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KINNECT Services for Workers, Explained

Clear answers for clinic assessments, workplace programs, rehabilitation, specialist consultations and psychological support. What applies depends on your referral, consent, location and circumstances. KINNECT provides professional advice; the referring organisation makes workplace or employment decisions.

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76 answers across 6 services

Pre-Employment Medicals

19
Access and referralHow is my appointment booked?

Your employer or prospective employer sends KINNECT a referral. We then contact you by SMS, email or phone to collect your availability and find a suitable appointment. You are only booked once you receive a confirmation with the date, time and clinic details.

Access and referralCan I walk in without an appointment?

No. Workplace health assessments need a referral and the right clinician, equipment and paperwork, so they must be booked in advance.

Access and referralThe booking link is not working. What should I do?

Try opening the link in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, or on another device. If it still does not work, call 1300 546 632 and our bookings team can help. Any forms you cannot complete online can usually be completed at the clinic.

Access and referralWhy might I need to travel or attend more than one appointment?

Not every clinic offers every test. You may need to visit a KINNECT Affiliate Clinic, radiology provider or pathology provider so all parts of your assessment can be completed. Check addresses, directions and parking information on our locations page.

Access and referralWhat if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Contact us as soon as possible on 1300 546 632. Changes and missed appointments may attract a fee charged to the organisation that booked you. Read our cancellation and reschedule policy for details.

PreparingWhat should I bring?

Bring current government-issued photo ID, your glasses if you wear them, details of prescription and over-the-counter medicines taken in the past 14 days, and any recent specialist reports or medical clearance relevant to your assessment. Driving and rail medicals require your driver's licence.

PreparingWhat should I wear?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes such as trainers. You may be asked to move, lift or use exercise equipment during a functional assessment.

PreparingShould I take my usual medication or fast?

Take medication as prescribed unless your doctor or booking instructions say otherwise. Most assessments do not require fasting. Avoid caffeine and energy drinks before your appointment because they can affect heart rate and blood pressure.

PreparingI have had a recent injury, illness or surgery. Can I still attend?

Please tell us before the appointment so a clinician can advise you. Call 1300 546 632 or use our contact page. We may need medical clearance to make sure testing is safe.

PreparingI wear hearing aids. What do I need to know?

Bring a recent audiologist report if you have one. Standard hearing tests are completed without hearing aids. If you cannot remove yours, tell us before the appointment so specialist testing can be arranged.

What happensHow long will my assessment take?

Most appointments take between 15 minutes and 2 hours depending on the tests requested. If several providers are involved, allow extra travel and waiting time.

What happensWhat tests might I have?

Your referral determines the tests. These may include a medical history review, vision, hearing, lung function, blood pressure, urine or breath testing, blood collection, X-ray, medical examination, or job-related lifting and movement tasks. Your clinician will explain each test and ask for your consent.

What happensCan I bring children with me?

No. Clinics cannot safely supervise children while you are being assessed, so please arrange care before your appointment.

What happensWill I need to pay?

No. Appointments arranged by KINNECT, including linked radiology or pathology, are normally paid through the referral. If a provider asks you for payment, call us on 1300 546 632 before paying.

What happensWho carries out and reviews my assessment?

Depending on the tests, you may see a nurse, physiotherapist, exercise physiologist, psychologist or doctor. Assessments that require medical oversight are reviewed by qualified doctors. You can meet KINNECT's clinical leaders.

Next stepsWhy can the clinician not give me a final result on the day?

Some results need to be checked together, reviewed by a doctor or compared with earlier assessments. External tests such as blood work and X-rays also take time to arrive.

Privacy and consentWho receives my results?

The organisation that arranged and paid for the assessment generally receives the work-related outcome. For some legislated medicals, different rules apply. If a clinician finds a health concern requiring follow-up, they will explain it to you. Read more in our consent and privacy guide.

Next stepsWhat do medical clearance and further review mean?

Medical clearance means we need confirmation from your GP or specialist that a test is safe. Further review means our doctor needs more information before completing the assessment. We will tell you what is needed and what happens next.

Next stepsWhere can Queensland coal mine workers find official information?

Visit Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ) for official information about Queensland coal mine worker health assessments.

Health Monitoring & Surveillance

37
What happensWhat is Health Surveillance?

Health Surveillance (sometimes called Health Monitoring) is a regular check designed to spot early changes in your health caused by exposure to certain workplace hazards. This can include:

  • Asbestos
  • Scheduled chemicals, including inorganic lead
  • Any other hazardous chemical with a recognised test for exposure or health effects
Access and referralWhen is Health Surveillance required?

By law, your employer must arrange Health Surveillance if all three of these apply:

  • You use, handle, generate or store hazardous chemicals.
  • The work is ongoing rather than a one-off.
  • There is a real risk to your health from that exposure.
Next stepsHow often will I have to do it?

