Medical conditions, codes and terminology 008-07030000

Letter

Category

A-Z

Acquired Brain Injury

Amputation

Cancer/Tumour

Circulatory System

Congenital Abnormalities

Endocrine System

Gastro/Intestinal System

Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Inherited Disorders

Intellectual/learning Disabilities

Musculo-Skeletal and Connective Tissue Disorder

Nervous System and Neurological

Other/Diverse medical conditions

Psychological/Psychiatric

Reproductive System

Respiratory System

Sense Organs

Skin Disorders and Burns

Urogenital System

Visceral Disorders

Category

Code

Literal

Classification

Acquired Brain Injury

ABC

TXB

TBI

Acquired Brain Injury - Conversion

Brain Injury - Toxic (e.g. Alcohol)

Brain Injury - Traumatic

Conv.

1.1

1.2

Amputation

AMC

AAK

ABK

AAE

ABE

Amputation - Conversion

Amputation - Above Knee

Amputation - Below Knee

Amputation - Above Elbow

Amputation - Below Elbow

Conv.

2.1.1

2.1.2

2.2.1

2.2.2

Cancer/Tumour

BON

BOW

BRN

BRT

HDK

LRX

ALK

CLK

LVR

LNG

OSP

OVN

PCS

PST

RNL

SRC

SKN

STM

TST

THY

CHC

OCT

Cancer/Tumour - Bone

Cancer/Tumour - Bowel

Cancer/Tumour - Brain

Cancer/Tumour - Breast

Hodgkin's/Non Hodgkin's Disease

Cancer/Tumour - Larynx

Cancer - Leukaemia (Acute)

Cancer - Leukaemia (Chronic)

Cancer/Tumour - Liver

Cancer/Tumour - Lung

Cancer/Tumour - Oesophagus

Cancer/Tumour - Ovarian

Cancer/Tumour - Pancreas

Cancer/Tumour - Prostate

Cancer/Tumour - Renal

Cancer/Tumour - Sarcoma

Cancer/Tumour - Skin

Cancer/Tumour - Stomach

Cancer/Tumour - Testicular

Cancer/Tumour - Thyroid

Childhood Cancers

Cancer/Tumour - Other

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.7

3.8

3.9

3.10

3.11

3.12

3.13

3.14

3.15

3.16

3.17

3.18

3.19

3.20

3.21

3.22

Circulatory System

CPH

CHD

CAD

MYI

PVD

OCS

HPT

TDA

IHD

Chronic Pulmonary Heart Disease

Congenital Heart Disease

Coronary Artery Disease

Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Circulatory System - Other (e.g Vasculitis)

Hypertension

Chronic Transfusion Dependant Anaemia

Ischaemic Heart Disease

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.9

Congenital Abnormalities

ACS

CLD

OSI

MIC

MCA

DUC

OMY

AMD

FAD

SMA

PRC

SPB

ANG

CDC

EDW

FXS

PWS

PAT

RET

WLM

CHA

SMM

SMS

PKU

CPF

CRS

CDL

KMU

LAR

OGS

PKS

SES

OCH

HED

HWS

LAM

HAR

SLS

NES

CIS

BIE

MET

NEU

SMG

OCA

Arnold - Chiari Syndrome

Congenital Limb Deformity

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Microcephaly

Congenital Abnormalities - Multiple

Duchenne /Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Myopathy - Other

Autosomal Recessive Muscular Dystrophy

Friedreich's Ataxia

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Porencephaly

Spina Bifida

Angelman Syndrome

Cri du Chat Syndrome

Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)

Fragile X Syndrome (Child)

Prader-Willi Syndrome

Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13)

Rett Syndrome

Williams Syndrome

Charge Association

Mod/Severe Multiple Disability - Mobility

Severe Multiple Disability - Under 6 Mth

Phenylketonuria

Coffin - Lowry Syndrome

Congenital Rubella Syndrome

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

Kabuki Make-up Syndrome

Larsen's Syndrome

Optiz G Syndrome

Pallister-Killian Syndrome

Seckel Syndrome

Chromosomal/Syndromic Condition - Other

Hypohydriotic Ectodermal Dysplasia

Hay Wells Syndrome

Lamellar Icthyosis

Harlequin Icthyosis

Sjogren-Larsson Syndrome

Netherton's Syndrome

Congenital Ichthyosiform Erythroderma

Bullous Icthyosis - Generalised

Metabolic Inborn Errors - Child only

Severe Congenital Neutropenia

Smith Magenis Syndrome

Congenital Abnormality - Other

5.1

5.2

5.2.1

5.3

5.4

5.5.1

5.5.2

5.5.3

5.5.4

5.5.5

5.6

5.7

5.8.1

5.8.2

5.8.3

5.8.4

5.8.5

5.8.6

5.8.7

5.8.9

5.8.10

5.8.11

5.8.12

5.8.13

5.8.14

5.8.15

5.8.16

5.8.17

5.8.18

5.8.19

5.8.20

5.8.21

5.8.22

5.8.23

5.8.24

5.8.25

5.8.26

5.8.27

5.8.28

5.8.29

5.8.30

5.8.31

5.8.35

5.8.36

5.9

Endocrine System

DBC

IDD

NID

HET

HOT

OES

Diabetes - Conversion

Diabetes - Insulin Dependent (also known as Type 1 Diabetes)

