Is it the injury, or the medication?
Sedation, fatigue, brain fog and low mood are often read as an injury that isn't resolving. In many claims they are adverse effects of the medicines prescribed to treat it. IMM's independent pharmacist reviews tell you which is which.
1 in 5
Australian workers with back and neck claims are dispensed an opioid within 90 days of injury
1 in 3
injured workers who commence opioids progress to long-term use
7.6x
higher likelihood of persistent opioid use when a worker is not back at work by three months
Sources: Tefera et al., CNS Drugs 2025 (Monash University); Berecki-Gisolf et al. 2014; Di Donato et al., PAIN 2022.
Side effects that look like a secondary injury
Medicines prescribed in the acute phase of an injury, including opioids, benzodiazepines, z drugs and gabapentinoids, produce effects that look exactly like a deteriorating claim: daytime sedation, poor concentration, low mood, dizziness, fatigue and disrupted sleep.
When those symptoms are attributed to the injury, the response is more treatment, more specialists, more time off work and sometimes a secondary psychological claim. The medication list, the actual driver, is rarely reviewed by anyone with the time and clinical training to read it properly.
Treating doctors are managing the condition. Case managers are managing the claim. Nobody owns the medication picture. That is the gap IMM closes.
Pharmacist-led clinical review
Every medicine on the claim reviewed for interactions, cumulative sedative load and duration beyond guideline windows.
Direct contact with the treating doctor
Peer to peer, so recommendations land as clinical collaboration rather than insurer pressure.
A clear, actionable report
Separates likely adverse drug effects from injury symptoms and gives the case manager specific next steps.
Fast turnaround
Findings arrive while decisions can still change the claim's direction.
Trusted across Australian personal injury schemes
IMM provides independent clinical pharmacy reviews to workers' compensation and CTP insurers and scheme agents across Australia. Our reviews support safer recovery, earlier return to work and defensible, evidence-based claims decisions.
Refer a claim in minutes
If a claim has stalled, the worker seems worse than the injury explains, or the medication list keeps growing, an independent review will give you clarity.
Or email admin@imedmanagement.com.au | 02 4036 5333