Most workers have a baseline assessment first (usually at pre-employment) so we know your starting point. After that, you are checked at regular intervals set by the supervising doctor. The frequency depends on the chemical and your level of exposure. An Exit Medical is also recommended when you stop working with the substance.

What happensWho supervises KINNECT's Health Surveillance assessments?

The law requires Health Surveillance to be carried out by, or under the supervision of, a registered medical practitioner with experience in health monitoring. KINNECT employs Occupational & Environmental Physicians and a team of Occupational Health Doctors who oversee every assessment. Meet our clinical team.

PreparingWhen do I need to give a blood or urine sample for a hazardous substance test?

Each chemical has its own ideal testing window: give a sample at the wrong time and the result will not reflect your real exposure. We have a guide that lists the correct timing for each substance so you know exactly when to provide your sample. Read the biological exposure window guide.

Access and referralI'm due for an assessment. Does KINNECT book it automatically?

No. We track when you're next due, but your employer is the one who triggers the booking with us. If you think you're overdue, check in with your manager.

Access and referralWhy do you ask for my availability?

So we can find you an appointment that fits your life as much as possible. We still have to work within your employer's expectations and the clinic's schedule, so the more dates and times you give us, the easier (and faster) it is to lock in your booking.

Access and referralHow do I send through my availability?

You'll receive a text message and email with a link to choose days, times and locations that suit you. Just pick what works and we'll do the rest. If the link is playing up, call our bookings team on 1300 546 632 and we'll take it down over the phone.

Access and referralCan I just walk in?

No. Health Surveillance assessments need a referral from your employer and pre-payment via credit card or account. We don't accept cash on the day.

Access and referralThe booking link isn't working. What now?

The link works best in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Try a different browser or device first. If it still won't load:

  • Call us on 1300 546 632 and we'll capture your availability over the phone.
  • If it's the medical history or paperwork link, don't stress. You can complete it on an iPad at the clinic on the day.
Access and referralI sent my availability. Am I booked in?

Not quite. Availability is a wishlist; your appointment is only confirmed once you receive a text and email confirmation with the date, time and clinic details. If we can't fit you in within your preferred slots, we'll call you to sort something out.

Access and referralWhen will I get my appointment confirmation?

As soon as the clinic confirms a slot. If a few days have passed and you've heard nothing, give our team a call on 1300 546 632.

Access and referralWhy do I have to travel for my appointment?

Health Surveillance is mostly done at KINNECT clinics or at our network of KINNECT Affiliate Clinics. Some employers ask that workers within an hour of a KINNECT clinic attend there, because Affiliate clinics cost more and don't always offer every test. We know that isn't always convenient: see our full list of clinics on the Our Locations page.

Access and referralWhy am I being booked into more than one appointment?

Some Health Surveillance assessments include tests that aren't all available at one clinic. A Chest X-ray, for example, may need a separate radiology appointment. Splitting the assessment lets us complete every required test even if one provider can't do it all.

Access and referralWhat if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Life happens, and we'll do what we can to help. Just be aware:

  • Cancellations, reschedules and no-shows usually attract a fee that's charged to your employer, and that fee climbs the closer it gets to your appointment.
  • Whether we can move your booking is sometimes up to your employer rather than us.

Please pick your availability carefully and let us know as soon as anything changes. Read our cancellation and reschedule policy.

PreparingI've had a recent injury, illness or surgery. Can I still go ahead?

We want you at your best on the day. If you're not sure whether to push ahead or wait until you've recovered, get in touch and we'll review your situation and give tailored advice. Call 1300 546 632 or visit our contact page.

PreparingI wear hearing aids. What do I need to know?

Please bring a recent audiologist report (within the last 12 months). Your hearing test is performed without your hearing aids, and we'll give you a clean, safe place to store them during testing. If you can't remove them, let us know before your appointment so we can arrange specialist audiology testing. We can't run a standard hearing test with hearing aids in.

PreparingWhy no caffeine before my appointment?

Caffeine raises your heart rate and blood pressure: both things we may be measuring. Skip the coffee, tea or energy drink beforehand so your results reflect your real baseline. Reward yourself afterwards.

PreparingWhat do I need to bring?

Five essentials:

  • Photo ID
  • A copy of any prescriptions you currently take
  • Details of any medication (prescription or over-the-counter) you've taken in the last 14 days: name, dose and when you last took it
  • Your glasses if you wear them (please remove contacts and bring saline plus a case if you can't)
  • Any medical clearance from surgery you've had in the last 6 months
PreparingWhat ID is accepted?

Government-issued photo ID only:

  • Driver's Licence (including Digital Driver's Licence): preferred
  • Proof of Age card
  • Government-issued Student ID
  • Valid Australian Passport

If you're booked in for a Rail Medical, Commercial / Dangerous Goods Drivers Medical, or your role involves driving, you must bring your Driver's Licence.