Diabetes - Non Insulin Dependent (also known as Type 2 Diabetes)

Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Endocrine System Dysfunction - Other

Conv.

6.1.1

6.1.2

6.2

6.3

6.4

Gastro/Intestinal System

HRN

CRD

ULC

DVD

IBS

COE

LCT

OPD

RCD

STO

GAS

Hernia

Crohns Disease

Ulcerative Colitis

Diverticular Disease

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Coeliac Disease

Lactose Intolerance

Oesophageal Disorder

Rectal Disorder

Stomach Disorder (e.g. Ulcer)

Gastroenterological Condition

7.1

7.2.1

7.2.2

7.2.3

7.3

7.4.1

7.4.2

7.5

7.6

7.7

7.9

Immune System

HVA

HV3

HV4

LPS

IMM

HIV/AIDS

HIV Category 3

HIV/AIDS Category 4

Lupus

Immunodeficiency

8.1

8.1.1

8.1.2

8.2

8.3

Infectious Diseases

IDC

GLR

HPA

HPB

HPC

HPD

FLU

OSM

TBS

Infectious Disease - Conversion

Glandular Fever

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis D - H

Influenza

Osteomyelitis

Tuberculosis

Conv.

9.1

9.2.1

9.2.2

9.2.3

9.2.4

9.3

9.4

9.5

Inherited Disorders

CYS

HAE

TLS

Cystic Fibrosis

Haemophilia

Thalassaemia or Haemoglobinopathy

10.1

10.2

10.3.1

Intellectual/learning Disabilities

ADD

DWN

FXA

KFS

INC

LRD

LIQ

INT

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Down Syndrome

Fragile X Syndrome (Adult)

Klinefelter's Syndrome

Intellectual Disability - Conversion

Learning Disability

IQ is Less Than 55

Intellectual Disability

11.1

11.2.1

11.2.2

11.2.3

Conv.

11.3

11.4

11.4.1

Musculo-Skeletal and Connective Tissue Disorder

OST

RHM

OAR

PJA

FRC

GOU

LLD

NCK

SUA

BCT

CTS

RCI

SYT

CSP

IVD

RPS

SPD

SPN

SPR

OSO

OMS

Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis - Other

Polyarticular Course Juvenile Arthritis

Fractures and Crush Injuries

Gout

Lower Limb Deficiencies

Neck Disorder

Shoulder and Upper Arm Disorder

Bursitis, Capsulitis & Tendonitis

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Rotator Cuff Injury

Synovitis, Tenosynovitis & OOS

Curvature of the Spine

InterVertebral Disc Disorder

Regional Pain Syndrome

Spondylosis

Spinal Disorder - Other

Sprains & Strains

Osteoporosis

Musculoskeletal Disorder - Other

13.1.1

13.1.2

13.1.3

13.1.4

13.2

13.3

13.4

13.5

13.6

13.7.1

13.7.2

13.7.3

13.7.4

13.8.1

13.8.2

13.8.3

13.8.4

13.8.5

13.9

13.10

13.11

Nervous System and Neurological

ALZ

SEN

CER

EPC

EAS

EGM

EMY

ECS

ESS

GBS

MND

MSC

SNR

ONR

KRB

MLK

MP1

MP2

MP3

MP4

MP6

PMP

TAY

OLS

LNS

MEN

ZPD

MRC

ONC

DPP

HPP

MPP

PRP

QPP

POL

HUN

PAR

ATT

LEU

OND

ONS

INN

OSD

MIG

ASP

AUT

Alzheimer's Disease

Senile Dementia

Cerebral Palsy

Epilepsy - Conversion

Epilepsy - Absence Seizure - Petit Mal

Epilepsy - Grand Mal (Tonic-Clonic)

Epilepsy - Myoclonic Seizure

Epilepsy - Complex Seizure

Epilepsy - Simple Seizure

Guillain Barre Syndrome

Motor Neurone Disease

Multiple Sclerosis

Sciatica - Nerve Root Compression

Nerve Root Compression - Other

Krabbe Disease

Metachromatic Leukodystrophy

MPS1 (Hurler Syndrome)

