practitioner who is a specialist in one of the following areas:
- orthopaedic medical specialist
- rheumatology medical specialist
- GP
- sports medicine specialist
- podiatrist
- physiotherapist.
Referrals can also be made by an ACC recovery team member.
Who can deliver this service?
Orthotics can be delivered by an orthotist who is an accredited member of the New Zealand Orthotist and Prosthetics Association (NZOPA) and is a registered ACC provider.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided in an orthotic clinic, or hospital setting.
How is the service delivered?
An orthotist will assess the injury and discuss treatment options at the first visit. If required, further appointments will be made until the orthosis is fitted.
When is the service complete?
Orthotic services are complete when the kiritaki has received the appropriate orthosis or recovered from the injury.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki affected by a musculoskeletal injury who require treatment to help them restore movement and function as part of their recovery.
What is the purpose of the service?
Osteopathy services are used to provide kiritaki with timely access to quality treatment and facilitate a prompt and sustainable return to independence, work, and/or education.
An osteopath will achieve this using techniques such as joint mobilisation, stretching, and soft tissue massage.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can self-refer following an injury event to lodge a claim and receive treatment.
Kiritaki can also be referred to an osteopath by a health provider.
Who can deliver this service?
Osteopathy can be delivered by an osteopath who is registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand and is an ACC registered provider.
Where does the service happen?
An osteopath can work in different places, including:
- private osteopathy clinics
- community health centres.
How is the service delivered?
An osteopath will meet with a kiritaki and discuss their injury-related needs. They will use hands-on clinical examinations to help assess the kiritaki and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
They will apply stretching and joint mobilisation to the injury-affected areas of the body to increase the range of motion and release tension in the muscles.
Regular appointments will be arranged with the kiritaki until the treatment is completed.
When is the service complete?
Osteopathy services are complete when the kiritaki has recovered from the injury, or they no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the service (e.g. if the treatment needs are no longer related to the covered injury).
The kiritaki may also self-discharge from the service if they no longer wish to receive it.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
We contribute towards the cost of osteopath treatment.
Kiritaki may be asked for a co-payment.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who have a significant burn or need extensive treatment following exposure to radiation.
What is the purpose of the service?
The purpose of the service is to provide specialist treatment to maximise healing and recovery.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki are referred to the outpatient clinic as part of discharge planning from acute care.
Who can deliver this service?
This service is delivered by a specialist team that includes medical specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided by Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora in an outpatient clinic.
The service can be delivered via digital means (telehealth), where clinically appropriate.
How is the service delivered?
The kiritaki will attend the outpatient clinic as needed. The specialist team will create an appropriate treatment plan and evaluate progress. The team provides education about caring for the injury and gives injury prevention advice to minimise re-injury or complications.
The service can include the provision of pressure garments, Medical Consumables, and splinting.
When is the service complete?
The service is complete when the kiritaki is discharged or the service determines that the need is not related to the covered injury.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Patient & Family Information | New Zealand National Burn Service
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who have persistent pain lasting three months or more that is not resolving within normal clinical expectations or have a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) diagnosis or a suspected CRPS diagnosis.
What is the purpose of the service?
Pain Management Services aim to reduce the impact of persistent pain, enabling our kiritaki to make the best recovery from injury possible.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to Pain Management Services by a GP, another registered health professional (RHP), a rongoā practitioner currently providing our funded services to them, or one of our recovery teams.
Who can deliver this service?
Pain Management Services are delivered by an interdisciplinary team (IDT), which includes:
- pain medicine specialists
- medical specialists
- psychologists
- physiotherapists
- clinical pharmacists.
The IDT may also be supported by:
- occupational therapists
- registered nurses
- nurse practitioners
- nurse specialists
- dieticians
- osteopaths
- chiropractors
- counsellors.
Where does the service happen?
We offer Community Services and Tertiary Delivery Services.
Community Services can be provided at the provider’s facility, the kiritaki’s home or workplace, or other appropriate community locations.
Tertiary Delivery Services are generally provided at a Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora outpatient clinic or at the provider’s facility.
How is the service delivered?
The service provider will initially contact our kiritaki and complete a triage assessment, to better understand their unique treatment and rehabilitation needs. They’ll explain the service and agree to a care plan.
Services are then provided to meet the goals of the plan. The services commonly include group programmes or community-based interdisciplinary services.
Inpatient programmes may be offered to our kiritaki with more complex pain rehabilitation needs, where appropriate.
Whānau or support people can attend treatment sessions at the request of the kiritaki.
When is the service complete?
Pain Management Services are completed within six months, or before if our kiritaki has achieved the goals agreed in their care plan.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who need end-of-life care and support.
What is the purpose of the service?
Palliative Care aims to:
- optimise the kiritaki’s quality of life by addressing their physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural needs until death
- support their whānau and other caregivers where needed with bereavement.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can self-refer into palliative care when they have a covered claim. Their whānau or GP can also refer them.
Who can deliver this service?
