Pain management and medication

If you are experiencing ongoing pain, please talk to your doctor or health provider, especially if it is affecting your physical and mental health. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist such as a psychologist for adjustment to injury counselling support.

Your medical practitioner will guide you on the most appropriate medications to manage your pain and may recommend a pain management program or refer to some further education on pain management strategies.

Your allied health provider should be able to advise you certain activities and a home exercise program for you to follow.

There are instances where pain may persist longer than anticipated and your doctor may refer you to a medical specialist. 

A medical specialist will support you with medication management according to your pain levels and may recommend other pain management treatments.

Your doctor may prescribe medications for pain relief directly related to your road accident injuries and these are covered by MAC. 

Medications not directly related to your injuries or that you were taking prior to the accident are not covered by MAC. 

There are two ways that MAC can pay for medication benefits:

1. Reimbursement for costs you have paid
   MAC will provide reimbursement for approved medication paid for by you, when you provide a receipt with the necessary information to your MAC Case Manager. The receipt must be itemised listing the name of the approved medication to be reimbursed. You may need to ask the pharmacy for a detailed receipt.
   
   
2. Pharmacy account
   MAC Case manager can assist you in setting up a Pharmacy Account which can be invoiced directly to MAC for approved prescriptions and medications. 

If you have any concerns about pain management or medications as well as any associated side effects, please talk to your doctor.

Driving is a complex task which depends on vision, decision making, reaction time, co-ordination and attention.  Many prescription drugs and over the counter medication can adversely affect such skills and impair driving ability and place you and others on the road at risk.

The National Road Safety Partnership Program have created a fact sheet with information about the risks of driving when using prescription drugs. 

NRSPP Quick Fact: Prescription Medicines and Driving - NRSPP Australia