MPS2 (Hunter Syndrome)

MPS3 (San Filippo Syndrome)

MPS IVA (Morquio Syndrome

MPS VI (Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome)

Pompe Disease

Tay Sach's Disease

Lysosomal storage disorders - Other

Lesch Nyhan Syndrome

Menkes Disease

Zellweger Syndrome/Peroxisomal Disorders

Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain disorder

Neurometabiolic Conditions - Other

Diplegia Paraplegia (Paralysis)

Hemiplegia (Paralysis)

Monoplegia (Paralysis)

Paraplegia (Paralysis)

Quadriplegia (Paralysis)

Poliomyelitis

Huntington's Chorea

Parkinson's Disease

Ataxia Telangiectasia

Leukodystrophies - Unclassified

Neurodegenerative Disorder - Other

Nervous System - Other

Infections of the Nervous System

Skin Disorder - Other

Migraine

Asperger's Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

14.1.1

14.1.2

14.2

Conv.

14.3.1

14.3.2

14.3.3

14.4.1

14.4.2

14.5

14.6

14.7

14.8.1

14.8.2

14.9.1

14.9.2

14.9.3.1

14.9.3.2

14.9.3.3

14.9.3.4

14.9.3.5

14.9.4

14.9.5

14.9.6

14.9.7

14.9.8

14.9.9

14.9.10

14.9.11

14.10.1

14.10.2

14.10.3

14.10.4

14.10.5

14.11

14.12

14.13

14.14.1

14.14.2

14.14.3

14.18

14.15

14.16

14.17

15.2.2

15.2.3

Other/Diverse medical conditions

CFS

FBM

MCS

CHR

MOB

VAB

LCH

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Fibromyalgia

Multiple Chemical Syndrome

Chronic Pain

Morbid Obesity

Ventilator Assisted Breathing

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

12.1

12.2

12.3

12.4

12.5

12.5

12.6

Psychological/Psychiatric

AXN

BUL

ANX

BVR

BPA

CDD

DPN

EMD

ECP

ENU

OCD

ODD

PND

PYD

PHB

PTS

PSD

PSY

SCH

TOU

OPP

ALC

DRG

Anorexia Nervosa

Bulimia

Anxiety

Behaviour Disorder

Bipolar Affective (Manic Depression)

Child Disintegrative Disorder

Depression

Emotion. Disturb.; Child/Adolescent

Encopresis

Enuresis

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Paranoid

Personality Disorder

Phobias

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Psychosocial Deprivation

Psychotic

Schizophrenia

Tourette Syndrome

Psychological/Psychiatric Disorder - Other

Alcohol Dependence

Drug Dependence

15.1.1

15.1.2

15.2.1

15.2.4

15.2.5

15.2.6

15.2.7

15.2.8

15.2.9

15.2.10

15.2.11

15.2.12

15.2.13

15.2.14

15.2.15

15.2.16

15.2.17

15.2.18

15.2.19

15.2.20

15.2.22

15.3.1

15.3.2

Reproductive System

PRG

EMT

OGD

ORP

Complications of Pregnancy

Endometriosis

Gynaecological Disorder - Other

Reproductive Problem - Other

16.1

16.2.1

16.2.2

16.3

Respiratory System

AST

BRO

COA

EMP

ORS
LTT

Asthma

Bronchitis

Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease

Emphysema

Respiratory Disorder - Other (can be used for Covid)

Tracheostamy - Long Term

17.1

17.2

17.3

17.4

17.5

17.6

Sense Organs

SEC

CHL

PHL

TIN

VTO

MNR

HEL

CLS

STU

SPE

BLB

BLO

CAT

GLA

LVB

LVO

UEA

UVL

DFB

Sense Organs - Conversion

Hearing Loss - Complete

Hearing Loss - Partial

Tinnitus

Vertigo

Meniere's Disease

Hearing Loss - Child Only

Speech Disorder - Complete Loss

Speech Disorder - Stuttering

Speech Disorder - Other

Blind - Both Eyes

Blind - One Eye

Cataracts

Glaucoma

Low Vision - Both Eyes

Low Vision - One Eye

Eye Anomaly - Unspecified

Visual Loss - Unspecified

Deafness - Blindness

Conv.