Palliative Care is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team with specialist palliative care nursing experience, social workers, medical specialists, counsellors, and health care assistants.
Where does the service happen?
This service can be provided in a hospice facility, a kiritaki’s home, and other locations, where appropriate.
How is the service delivered?
The services offered will differ from hospice to hospice but typically include:
- medical and nursing care
- cultural support and liaison
- pain and symptom control
- therapies, including physiotherapy and complementary therapies
- spiritual support and care
- practical and financial advice
- bereavement support
- training and support services for family carers
- support groups (e.g. children’s bereavement support, art therapy groups, bereaved men’s group).
When is the service complete?
Palliative Care services are complete when the care team determines the service is no longer required.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki with complex needs who are supported by one of our partnered recovery teams.
What is the purpose of the service?
Pathways to Employment Services provide a high level of support to enable our kiritaki to return to meaningful employment in a way that accommodates their significant injuries.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to Pathways to Employment Services by one of our recovery team members.
Who can deliver this service?
Pathways to Employment Services can be delivered by:
- occupational therapists
- physiotherapists
- registered nurses
- medical practitioners
- psychologists
- social workers
- non-health service providers such as career practitioners and vocational counsellors.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided at the service provider’s facility, the kiritaki’s home or workplace, or other appropriate community locations.
If the kiritaki is returning to their pre-injury employment, it is preferrable this service takes place in their actual workplace as workplace-based rehabilitation is most beneficial to them.
How is the service delivered?
The service provider will contact the kiritaki and employer, if appropriate, for an introduction to set up a time to meet for an initial assessment.
Following the initial assessment, the service provider will complete an initial pathways to employment plan. This plan will include the support the kiritaki requires to achieve the return-to-work outcome, which will be discussed with them and sent to us for consideration.
Throughout the service, the provider will continue to monitor the kiritaki’s progress, and communicate closely with them, their employer if appropriate, other treatment providers, and us.
When is the service complete?
Pathways to Employment Services are complete when the kiritaki is either able to self-manage the rest of their return-to-work journey, or they achieve the expected return-to-work outcome, or the vocational barriers preventing the return to work have been addressed and they can progress towards independence.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who need physiotherapy.
What is the purpose of the service?
Physiotherapy provides our kiritaki with timely access to quality treatment and can facilitate a prompt and sustainable return to independence, work, and/or education.
A physiotherapist can help kiritaki with:
- developing a training programme to assist with achieving their goals
- giving information and advice on injury prevention techniques
- providing equipment/orthotics to assist with their mobility.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can self-refer following an injury event to lodge a claim and receive treatment.
Kiritaki can also be referred to physiotherapy by a health provider.
Who can deliver this service?
Physiotherapy can be delivered by a physiotherapist who is registered with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand and is an ACC provider.
Where does the service happen?
A physiotherapist may work in different places, including:
- GP clinics
- private physiotherapy clinics
- community health centres
- sports facilities such as clubs
- schools
- hospitals.
Physiotherapy may be delivered via digital means (telehealth), where clinically appropriate.
How is the service delivered?
A physiotherapist will meet with a kiritaki, discuss their injury-related needs, and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Regular appointments will be arranged with the kiritaki until the treatment is completed.
When is the service complete?
Physiotherapy services are complete when the kiritaki has recovered from the injury, or they no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the service (e.g. if the treatment needs are no longer related to the covered injury).
The kiritaki may also self-discharge from the service if they no longer wish to receive it.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
We contribute towards the cost of physiotherapy treatment.
Kiritaki may be asked for a co-payment.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Webinar: The beginner’s guide to ACC for physiotherapists
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who have sustained an injury affecting their feet or lower limbs (from the hip joint down to feet).
What is the purpose of the service?
Podiatry services provide kiritaki with timely access to quality treatment, to help rehabilitate them after an injury or surgery to their feet or legs, and help facilitate a prompt and sustainable return to independence, work, and/or education.
A podiatrist can help a kiritaki with:
- completing appropriate exercises to assist with mobility
- giving information and advice on injury prevention techniques
- providing equipment/orthotics to assist with mobility.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can self-refer following an injury event to lodge a claim and receive treatment.
Kiritaki can also be referred to podiatry by a health provider.
Who can deliver this service?
Podiatry can be delivered by a podiatrist who is registered with the Podiatrists Board of New Zealand and is an ACC provider.
Where does the service happen?
A podiatrist may work in different places, including:
- private podiatry clinics
- GP clinics
- community health centres
- hospitals.
How is the service delivered?
A podiatrist will meet with a kiritaki and discuss their injury-related needs to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
They will provide kiritaki with exercises, footwear advice, or a pair of foot orthotics, to assist with a full recovery.
Regular appointments will be arranged with the kiritaki until the treatment is completed.
When is the service complete?
Podiatry services are complete when the kiritaki has recovered from the injury, or they no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the service (e.g. if the treatment needs are no longer related to the covered injury).
The kiritaki may also self-discharge from the service if they no longer wish to receive it.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
We contribute towards the cost of podiatry treatment.