PreparingWhat should I wear?

Closed-in shoes (trainers or joggers: no thongs or sandals) and loose, comfortable clothing you can move easily in. You may be asked to remove outer clothing for parts of the examination, so wear suitable underwear.

PreparingAnything I should do beforehand?

If you can, complete the medical history questionnaire and any other paperwork using the link we sent by email or SMS. If that doesn't work for you, no problem. You can fill it in on an iPad when you arrive.

What happensHow long will it take?

Anywhere from 15 minutes to about 2 hours, depending on which tests are required. If you've been booked into multiple clinics, plan for most of the day. Need a tighter estimate? Call our customer service team on 07 3999 9350.

What happensWhat sort of tests will I have?

It varies by assessment, but common tests include:

  • Audiometry (hearing)
  • Vision testing
  • Urinalysis
  • General medical examination
  • Medical history review
  • Instant urine drug and breath alcohol screen
  • Spirometry (lung function)
  • Blood pressure and heart rate
  • Blood test
  • Chest X-ray
Access and referralHow do I find the clinic and where do I park?

For KINNECT clinics, our Our Locations page has addresses, parking notes and directions for every site. If you're booked at a KINNECT Affiliate clinic and need help finding it, call 1300 546 632.

PreparingCan I bring my children?

Unfortunately not. The clinic environment isn't safe for children and we can't supervise them while you're being assessed. Please arrange care in advance: if a child arrives with you, your appointment can't go ahead.

Access and referralWill I be asked to pay?

No. Any appointment KINNECT books for you, including radiology and pathology, is paid for via the biller code on your referral. If anyone asks you to pay, stop and call us straight away on 1300 546 632 rather than handing over money.

PreparingWhat about COVID-19 screening?

KINNECT clinics follow COVID-19 screening procedures to keep everyone safe. If you're at a KINNECT Affiliate clinic, please follow their screening rules too, at some sites this includes Rapid Antigen Testing.

Next stepsWhy won't the clinician tell me my results on the day?

Your results need to be reviewed by a KINNECT doctor and compared with your baseline or previous assessments. The doctor's job is to spot any changes early so action can be taken to protect your health. Once reviewed, your results are given a risk rating and sent to your employer. A risk rating doesn't mean you can't do your job. It usually means small modifications can keep you safe.

Next stepsHow long until my results are processed?

Standard results are usually reviewed within 8 business hours, and up to 72 business hours at the outside. If your assessment includes X-rays, blood work or a Lungscreen, expect a little longer.

Privacy and consentWho gets my results?

In Australia, whoever pays for the medical receives the results: for Health Surveillance, that's your employer. The exception is Legislative Medicals (such as Coal Board Medicals), where you can access your results and your employer only sees a summary. Either way, if a doctor finds anything unusual or of concern, it's part of their duty of care to discuss it with you and refer you for treatment.

Privacy and consentCan I get a copy of my results?

Generally no, unless it's a Legislative Medical (e.g. Coal Board Medical). For those assessments you can request a copy once the doctor has completed the review. If anything abnormal is identified, our doctors will discuss it with you and arrange any further investigation needed.

Next stepsWhat does "medical clearance" mean?

Sometimes something comes up during the assessment that means we can't safely complete a particular test: for example, raised blood pressure on the day, or a recent surgery or injury. We may ask you to get clearance from your GP before we reschedule. The letter we give you on the day will explain the next steps.

Next stepsWhat does "further review" mean?

It means our doctor needs more information before signing off: for instance, a report from a cardiologist or other specialist. If your assessment is in further review, we'll send you a letter explaining what's needed and what happens next.

Next stepsWhat is KINNECT's role after the assessment?

We support your employer's Health Surveillance program by:

  • Carrying out your assessments and reviewing results
  • Letting your employer know when you're next due (your employer still has to confirm before we book)
  • Advising on treatment plans where a doctor's input is needed for an abnormal result
  • Securely storing your records on Australian-based, military-grade servers: some health changes only show up years later, so we keep records safe in case they're needed
Next stepsHow do I give feedback on my experience?

After your assessment we'll send you a short feedback form by text. Your input genuinely helps us improve. If you'd rather talk to someone, call us on 1300 546 632.

Next stepsI'm having a QLD Coal Miners Medical, where can I learn more?

For health assessment information specific to Queensland coal mine workers, head to the official regulator: Resources Safety & Health Queensland.

Injury Prevention

5
Access and referralHow do I join an injury prevention program?

These programs are usually organised by your workplace and may be delivered onsite, online or in a group. Your employer or KINNECT will tell you when and where to attend. They are not automatically clinic medical appointments.