18.1.1

18.1.2

18.1.3

18.1.4

18.1.5

18.1.6

18.2.1

18.2.2

18.2.3

18.3.1

18.3.2

18.3.3

18.3.4

18.3.5

18.3.6

18.3.7

18.3.8

18.4.1

Skin Disorders and Burns

BUR

ECZ

EBD

PSO

ATD

Burns and their effects

Eczema

Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica

Psoriasis

Atopic Dermatitis

19.1.1

19.2

19.3

19.4

19.5

Urogenital System

BLA

KID

RNT

UIC

Urinary Tract Disorders incl Bladder

Kidney Disorders

Renal Tract Disorders

Urinary Incontinence

20.1

20.2

20.3

20.4

Visceral Disorders

GAL

LVD

PAN

TRA

UNK

Gallbladder Disorders

Liver Disorder i.e. Cirrhosis but not Hep

Pancreatic Disorder

Transplant - Organ Failure

Unknown - Conversion

21.1

21.2

21.3

21.4

Conv.

Letter

Abbreviation

A-D

See also: E-L and M-Z

A.D.L, A.E, A.K, B.E, B.E.P, B.K, C, C 2, C.C.F, C.N.S, C.O.A.D, C.S.F, C/O, D.N.A, D.V.T

Abbreviation

Description

A.D.L

Activities of daily living

A.E

Above elbow

A.K

Above knee

B.E

Below elbow

B.E.P

Back education program

B.K

Below knee

C

With

C 2

Cervical

C.C.F

Congestive cardiac failure

C.N.S

Central nervous system

C.O.A.D

Chronic obstructive airways disease

C.S.F

Cerebro-vascular accident

C/O

Complains of

D.N.A

Did not attend

D.V.T

Deep venous thrombosis

Letter

Abbreviation

E-L

See also: A-D and M-Z

(L), E.C.G, E.C.T, E.E.G, E.N.T, E.S.N, F.H, F.W.B, G.A, G.A, H.O, I.D.K, I.P, I.Q, I.S.Q, I.V, L 5, L.E, L.O.C

Abbreviation

Description

(L)

Left

E.C.G

Electrocardiogram

E.C.T

Electroconvulsive therapy (shock treatment)

E.E.G

Electroencephalogram

E.N.T

Ear, nose and throat

E.S.N

Educationally sub-normal

F.H

Family History

F.W.B

Full weight bearing

G.A

General anaesthetic

G.A

Gross assessment

H.O

History of

I.D.K

Internal derangement knee

I.P

Invalid Pension

I.Q

Intelligence quotient

I.S.Q

In status quo

I.V

Intravenous

L 5

Lumbar

L.E

Lower extremity

L.O.C

Loss of consciousness

Letter

Abbreviation

M-Z

See also: A-D and E-L

(R), M.B.A, M.R, M.S, M.V.A, N.A.D, N.O.F, N.W.B, O.A, O.E, P.M.H, P.O.P, P.W.B, Post op, R, R.A, R.O.M, R.T.W, S 1, T 12, T.D, T.I.A, U.E, Vertebrae, W/C, X's

Abbreviation

Description

(R)

Right

M.B.A

Motor bike accident

M.R

Mental retardation

M.S

Multiple sclerosis

M.V.A

Motor vehicle accident

N.A.D

No abnormality detected

N.O.F

Neck of femur

N.W.B

Non-weight bearing

O.A

Osteoarthritis

O.E

On examination

P.M.H

Past medical history

P.O.P

Plaster of Paris

P.W.B

Partial weight bearing

Post op

Post-operative

R

Treatment

R.A

Rheumatoid arthritis

R.O.M

Range of movement

R.T.W

Return to work

S 1

Sacrum

T 12

Thoracic

T.D

Terminal device

T.I.A

Transient ischaemic attack

U.E

Upper extremity

Vertebrae

Vertebrae

W/C

Worker's compensation

X's

Exercises

Symbols

Description

1/7

One day

2/12

Two months

9/52

Nine weeks

<

Up to

>

Greater than

#

Fracture

≈

Approximately

Arrow pointing up

Increased

Arrow pointing down

Decreased

Letter

Prefix

A-H

See also: I-Z

Ab, Ad, Aden, Ambi, Anti, Arthr, Auto, Bi, Brachi, Brady, Carcin, Cardi, Cephal, Circum, Contra, Crani, Cut, Derm(at), Di, Dis, Dors, Dys, Encephal, Ex, Gastr, Gloss, Glyc, Hem(at), Hemi, Hydr, Hyper, Hypo

Prefix

Description

Ab

Away, from

Ad

To, toward

Aden

bland

Ambi

both

Anti

against

Arthr

joint

Auto

self

Bi

Two, life

Brachi

arm

Brady

slow

Carcin

cancer

Cardi

heart

Cephal

head

Circum

around

Contra

Against, opposed

Crani

skull

Cut

skin

Derm(at)

skin

Di

Two, double

Dis

Apart, away from

Dors

back

Dys

Bad (pain), difficulty

Encephal

brain

Ex

Out of

Gastr

stomach

Gloss

tongue

Glyc

sweet (sugar)