Kiritaki may be asked for a co-payment.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who need assessment, treatment, or support from a medical doctor who specialises in mental health.
Psychiatrists assist us to determine whether there is specific mental injury we should cover, and any other mental health or health issues that may impact on rehabilitation. This could include if a kiritaki had a mental health issue prior to the injury, which we can’t provide cover for.
All acute psychiatric care is provided by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.
What is the purpose of the service?
Psychiatric Services are split into two parts, assessment and treatment.
The purpose of the assessment is to provide a psychiatric diagnosis and a treatment plan. The assessment will give us the information we need to make cover decisions. It may also include a review of medication.
If the kiritaki has a covered mental injury, then the psychiatrist can provide ongoing treatment as needed. Otherwise, they refer the kiritaki to other services such as to the GP, nurse, psychologist, or community mental health.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
A recovery team member will make a referral when the need is identified by us, or a health professional working with the kiritaki.
Who can deliver this service?
This service is delivered by registered psychiatrists who hold a contract with us.
Where does the service happen?
Psychiatric Services can take place in the rooms of the psychiatrist, or can be done via digital means (telehealth) if it is safe to do so for the kiritaki.
How is the service delivered?
Once the referral is received, the psychiatrist will contact the kiritaki and arrange to meet to complete the assessment. This may take place over a few sessions.
Any ongoing therapy is delivered as set out in the treatment plan.
When is the service complete?
Psychiatric Services are complete when the kiritaki has achieved their treatment goals and psychiatric input is no longer required.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who need psychological treatment and assessment in order to achieve their rehabilitation goals and maintain their independence.
What is the purpose of the service?
Psychological Services has two parts: assessment and treatment. The assessment is used to understand what the kiritaki is experiencing and to identify treatment needs. The assessment report can be used by us to make cover decisions.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Referrals are made by a recovery team member. The need for psychological assessment and support may be identified by us or a health care treatment provider.
Who can deliver this service?
Psychological Services is delivered by registered psychologists contracted to us.
Where does the service happen?
The service supports the kiritaki, and (where appropriate) whānau, primarily in the psychologist’s therapeutic rooms.
There may also be situations where services can be delivered via digital means (telehealth), or in an agreed alternative and suitable setting.
How is the service delivered?
The psychologist will meet with the kiritaki, and (where appropriate) their whānau, and others significant to them. They will work to understand the needs, psychological barriers, or presenting mental injury difficulties and create a plan with strategies to overcome these.
When is the service complete?
Psychological Services are complete when the treatment goals created with the kiritaki have been achieved and there are no further psychological barriers that need addressing.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who need to have radiological or ultrasound imaging.
What is the purpose of the service?
This service is used for diagnostic purposes, to understand the injury and inform the treatment plan. It can be used as interventional when used to guide treatment.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Most ACC registered health providers can refer for radiology within their scope of practice.
Who can deliver this service?
This service is delivered by New Zealand registered radiologists. They may be supported by radiographers, sonographers, and other qualified staff.
Where does the service happen?
This service happens in a variety of locations, including:
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospitals
- Urgent Care Clinics
- GP clinics
- private radiology practices.
How is the service delivered?
The treatment provider will assess the kiritaki and determine that imaging is needed. They will discuss the referral with the kiritaki and may offer a choice of radiologists.
The kiritaki presents to the radiologist as agreed for the imaging. A report is then sent back to the treatment provider who will discuss the results and treatment plan with them.
When is the service complete?
The service is complete when the images have been sent to the referring health provider or the procedure is completed.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
The kiritaki may be asked for a co-payment.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who need a physical item or aid, either temporarily or long term, to support their independence post-injury.
What is the purpose of the service?
The Rehabilitation Equipment service is for kiritaki, to support them to manage everyday life and be as independent as possible
Having appropriate equipment enables our kiritaki to recover at home, work, and/or at school.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can self-request some simple items, such as jar openers and over-toilet frames, through the MyACC app.
Kiritaki may also have items ordered for them through rehabilitation services such as vocational support or Home and Community Support (HCS), for items like walking frames, or vocational aids like foot stools.
Where more specialist equipment such as wheelchairs or hoists are required, we will refer the kiritaki for a specialist assessment.
Kiritaki are encouraged to speak to us or their treatment providers about any needs they may have.
Who can deliver this service?
The Rehabilitation Equipment service is provided by our sole provider Enable New Zealand.
Where does the service happen?
The Rehabilitation Equipment service can be delivered to the home, workplace, school, or other area in the community of the kiritaki as needed.
How is the service delivered?
For simple equipment like over-toilet frames, the kiritaki will usually be able to use it straightaway.
For more complex aids, the referring health provider may need to spend time ensuring the kiritaki, their whānau, or their caregivers are able to use it confidently and safely.
As the equipment is loaned by Enable New Zealand on ACC ‘s behalf, when it is no longer required the kiritaki must arrange for it to be returned. The equipment can then be refurbished and re-issued as appropriate.
Enable New Zealand works with kiritaki to manage any repairs required.