PreparingWhat should I wear or bring to a workplace program?

Follow the session instructions. Comfortable clothing and normal work footwear may be suitable for practical movement or manual-task sessions, while an ergonomic consultation may involve your usual workstation or vehicle. Tell the facilitator about restrictions that could affect safe participation.

What happensWhat happens during injury prevention support?

A qualified facilitator may observe tasks, discuss risks, teach practical techniques or help adjust equipment and work habits. The format depends on the program and workplace; it is not a pass-or-fail medical assessment.

Privacy and consentWill personal health information be discussed?

You can raise relevant safety concerns with the facilitator, but you do not need to disclose unrelated health information in a group. If individual clinical support is involved, the practitioner should explain consent and what information may be reported to the organisation.

Next stepsWhat happens after an injury prevention session?

You may be given practical actions, resources or a program schedule. Workplace-level recommendations may also be provided to the organisation. Any further individual support depends on what was arranged and should be discussed with the facilitator or your workplace contact.

Workplace Rehabilitation

5
Access and referralHow does workplace rehabilitation support start?

A worker, employer, insurer, treating practitioner or another authorised party may initiate a referral, depending on the situation. KINNECT will explain who is involved and seek the information and consent needed before services proceed.

PreparingHow should I prepare for a rehabilitation appointment?

Bring any requested reports, your current treatment or work-capacity information and questions about your work tasks. Wear suitable clothing if movement may be discussed or assessed. Your appointment may be at a clinic, workplace, home or by telehealth, so check the details provided.

What happensWhat may workplace rehabilitation involve?

A rehabilitation consultant may discuss your recovery and goals, assess function or work demands, visit the workplace, and coordinate with relevant people. The support is tailored to the referral and does not guarantee a particular recovery or return-to-work outcome.

Privacy and consentWhat rehabilitation information may be shared?

Your consultant should explain what information is relevant to coordination and reporting, who may receive it and where your consent is required. Reports commonly focus on function, work capacity and agreed plans. Read our consent and privacy guide and ask before sharing if anything is unclear.

Next stepsWhat are the likely next steps in rehabilitation?

Next steps may include an agreed plan, further assessment, communication with treating or workplace parties, job modifications or a review. They depend on your needs, progress, referral and consent, and your consultant will explain the proposed actions.

Occupational Medicine

5
Access and referralHow is an occupational medicine consultation arranged?

An employer, insurer, treating practitioner or other authorised party usually sends a referral describing the work-related questions for a specialist doctor. KINNECT will contact you with appointment details and explain any information requested.

PreparingWhat should I bring to the specialist consultation?

Bring photo ID, your medication list and any requested medical reports, imaging or work information. Continue prescribed treatment unless your treating practitioner advises otherwise. Contact us before the appointment if you need accessibility or communication support.

What happensWhat happens in an occupational medicine consultation?

The occupational physician may review your history and records, discuss your health and work, and perform a relevant examination. The doctor will explain the consultation and any consent needed. The scope depends on the referral questions.

Privacy and consentWho receives the occupational physician's report?

The doctor should explain the purpose of the report and who is authorised to receive it. Work-relevant opinions may be provided to the referrer in line with the referral, consent and legal requirements. Read our consent and privacy guide or ask the doctor what will be included.

Next stepsWhat happens after the specialist consultation?

The physician may need to review records or test results before finalising an opinion. The referrer will generally coordinate workplace decisions or further action. Any clinical follow-up recommended for you will be explained, but timing and outcomes vary.

Psychological Services

5
Access and referralHow do I access KINNECT psychological services?

Access depends on the service. A workplace, insurer, treating practitioner or other authorised party may refer you, and some support may allow a different pathway. Contact KINNECT or the person who gave you the service details if you are unsure.

PreparingHow can I prepare for a psychological appointment?

Check whether the session is in person or by telehealth and find a private place if joining remotely. Bring any requested information and think about concerns or goals you want to discuss. You do not need to rehearse answers.

What happensWhat might a psychological service involve?

A psychologist may discuss your experiences, symptoms, work and goals, use questionnaires or structured assessment, or provide counselling and practical strategies. The process varies between assessment, recovery support and workplace programs, and will be explained to you.

Privacy and consentIs what I tell the psychologist confidential?

The psychologist should explain confidentiality, the purpose of the service, what may be shared with the referrer and any legal or safety-related limits before proceeding. The exact reporting arrangements vary. Ask questions and read our consent and privacy guide.

Next stepsWhat happens after psychological support or assessment?

You may agree on further sessions, strategies, recommendations or another review. If the service includes a report, the psychologist will explain its purpose and intended recipients. Next steps depend on the service, referral, consent and your circumstances.

Still unsure which guidance applies?

Our team can help you confirm the service, location, preparation and next steps relevant to your referral or program.