Hem(at)

blood

Hemi

half

Hydr

Water

Hyper

Above, extreme

Hypo

Under, below

Letter

Prefix

I-Z

See also: A-H

In, Inter, Intra, Intro, Mal, Micro, Multi, Neur, Ophthalm, Orth, Ost(e), Para, Pod, Poly, Post, Pre, Pro, Pseud, Psych, Re, Retro, Semi, Somat, Sub, Super, Supra, Syn, Sym, Trans

Prefix

Description

In

in, on, not

Inter

between, among

Intra

within, inside

Intro

into, within

Mal

bad, abnormal

Micro

small

Multi

many, much

Neur

nerve

Ophthalm

eye

Orth

straight, normal

Ost(e)

bone

Para

beside, beyond

Pod

foot

Poly

many

Post

after, in time or place

Pre

before, in time or place

Pro

In front of, before

Pseud

false

Psych

mind

Re

back again

Retro

backwards

Semi

half

Somat

body

Sub

under, below

Super

above, extreme

Supra

above, over

Syn, Sym

with, together

Trans

Across, beyond

Suffixes

Description

cele

tumour, hernia

cide

kill (cause death)

ectomy

excision, removal of

emia

blood

esthesia

sensation, feel

gram

tracing, record

graph

write, record

itis

inflammation

logy

science or study of

oma

tumour

osis

process (disease), increase

(o)stomy

creation of an opening, cutting into

pathy

disease of

phobia

fear

plasty

mould, shape

plegia

paralysis

uria

urine

Letter

Condition

A-C

See also: D-H and I-Z

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Amputation

Anxiety

Asthma

Burns

Cancer-Carcinoma, Tumours

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke) (CVA)

Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease (COAD)

Cruciate Ligament injury

Condition

Description

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

An acquired brain injury is a loss of brain function caused by either:

• motor vehicle accident, sport or work related injury or an assault
• poisoning such as an overuse of alcohol, prescribed or illegal drugs or petrol or chemical sniffing
• a stroke
• either cancerous or non-cancerous brain tumours
• an infection such as meningitis or encephalitis
• a lack of oxygen - examples include a near drowning or a lack of blood flow to the brain

Treatment can be either medication (pain relief or anti-convulsant medication), or rehabilitation including speech therapy, physiotherapy and exercise program, or counselling.

When a person sustains a brain injury as it is impossible to predict how long it will take the customer to recover. Brain injury may cause a range of changes to a person's behaviour as well as to their physical and thinking capabilities.

Some changes are permanent while others are only temporary.

For job seekers not claiming/receiving DSP, an Employment Services Assessment will help to assess the customer's level of work capacity.

A nominee may assist the customer to act on their behalf with Services Australia.

Amputation

This is the permanent removal of a limb/part of a limb. While the loss of the limb is permanent the effect of the impairment on the customer's work capacity needs to be assessed.

Treatment can include artificial limbs, prosthetic devices, mobility aids or rehabilitation.

Things to consider are that impairment ratings can be quite high but a continuing inability to work depends on the nature of the amputation, the person's skills and their adjustment to the impairment.

For job seekers not claiming/receiving DSP, consider an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) to assess work capacity and suitable employment assistance.

Anxiety

This can be minor to severe apprehension/fear often without a specific cause. It can include panic attacks and some phobias.

Treatment can be either medication (such as an antidepressant), counselling, psychotherapy or another form of supportive therapy.

Psychological and psychiatric disorders that continue for a period of 12 months or more may require an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) for job seekers not claiming/receiving DSP.

Asthma

This is when airflow is restricted in the lungs with recurrent episodes of breathing difficulty. Attacks may be caused by exercise, infection or exposure to substances such as pollen, dust or chemicals.

Treatment is usually a medication administered by an inhaler, nebuliser or tablet. The medication can differ (preventative or remedial) depending on how severe the asthma is.

The illness is usually of an episodic nature with the attacks being only a short period of time. Where a customer has had asthma for a long time an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) should be considered for job seekers not claiming/receiving DSP. An ESAt will assist to determine work capacity and suitable employment assistance.

Burns

These are described in terms of degree and thickness. Partial thickness burns may be:

• first degree only involving the outer layer of skin (epidermis)
• second degree involves the epidermis and dermis (layer of skin just below the epidermis)

Full thickness or third degree burns involve all skin layers.