When is the service complete?
Rehabilitation Equipment services are complete when the equipment is no longer required and returned to Enable New Zealand.
Some kiritaki may need equipment permanently, so they will stay with the service for repairs and replacements.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Payment is only required in some exceptional circumstances such as wilful damage, or the kiritaki has requested upgrades.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who are unable to live independently in the community because of their injury. It could be for a short period of care before returning home or life-long, if needed.
What is the purpose of the service?
Residential Support Services provide care in a residential setting where there are clinical or support staff available around the clock. The service provides all the accommodation, food, and personal cares needed. The residential care provider will also support the kiritaki to access the local community, and participate in activities or rehabilitation as appropriate for them.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki may be referred into residential care by a discharging hospital or by us.
Who can deliver this service?
Residential Care homes include Aged Care Residential facilities or other care homes that hold accreditation with the Ministry of Health. Residential Care homes must have a multi-disciplinary team, including care support workers, nurses, and access to doctors, specialists, and allied health specialists.
Where does the service happen?
Care is provided to the kiritaki in the Residential Care home.
How is the service delivered?
The multi-disciplinary care team at the Residential Care home will work with the kiritaki and their family/whānau to establish a care plan that will meet their medical, cultural, and social needs.
The plans are then put into action and will be reviewed as appropriate.
When is the service complete?
The service is complete when the kiritaki can return home, moves to another service, or self-discharges.
Residential Support Services may provide a home for life for some of our injured kiritaki (e.g. those with a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)).
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
There is no cost to our kiritaki other than contributing to the costs of recreational outings, premium rooms, personal services and expenses.
Care needs can be complex, especially as people age and/or have pre-existing issues that we can’t cover. There may be times when funding is shared with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, and the kiritaki.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers and clients
Residential Care Questions and Answers – Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand
Who is this service for?
This service is available to all kiritaki (clients).
What is the purpose of the service?
Rongoā Māori is traditional Māori healing and takes a holistic view of a person, rather than addressing the injury in isolation. Offering rongoā Māori as an option in the rehabilitation journey ensures kiritaki have access to culturally grounded care.
Rongoā Māori is trusted, traditional healing used by Māori to support hauora (health) and oranga (wellbeing).
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can self-refer for rongoā Māori services, but an ACC recovery team member will need to approve the request before they can start to receive care.
Who can deliver this service?
Rongoā Māori is delivered by skilled Māori healers who are recognised as such by their whānau, iwi, and hapū. They are vetted by our Māori Health team to become registered and are subject to the requirements of the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994.
If the kiritaki’s preferred practitioner is not currently working with us, then we can help to get them registered.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided at the location of the practitioner, or in the community.
How is the service delivered?
Rongoā Māori includes all traditional Māori care and healing.
Rongoā Māori practices include (but are not limited to):
- mirimiri or romiromi (bodywork)
- rākau rongoā (native flora herbal preparations)
- karakia (prayer)
- whitiwhiti kōrero (support, advice).
When is the service complete?
The number of sessions required depends on what support the kiritaki needs – there is no one size fits all. It’s important for the practitioner and the kiritaki to connect, have time for whakawhanaungatanga, and discover what their healing journey will look like. If the rongoā practitioner doesn’t feel they can provide all elements of care needed, they will refer the kiritaki to another rongoā practitioner.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
ACC will pay up to a maximum amount per session. A practitioner may choose to charge a surcharge to recoup any additional costs.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki with an accepted mental injury claim (sensitive claim) whose needs cannot be met by the support available in their home community.
What is the purpose of the service?
Sensitive Claims Residential Rehabilitation helps kiritaki to regain their independence by achieving rehabilitation goals. In practice, most goals are centred around returning to the community. The service is therefore generally used to treat kiritaki until community-based supports can meet their rehabilitative needs.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Our recovery team members refer kiritaki to the service. Either we will identify the need for residential support, or a request will be received by us from one of the kiritaki’s community-based treatment providers. We’ll then contact a residential facility to confirm appropriateness and the provisional offer of a place, then a psychiatric assessment is organised to confirm it is required.
Who can deliver this service?
This service is delivered by our contracted residential facilities. Each centre will have a clinical team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, and counsellors.
Where does the service happen?
This service is delivered by our contracted residential facilities. Each centre will have a clinical team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, and counsellors.
How is the service delivered?
When community-based supports aren’t able to meet someone’s needs their recovery team member will contact the kiritaki/their whānau to discuss if this service might be right for them.
If the kiritaki is interested in exploring this option, our recovery team member will contact one of our suppliers and ask for a pre-referral assessment to be completed.
As moving away from home is a big step, if the assessment confirms that they can support the kiritaki, then our recovery team member will arrange for a psychiatrist to confirm that residential support is the best rehabilitation option.
Once the assessment is complete the recovery team member will formally refer the kiritaki, agree an admission date, and arrange for any other support needed to transition to the facility.
Once the kiritaki arrives the facility provides a wraparound service that works with them to achieve their rehabilitation and treatment goals, so they can be supported in the community and return home.
