Need a doctor after a car accident in NSW

How a GP and a rehabilitation provider fit into your care

If you are looking for a doctor after a car accident, check which service you are contacting. A GP appointment, an allied health treatment session and rehabilitation coordination have different purposes. You may need more than one as your recovery progresses.

COH Rehab can help you explore an independent GP connection and explain its rehabilitation services. Medical assessment is provided by the treating doctor. This guide helps you work out whom to contact and what to ask.

For a medical emergency, call 000. Do not wait for a COH Rehab enquiry reply.

Contact a treating doctor for medical assessment

Tell the medical practice that you need an appointment for injuries following a motor accident. Your treating doctor assesses your condition and discusses the medical care and follow-up you need.

If you need the first NSW CTP Certificate of Fitness, SIRA says a registered medical practitioner must complete it during a consultation. It records the injury, planned treatment and effect on normal activities, including work. Read SIRA’s Certificate of Fitness guidance.

Ask the practice whether it can provide the appointment and ongoing care you need. If you already have a GP, start by discussing your motor accident care with them. For help exploring another option, see COH Rehab’s CTP doctor pathway.

Ask about rehabilitation when daily life needs support

Alongside medical treatment, you may have practical questions: how to organise the recovery team, which everyday activities need support, or how to keep agreed actions moving. These are useful matters to raise with your doctor and CTP insurer when discussing rehabilitation.

COH Rehab’s CTP rehabilitation role may include assessing recovery needs, setting practical goals and coordinating agreed services with the treating team. The proposed work depends on your needs, the referral and the scope approved by the insurer. See what CTP rehabilitation involves.

Check what a recovery service actually offers

A service name alone may not explain who you will see or what an appointment covers. Before you book with a rehabilitation provider, recovery service or medical practice, ask:

Who will I see, and what is their professional role?
Is this a medical consultation, an allied health treatment session, an assessment or coordination support?
Who will manage medical questions, test results and certificates?
Who confirms the appointment, fees and any insurer-billing arrangements?
If another provider is involved, how will relevant information be shared with my consent?

For COH Rehab, an enquiry about finding a GP is a request to explore a connection. The independent practice confirms whether it can accept you and the appointment arrangements. COH Rehab is a rehabilitation provider, not a medical clinic.

Choose the right next contact

You need an injury assessed or have a medical question: contact a treating medical practice. Use emergency services for an emergency.
You need your first Certificate of Fitness: ask a medical practice for an appointment with a registered medical practitioner.
You already have medical care but need help coordinating recovery or everyday support: ask your doctor or insurer whether a CTP rehabilitation referral may be appropriate.
You need to know what the insurer will pay: ask your CTP insurer about the specific service and costs. An appointment or enquiry does not establish funding approval.

SIRA says CTP rehabilitation providers must obtain insurer approval before providing services, including the initial assessment. COH Rehab confirms the funded service and scope before starting that work. Read the motor crash section of SIRA’s rehabilitation-provider guidance.

Keep your existing GP if that works for you

You can ask COH Rehab about rehabilitation while continuing with your current treating doctor. A GP connection is optional. With your consent, the required referral and insurer approval, COH Rehab can coordinate rehabilitation alongside your existing treating team.

Ask COH Rehab about the next step

If you need help finding a GP after a car accident, tell us your suburb, whether you already have a treating GP and whether you need an initial appointment or ongoing care. Share only the information needed for the enquiry.

We’ll help you find a doctor appropriate for your case. Ask about an independent GP connection, or call Charlie on 0477 224 404. Doctor suitability, availability and acceptance apply. Confirm fees and billing with the practice; insurer payment is not guaranteed.

For official CTP claim-process help, contact SIRA CTP Assist on 1300 656 919.

General NSW pathway information only. This article does not replace individual medical or legal advice. COH Rehab does not decide claim liability or funding.