Treatment for serious burns may include skin grafts. There is possibly a risk of infection. Recovery often takes a long time when a large area of skin is involved or Z - plasty (surgical revision of a scar) has been performed.

It may be necessary to obtain further information from the treating doctor or to consult senior staff as to what action needs to be taken. Where there are serious burns an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) should be considered for job seekers not claiming/receiving DSP to determine work capacity and suitable employment assistance options.

Cancer-Carcinoma, Tumours

This is an invasive cellular destruction or abnormal growth, which may affect healthy organs, tissue and skin or bone. Common cancers are:

• Breast
• Lung
• Stomach
• Pancreas
• Liver
• Skin (melanoma)
• Bone

These types of cancers are usually malignant.

Tumours can also be benign which are non-cancerous

Treatment can be surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and palliative care (pain relief). Many types of cancer can be treated, and a person can go into remission. A terminal prognosis means that life expectancy is less than 24 months.

It is important to remember that a high level of sensitivity and tact is required. It may be appropriate to refer the customer to a social worker or a senior staff member.

A nominee may be required depending on the type of cancer and the side effects of the treatment.

Descriptions such as metastasis/es and secondary mean that the tumour cells have spread elsewhere in the body. Disability Support Pension (DSP) could be manifestly granted without the need for a Job Capacity Assessment (JCA) if medical evidence indicates that the customer's condition is terminal and average life expectancy for a person with this condition is less than 24 months.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

This impacts the nerve entrapment in the forearm and wrist. It affects the ability to grip and manipulate objects.

The treatment can be rest, splinting or physiotherapy. Many cases do not resolve and will require release surgery. The recovery period is usually about 12 months.

A customer may require a referral for an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) if there is a long medical certificate history. Treatment may restrict referral to employment options.

Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke) (CVA)

This is a serious sudden haemorrhage or blockage of blood vessel(s) in the brain resulting in a lack of oxygen. This may lead to a speech/cognition impairment, paralysis, weakness or death.

Emergency treatment is required in most cases (for example anti-clotting treatment) and/or surgery. Physical and speech therapy may be required depending on the location and extent of the injury.

Stroke can occur in many places in the brain and can have varying degrees of severity. Generally, the recovery takes place in the first 3 to 6 months after the stroke and improvement can continue for up to 2 years and in some cases longer. It is likely that there will be a permanent loss of function resulting from the stroke.

An Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) will help determine the level of functional impact of the stroke, medical eligibility for payment and the most suitable option for employment assistance.

Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease (COAD)

This is a respiratory disease, which can cause decreased airway size and increased airway secretions. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, a major cause of which is cigarette smoking. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough and tachycardia (an abnormal rapid heart rate).

Treatment can include medications such asbronchodilators, antibiotics, expectorants and corticosteroids.

Posture may be used to improve the lung function and continued smoking is discouraged. Oxygen therapy may be used in severe cases.

The condition may result in permanent functional limitation including a reduced effort tolerance.

Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) or Job Capacity Assessment will determine the level of incapacity, the customer's medical eligibility for payment and the most suitable option for employment assistance.

A nominee may also be useful to assist the customer in dealing with Services Australia.

Cruciate Ligament injury

This is an important ligament that provides stability to the knee joint. This is a common sporting injury.

Treatment can include rest, physiotherapy, splinting and crutches. There is also the possibility of arthroscopic repair surgery if the knee does not improve. Recovery is usually within 6 months.

Employment options may be restricted for the customer due to mobility problems. If the customer is not claiming/receiving DSP, refer them for an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) if there is a long medical history.

Letter

Condition

D-H

See also: A-C and I-Z

Depression

Diabetes

Disc prolapse

Drug addiction

Epilepsy

Hepatitis (A, B and C)

Hernia

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

Condition

Description

Depression

Depression can also appear on a medical certificate as anxiety/depression.

This is psychological state of lowered mood, sadness, fearfulness and worry. It is common for sufferers of depression to have low motivation and persistence. Self-care can also be affected. Types of depression include:

• Reactive depression
• Post natal depression
• Endogenous or major depression
• Bipolar disorder (manic depression)

Treatment usually includes antidepressants and anxyolitic medication, counselling, psychotherapy or other supportive therapy.

Depression can last a long time depending on the type (for example, major or manic depression are likely to be long-term conditions).

Depending on whether the person is claiming DSP, an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) or Job Capacity Assessment may be required to assess work capacity and most suitable employment assistance options.

Diabetes

Diabetes can be noted as I.D.D.M (Insulin dependent diabetes or type 1 diabetes) or as N.I.D.D.M (non-insulin dependent diabetes or type 2 diabetes).