When is the service complete?
Sensitive Claims Residential Rehabilitation services are complete when the kiritaki rehabilitation goals are achieved, and they can safely transition back to their community.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
No, all costs including food and accommodation are included.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki (clients) who have experienced sexual abuse or assault.
What is the purpose of the service?
Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Services pr-+e, treatment, and/or forensic services to support the evidence gathering process for criminal proceedings.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Anyone can refer the kiritaki to these services, including the kiritaki, although they can be supported to access the service by the New Zealand Police or crisis support agencies such as Rape Crisis.
Who can deliver this service?
Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Services are provided by specialist nurses and doctors who are qualified to complete forensic evidence gathering.
Where does the service happen?
Depending on where the kiritaki is, this could be a public hospital or in a private clinic. The designated assessment rooms are required to feel safe and offer maximum privacy.
How is the service delivered?
The doctor, nurse practitioner or nurse will meet with the kiritaki, and their whānau/significant other as needed. They will ask what has happened, explain the process and answer any questions.
They’ll also give the kiritaki information about support services, ensure that any immediate medical care is given, and can provide some follow-up if needed.
When is the service complete?
After the initial session, the kiritaki may have up to two follow-up sessions.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded via a funding arrangement between ACC, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and the New Zealand Police.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Sexual abuse assessment treatment service schedule
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
SRNA is for kiritaki who require support to undertake their usual daily activities.
What is the purpose of the service?
SRNA is an assessment which helps us and our kiritaki to understand what support they may need and what the most appropriate options are to meet their needs.
This could include Home and Community Support (HCS), transport assistance, equipment, and natural/whānau support.
The assessment report is used by us to make funding decisions.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
We refer our kiritaki for this assessment if we need to understand what support is required, or if we need a specialised opinion on their wellbeing.
Who can deliver this service?
SRNAs are completed by the most appropriate health professional including:
- physiotherapists
- occupational therapists
- registered nurses
- speech language therapists
- dieticians
- social workers.
Where does the service happen?
This assessment normally takes place in the kiritaki’s home.
How is the service delivered?
There are two types of assessments:
- An Integrated Rehabilitation Assessment (IRA) looks at the kiritaki’s support needs in a holistic manner. These assessments can be used to identify the amount of additional care someone needs, the equipment required, and other services that will help a kiritaki regain independence.
- A Single Discipline Assessment (SDA) is a more focused, specialised assessment where a specific need has been identified. These assessments can be used for assessing and trialling equipment, to address medical needs such as feeding, or identify social needs.
When is the service complete?
The service is complete when a report is received by us and any equipment trials have finished.
Reassessment can occur as needed.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who have been admitted or discharged from the Burwood Spinal Injury Unit or the Auckland Spinal Injury Unit, have a serious spinal injury, and require support to return to work.
What is the purpose of the service?
The purpose of the Spinal Vocational Rehabilitation is to provide early intervention and/or community-based services to kiritaki who have been admitted or discharged from the Burwood Spinal Injury Unit or the Auckland Spinal Injury Unit with a serious spinal injury and need support to return to work.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Spinal Vocational Rehabilitation can be referred for by our recovery teams.
Who can deliver this service?
Spinal Vocational Rehabilitation can be delivered by a core team.
This team includes health professional service providers:
- occupational therapists
- physiotherapists
- registered nurses
- medical practitioners
- psychologists
- social workers.
The team can also include non-health service providers:
- career practitioners
- vocational counsellors
- recruitment consultants.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided in the spinal unit, the supplier’s facility, the kiritaki’s home or workplace, or other appropriate community locations.
How is the service delivered?
The service provider will initially introduce this service to our kiritaki in the unit and liaise with us.
The service provider will complete an initial assessment and develop an Early Vocational Action Plan and Early-Stage Career Support Plan as appropriate.
For our kiritaki in the community, the service provider will meet with the kiritaki and develop a Community Vocational Action Plan.
Throughout the service, the provider will continue to monitor the kiritaki’s progress and communicate closely with them, their employer if appropriate, other treatment providers, and us.
When is the service complete?
Spinal Vocational Rehabilitation is complete when our kiritaki is discharged into an area outside of the service provider’s contracted area, they achieve a return-to-work outcome, or when we ask the service provider to cease the service.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who require support to return to work with their existing employer.
What is the purpose of the service?
Stay at Work Services support kiritaki to either recover at work or return to work as soon as possible.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to Stay at Work Services by:
- one of our recovery team members
- their employer
- a GP clinic
- other services we are funding such as concussion, psychology, training for independence, pain management, or Integrated Care Pathways Musculoskeletal (ICPMSK).
Who can deliver this service?
Stay at Work Services can be delivered by:
- occupational therapists
- physiotherapists
- registered nurses
- medical practitioners
- psychologists
- social workers
- non-health service providers such as career practitioners and vocational counsellors.
Where does the service happen?
This service may be provided at the service provider’s facility, at the kiritaki’s home or workplace, or other appropriate community location.