It is due to:

• lack of insulin secretion by the pancreas, or
• the inability of insulin to function normally in the body

This is treated either with insulin tablets/injections or a controlled diet.

Things to consider are that both types of diabetes are generally well controlled with treatment and should not affect the customer's work capacity. Severe or untreated cases may lead to serious complications including end organ damage (for example, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy).

A referral for an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) may be appropriate to determine payment eligibility and the most suitable employment assistance options.

Disc prolapse

Disc prolapse can be lumbar, thoracic or cervical spine (lower and upper back and neck).

The discs are the soft tissue cushion between the bones of the spine. They cushion against impact and protect the nervous system. They also assist with mobility and flexibility of spinal and neck movements.

Treatment of an acute episode is generally treated with rest, pain relief/anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy and/or chiropractic treatment. Surgery to fuse the spine or relieve pressure on the nerves may be performed in some cases.

The impact of the condition on a person's ability to work can vary. Depending on whether the person is claiming/receiving DSP, an ESAt or JCA may be needed to assess work capacity, medical eligibility for DSP and employment assistance options.

Service Officers should allow customers some time for the condition to settle before a JCA. This information can be obtained from the medical evidence.

Drug addiction

Drug addiction may also be written on a medical certificate as substance or alcohol abuse.

This is a compulsive and addictive misuse/abuse of legal and illegal substances. Substances can either be administered by injection, orally or inhaled and include cannabis, heroin, cocaine and alcohol, as well as other substances.

Treatment is either detoxification or supportive therapy. Unsuccessful attempts at rehabilitation are common.

Things to consider are:

• A history of medical certificates
• Some periods on a temporary incapacity exemption while receiving JobSeeker Payment (JSP) or

Youth Allowance (YA)

This may be a sign of a serious problem. An Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) should be considered to determine work capacity and employment assistance options.

A nominee may be useful to assist the customer in dealing with Services Australia.

Epilepsy

Grand Mal or Tonic Clonic seizures are convulsive seizures.

Petite Mal is a minor absence of concentration.

Epilepsy is a seizure of the brain which results in a fit or convulsion. The incapacity resulting from this condition is usually temporary and tends to be recurring with frequency of attacks ranging from many times a day to every several years.

Treatment is by medication such as Carbamazepine or Sodium Valproate which generally provides good control. There could be restrictions such as not being allowed to drive a car or operate machinery.

For job seekers, refer for an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) if there is a long medical certificate history. Employment options could be restricted due to the unpredictable nature of the condition, safety issues and possible side effects of medication.

Hepatitis (A, B and C)

Is an inflammatory condition of the liver which may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, alcohol, parasitic infection, toxins, blood transfusions or by the use of contaminated needles or instruments.

Hepatitis A is a form of infectious viral hepatitis. It has a slow onset of signs and symptoms, and the infection is usually followed by a complete recovery.

Hepatitis B and C may progress to a chronic disease resulting in prolonged illness, destruction of liver cells, cirrhosis or death.

Treatment may be Interferon and Gamma Globulin injections. Regular blood tests are required to monitor liver functions.

For job seekers, a referral for an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) may be necessary to assess work capacity.

Hernia

Is an opening or tear in the muscle wall of the abdomen. A typical hernia is either:

• Femoral
• Inguinal
• Umbilical

Surgical repair may be required, and complete recovery can occur within 12 weeks.

The customer is likely to be fit to return to their usual work. If customer was a manual worker, retraining assistance may need to be offered.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

This is a type of virus which results in AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It is transmitted through sexual contact, by blood/tissue to blood contact, or from mother to child in utero or to the infant via breastfeeding. HIV infects the cells of the immune system over a long incubation period averaging 10 years. When the immune system is destroyed AIDS develops.

Treatment can include antiviral therapy (multiple combination drug therapies), counselling, maintenance of healthy diet and lifestyle. Treatment of HIV related infections can include chemotherapy, blood transfusions, radiotherapy and pain management.

For job seekers consult with a senior staff member or refer for an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) if work capacity and possible medical eligibility for DSP is unclear. It is unlikely that customers in the early stages of HIV qualify for DSP. If medical evidence states that AIDS/HIV infection is category 4, DSP could be manifestly granted without the need for an assessment.

Letter

Condition

I-Z

See also: A-C and D-H

Leukaemia

Liver disease

Low Back Pain

MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) also known as golden staph

Myocardial Infarction

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Pneumonia

Pregnancy

Psychosis (Psychotic episode)

Schizophrenia

Condition

Description

Leukaemia

Is a cancer that affects the white blood cells. It affects the blood and bone marrow. Treatment may be chemotherapy, the use of antibiotics to prevent infections, blood transfusions to replace red cells/platelets and bone marrow transplant.

The incapacity for work may be long term. For jobseekers consider referral to an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) for advice regarding payment options and assistance with community support.

Customers may have a carer who applies for Carer Payment (CP). A nominee may also be useful for the customer to deal with Services Australia on their behalf.

Liver disease

Also known as abnormal liver function.

This can be any one of a group of disorders of the liver. This is usually a provisional diagnosis pending further investigation. The term may be an indicator of substance abuse or an uncertain Hepatitis C diagnosis. It may also indicate abnormal liver function tests where diagnosis has not been confirmed.

Treatment will depend on the diagnosis.

For job seekers an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) will assist to assess work capacity and possible eligibility for alternative assistance.

Low Back Pain (also known as Lumbago)

This is a back injury where radiological investigation has not been completed to find out the cause or the injury. This term may be used where a soft tissue injury is suspected and a disc or ligament injury is clearly identified, for example disc prolapse.

Treatment is rest, pain relief and physiotherapy.

A referral for rehabilitation or training may assist. There may be a change in the diagnosis on the medical certificates when an injury has been identified (for example from low back pain to L5/S1 disc prolapse). This injury is common in manual workers and recovery is usually within 12 weeks.

MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) also known as S Aureus (golden staph)

MRSA is an infection that is common in hospital wards. Staph Aureus is resistant to many antibiotics, and it is difficult to get rid of. MRSA enters the body through an open wound and is a common infection in compound fractures.

Treatment may be intravenous injections or infusions with strong antibiotics. Open wounds may not heal for many weeks or months and may require hospital stays for wound treatment and surgery to assist the wounds to close.

MRSA can be considered temporary however an infection can persist for up to 12 months. Check medical certificate history and any recent medical reviews.

Myocardial Infarction

Also known as Heart Attack.

This is a sudden onset of heart failure.

Treatment may include emergency hospital treatment and possible cardiac by-pass surgery. Recovery can be expected within 6 months.

Customers who are manual workers may benefit from retraining.

For job seekers an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) should be considered to determine the most suitable employment assistance options.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A mental health condition in which repetitive actions such as order, rules, rituals, and detail seem impossible to stop. These actions interfere with everyday functions.

Treatment may be anti-depressant medication, counselling, psychotherapy and possible hospitalisation for a short period.

Things to consider are that it can be difficult to treat, and the symptoms may persist for more than 2 years. For job seekers an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) may help to recommend a suitable referral to employment and community support services may be possible.

Pneumonia

Is an infection of the lungs, which can be due to bacteria, viruses or fungi. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, cough, chest pain, the production of thick sputum and rapid pulse. Treatment includes bed rest, fluids, antibiotics, expectorants and oxygen in severe cases.

Typically, this is only a short-term illness with 6 to 12 weeks recovery.

Most people are usually fit to return to their usual work within 12 weeks

Pregnancy

This is not a medical condition. This only relates to complications of pregnancy which may include:

• Gestational diabetes
• Toxemia/preeclampsia (this may include high blood pressure, fluid retention/edema and proteins in the urine)
• Hyperemesis gravidarum (protracted vomiting with weight loss and fluid/electrolyte imbalance)

The treatment will depend on the condition the customer has. This may include bed rest, fluids, electrolytes, nutrients/ vitamins, insulin, a high protein diet, sedation and anti-hypertensives.

Customers who are pregnant are exempt from the JobSeeker Payment (JSP) mutual obligation requirements for 6 weeks before the expected date of the birth and 6 weeks after the birth of the child. These exemptions apply even if the baby is stillborn or placed for adoption. An exemption from mutual obligation requirements may also apply where there are complications of pregnancy resulting in an incapacity for work.

Psychosis (Psychotic episode)

This is a major acute psychiatric illness with symptoms of hallucination, suicidal ideation, delusion and/or major behavioural abnormality.

A short hospitalisation is required. Treatment can include anti-psychotic medication and supportive therapy.

Things to consider include that it may be difficult to determine the impact of the illness and the side effects of medication.

A nominee may be useful to assist the customer in dealing with Services Australia on their behalf.

Schizophrenia

This is a term used to describe a group of mental disorders which are characterised by:

• poor organisation
• social withdrawal
• hallucinations
• poor insight and does not understand the illness
• low motivation
• poor self-care
• delusions
• thought disorders

Treatment can include tranquillisers, antidepressants, anti-psychotic agents and psychotherapy.

The condition may be mild or even require prolonged hospitalisation. The condition can be difficult to treat and result in a long term incapacity for work. Senior staff and social worker involvement can assist with community support services.

A nominee may also be useful to act on the customer's behalf when dealing with Services Australia.