It is preferrable this service takes place in the kiritaki’s actual workplace, as workplace-based rehabilitation is most beneficial to them.
How is the service delivered?
The service provider will contact the kiritaki and employer for an introduction to set up a time to meet and conduct a workplace assessment.
Following the workplace assessment, the provider will create a stay at work plan, which will include their goals and the support the kiritaki requires to achieve the return-to-work outcome.
Throughout the service, the provider will continue to monitor the kiritaki’s progress and communicate closely with them, their employer, other treatment providers, and us.
When is the service complete?
Stay at Work Services are complete when our kiritaki is either able to self-manage the rest of their return-to-work journey or has returned to work as planned.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
What is the purpose of the service?
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Who can deliver this service?
Where does the service happen?
How is the service delivered?
When is the service complete?
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
Key links
Who is this service for?
SNA is a comprehensive assessment of support needs for our kiritaki who have long-term physical, sensory, and/or cognitive disabilities.
What is the purpose of the service?
An SNA uses standardised measures to identify the kiritaki’s needs and suggest a range of strategies and options to maximise their independence.
The assessment report is used by us to make appropriate funding decisions to support the kiritaki.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
We will refer for an SNA as needed.
Who can deliver this service?
SNAs are carried out by skilled registered nurses, occupational therapists, or physiotherapists. All our assessors must hold current FIM (Functional Independence Measure) and/or WeeFIM accreditation.
Where does the service happen?
SNAs are normally carried out in the kiritaki’s home environment, but may also occur in their workplace, school, or other environment.
How is the service delivered?
An SNA assessor will meet with the kiritaki, their whānau and any other relevant parties to get a holistic understanding of their needs.
The assessor may also contact other current support providers or health professionals to clarify their understanding if needed.
The assessor will ask a series of questions about how the injury has impacted on the kiritaki’s ability to carry out activities.
The assessor will produce a report identifying a range of strategies and options, which may include Home and Community Support (HCS) to improve their independence. This may include equipment, rehabilitation, and/or treatment. They may also identify the need for other specialised help such as education-based support, training for independence, or assessments like neuropsychology.
When is the service complete?
The SNA is complete when the report has been submitted to us. Kiritaki may have further SNA reviews to ensure that the supports funded by us continue to meet their needs or if their circumstances have changed.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritakiwho are aged 15 years or under, are attending secondary school (or have an equivalent developmental age at the time of injury), and who require specialist intensive rehabilitation.
Kiritaki accessing this service are likely have a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), birth-related brain injury, spinal cord injury, or multi-trauma injury.
What is the purpose of the service?
SPARS includes goal-focused, non-acute, specialist-led rehabilitation and reassessment services, to support seriously injured kiritaki who require intensive rehabilitation and support to return to their daily lives.
Transition support for young people to return to community-based care and participation is included.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to SPARS by Starship Hospital’s paediatric medical specialists, a kiritaki’s GP, or community-based paediatricians.
Who can deliver this service?
SPARS is delivered by a specialist, paediatric, multi-disciplinary team, including medical specialists, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, and specialised paediatric nurses.
Where does the service happen?
SPARS is delivered in Auckland at Starship Hospital and at Waitakere's Wilson Centre.
How is the service delivered?
Service components are primarily delivered in person, or more minor elements of support can occur virtually via digital means (telehealth), where clinically appropriate.
Services are delivered in three ways:
- In-reach, where the specialist team meets with the kiritaki and their whānau while they are in another hospital receiving acute treatment. The specialist team works together to plan for the transfer to Starship Hospital when it’s safe to do so.
- Inpatient – once the kiritaki has been transferred to Starship and can begin their rehabilitation. This part includes planning community supports after discharge.
- Transition service – once ready to move from child to adult services.
When is the service complete?
SPARS is complete when the multi-disciplinary team determine the kiritaki is no longer in need of the service.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki with injuries requiring a community-based interdisciplinary team (IDT) to support rehabilitation.
What is the purpose of the service?
Training for Independence restores and/or maintains the independence of our kiritaki, and their ability to participate in everyday activities and within their wider community.
There is also an aim of reducing the need for further rehabilitation.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to Training for Independence by our recovery teams.
Spinal cord injury rehabilitation facilities and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) rehabilitation facilities can refer kiritaki on discharge.
Other health providers can contact one of our recovery team members and outline the kiritaki’s rehabilitation needs.
Who can deliver this service?
The IDT of rehabilitation professionals can include:
- occupational therapists
- physiotherapists
- registered nurses
- speech and language therapists
- dietitians
- registered psychologists
- social workers
- counsellors.
The team may also include a rehabilitation coach.
IDT members will have the experience and knowledge to best support the specific kiritaki group, or injury types, they work with. This includes a TBI, spinal cord injury, or working with children.
Where does the service happen?
The service is provided in the home of the kiritaki, their community, or other settings meaningful to the rehabilitation goals.
How is the service delivered?
A Training for Independence provider will meet with the kiritaki and their whānau. They then work with the kiritaki to understand their goals, create a plan, and arrange the IDT.
The chosen IDT works with the kiritaki and their whānau to provide tailored education, support, training, and rehabilitation to achieve the goals.
The provider will liaise with any other services supporting the kiritaki and let us know if the plan changes.
When is the service complete?
Training for Independence services are completed when the rehabilitation goals have been achieved, or when all agreed services have been delivered. The services can run for up to six months.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
The service is for kiritaki who have an unmet transport-related need, and due to their injury now have their independence restricted.
What is the purpose of the service?
The purpose of the service is to provide us with:
- a detailed assessment to determine the impact of a kiritaki’s injury on their ability to access or use transport options, including a description of their transport needs and goals
- the transport options available that could meet their needs
- coordination of any vehicle modifications and/or driver training required.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
We refer kiritaki for this service.
Health providers can refer kiritaki to us if they are concerned about their patient’s ability to drive safely after an injury, or when their needs cannot be addressed through community-based transport such as taxis or public transport.
See travel and transport for information about travel to treatment, or rehabilitation and other travel-related support.
Who can deliver this service?
This service is delivered by occupational therapists who have specialised skills and experience in transport assessments.
Where does the service happen?
In the community, at the home of the kiritaki, at a vehicle modifier’s workshop, or any other appropriate place in the community.
How is the service delivered?
The service provider will meet with the kiritaki (and whānau) to understand their transport needs and goals, and their ability to access or use those transport options.
When is the service complete?
The service is completed when:
- an assessment report is submitted to ACC, or
- if vehicle modifications are required, when these are completed and the vehicle is handed over to the kiritaki (or their whānau)
- any driver training is completed.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritakiwho have a moderate-to-severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) recently acquired through trauma or hypoxia. Kiritaki must be aged 16 or over, or under 16 if they are better suited to adult rehabilitation services, and are safe to be discharged from acute (hospital) care.
What is the purpose of the service?
TBIRR provides high-intensity specialist inpatient rehabilitation that supports kiritaki who have sustained a moderate-to-severe TBI. The service can accept kiritaki who are in a minimally conscious state.
The service aims to return people to a sustainable and maximum level of independence and support long-term meaningful participation in their community.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki are referred to TBIRR by acute (hospital) medical teams.
Who can deliver this service?
TBIRR is delivered by a multi-disciplinary clinical team who are specialised in the rehabilitation of kiritaki with moderate-to-severe TBI.
Where does the service happen?
There are three specialist TBIRR facilities located in Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin.
How is the service delivered?
Kiritaki are most often transferred directly into the specialist TBI facility from an acute hospital.
On admission to the rehabilitation facility, kiritaki are assessed and a comprehensive rehabilitation plan is developed, including a supportive discharge plan.
The service provides high-intensity neurological and physical rehabilitation. The service aims to achieve the maximum rehabilitation outcomes in the shortest time possible.
Kiritaki and their whānau are actively involved in goal setting and rehabilitation.
When is the service complete?
The specialist rehabilitation physician determines when the rehabilitation outcomes have been achieved. The kiritaki is then discharged to the appropriate next stage. They may need to attend some follow-up appointments with the rehabilitation physician so progress can be checked and medical oversight provided.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritakiwith an injury that needs urgent or after-hours care but does not require hospital-level treatment.
What is the purpose of the service?
Urgent Care Clinics offer urgent and after-hours services that specialise in acute care, particularly injury management, and are usually provided on a no appointment basis in the community.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
No referral is needed to access Urgent Care Clinics, but GP teams may refer to one if they are unable to manage an acute injury.
Who can deliver this service?
Urgent Care Clinic services are delivered by medical and nurse practitioners, registered nurses, enrolled nurses, and paramedics in the community.
Where does the service happen?
This service is provided at medical clinics that specialise in urgent care in the community. Some Urgent Care Clinics also offer GP services.
How is the service delivered?
No appointment is needed to attend an Urgent Care Clinic.
Injured kiritaki will be triaged on arrival at the clinic, which will determine how quickly they need to be seen by an urgent care clinician.
In most cases, injuries will be assessed and treated at the Urgent Care Clinic unless more specialised treatment is required at a hospital.
Follow-up treatment may be provided by the GP team, the Urgent Care Clinic, or another treatment provider such as a physiotherapist.
When is the service complete?
Urgent Care Clinic services are complete when the kiritaki is referred to their GP team for ongoing care if required.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
Kiritaki may be asked for a co-payment, which will vary depending on their age and whether they hold a Community Services card. There is no charge for kiritaki aged under 14 to attend an Urgent Care Clinic.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki who are not able to drive or travel in a standard passenger vehicle. Modified vehicles can enable kiritaki to access and travel in a vehicle or drive from their wheelchair, use hand controls, and/or access swing-out seats.
What is the purpose of the service?
Vehicle Modification Services enable kiritaki to get in and out of a vehicle safely and have freedom and safety of movement while in it, safely drive or travel in a vehicle as a passenger, transport essential mobility equipment, and live as independently as possible.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to Vehicle Modification Services after they have had a Transport for Independence (TFI) assessment.
Who can deliver this service?
Vehicle modifiers are qualified engineers and vehicle mechanics who can modify or adapt passenger vehicles to meet the kiritaki’s needs.
Where does the service happen?
Vehicle modifications are usually completed in the vehicle modifier's workshop. We can support kiritaki to travel (with their wheelchair) to a workshop as needed.
How is the service delivered?
The vehicle modifier works closely with the TFI assessor and kiritaki to develop the vehicle modification design.
When is the service complete?
Vehicle Modifications Services is complete when the modified vehicle is handed over to the kiritaki, or their whānau (where appropriate), and the TFI assessor confirms they and/or their whānau can safely use the vehicle.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
Vehicle modifications are funded via an ACC vehicle grant. Kiritaki (or their whānau) are responsible for any ongoing vehicle running costs (e.g. fuel, vehicle registration, insurance etc).
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
Visual Rehabilitation Services is for kiritakiof all ages who require specific vision loss (including blind, deaf/blind, or low vision) assessment and support services.
What is the purpose of the service?
Visual Rehabilitation Services support kiritaki to learn new skills and adapt to living their life with low or no vision. The use of aids and the provision of appropriate equipment is included in the service to support kiritaki with their daily activities.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki are referred for the Visual Rehabilitation Service by us.
Who can deliver this service?
Visual Rehabilitation Services is delivered by Blind Low Vision NZ (formerly known as the Blind Foundation and Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind).
Where does the service happen?
This service can be provided in the kiritaki’s home, their workplace, or other community locations, as well as in Blind Low Vision NZ’s centres.
How is the service delivered?
A key worker from Blind Low Vision NZ will meet with the kiritaki to understand their needs and goals. They will create a rehabilitation plan that supports the kiritaki with:
- daily living activities
- orientation and mobility
- literacy and communication
- specialist equipment and training to support independence
- counselling services.
When is the service complete?
Visual Rehabilitation Services are complete when the kiritaki has achieved their rehabilitation plan goals or the agreed number of support hours have been delivered. The rehabilitation plan determines the number of support hours to be delivered.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Visual rehabilitation service schedule
Useful resources for clients
Who is this service for?
This service is for kiritaki whose vocational recovery is not straightforward, and there is a need for specialist medical guidance to support the recovery, or for those who are unable to return to their job due to their injury and need to be considered for an alternative work type.
What is the purpose of the service?
Vocational Medical Services aim to provide clinical leadership, timely and responsive clinical advice, and support to our kiritaki through their vocational rehabilitation journey.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Kiritaki can be referred to some of the Vocational Medical Services components by their GP or vocational rehabilitation service provider. However, most referrals are from one of our recovery team members.
Who can deliver this service?
Vocational Medical Services can be delivered by medical practitioners who have completed additional training in occupational medicine, rehabilitation medicine, or equivalent.
Where does the service happen?
The service is provided at the service provider’s clinic room, or a facility that meets the same requirements as a clinic room.
How is the service delivered?
In most cases, we will book the appointment with our kiritaki and the medical practitioner.
During the appointment, they will discuss the treatment and rehabilitation of the kiritaki, their work tasks and capacity to undertake these, as well make any appropriate treatment or rehabilitation recommendations with them. The provider will then send a report to us, the GP, and/or any other referring treatment provider.
Digital means (telehealth) may be used in this service, where clinically appropriate.
When is the service complete?
Vocational Medical Services are completed when the assessor has completed their assessment and provided their report to us.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.
Key links, forms or public lists for suppliers
Who is this service for?
This service is for our kiritaki (clients) who require specialised equipment to support them with their mobility.
What is the purpose of the service?
This service is designed to address the mobility needs of a kiritaki, and provide them with wheelchair and seating options.
This service can also assess sleeping and lying positioning needs.
Who can refer kiritaki to the service?
Our recovery team members or a Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospital can refer kiritaki for this service.
Who can deliver this service?
Wheelchair and seating assessors are specialised physiotherapists or occupational therapists with at least two years of post-graduate experience who are competent to assess mobility needs.
Where does the service happen?
This service normally happens in the home of the kiritaki, but can occur in other settings such as a hospital.
How is the service delivered?
Assessors will contact our kiritaki to arrange an assessment. This will include gaining a good understanding of their mobility needs, home environment, transport needs, and daily life activities.
The assessor will then consider what options there are and discuss the recommended options with the kiritaki. The assessor will then arrange for any equipment to be trialled.
Our kiritaki can then try out the different options to identify which wheelchair and seating system works best for them.
Once the trials are complete, the assessors will advise us what we should purchase. These are then bought through Enable New Zealand (who provides our equipment service) and they will support with any issues or repairs needed later.
When is the service complete?
The service is complete when the mobility needs of the kiritaki have been addressed. Reassessment may occur as needed.
Is there a cost to the kiritaki?
This service is fully funded.