This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

WorkSafeBC

health care providers banner

Medical And Return to Work Planning (MARP) Assessment

The Medical and Return to Work Planning (MARP) Assessment program focuses on providing diagnostic clarification, establishing appropriate treatment options, and making return-to-work recommendations to injured workers. The service is offered by physicians who have a Diploma in Sports Medicine or a specialty in Occupational Medicine.

Description of services

MARP services are designed to achieve early diagnostic closure and to assist in establishing the appropriate treatment and return-to-work recommendations for workers with outstanding medical issues and/or barriers to return to work.

There are three options offered:

  • MARP Assessment component
  • MARP Monitoring component
  • MARP Re-assessment component

The MARP Assessment component consists of:

  • A medical assessment to provide diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations;
  • A psychosocial screen;
  • A brief functional screen, if requested.

The MARP Monitoring Assessment component consists of:

  • A medical review and update for worker's with protracted recovery periods requiring ongoing, periodic assessments.

The MARP Re-assessment component consists of:

  • A medical re-assessment to review the diagnosis (e.g. low back pain with new symptoms of radiculopathy) and/or treatment recommendations;
  • A brief functional screen, if requested.

Admission criteria

The MARP Assessment component is designed for workers who meet the following criteria:

  • Require medical assessment for diagnostic closure of occupational injury or medical condition and/or treatment recommendations;
  • Require confirmation of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS);
  • Had a previous MARP Assessment equal to or greater than one (1) year ago.

The MARP Monitoring component is designed for workers who meet the following criteria:

  • Have had a previous MARP Assessment or Re-assessment;
  • Have a medical condition with protracted recovery requiring ongoing, periodic medical review for supervision, treatment planning and determination of clinical readiness for return to work or a Board Sponsored Rehabilitation Service.

The MARP Re-assessment component is designed for workers who meet the following criteria:

  • Require re-assessment of the same injury and body part: to review diagnosis, treatment recommendations and/or failure to progress with treatment recommendations;
  • Have been discharged from a MARP Assessment within a maximum of one (1) year.

Exclusion criteria

The MARP Assessment is not appropriate for the worker who:

  • Has previously attended a MARP Assessment for the same injury and/or body part less than one (1) year ago; or
  • Is currently enrolled in the ASTD Program, OR 2, the Chronic Pain Program, Head Injury Services or Amputee Multidisciplinary Program.

The MARP Monitoring component is not appropriate for the worker who:

  • Is currently enrolled in the MARP Assessment or Re-assessment component, the ASTD program, OR2, the Chronic Pain Program, Head Injury Services or Amputee Multidisciplinary Program.

The MARP Re-assessment component is not appropriate for the worker who:

  • Is currently enrolled in the MARP Assessment component, the ASTD Program, OR 2, the Chronic Pain Program, Head Injury Services or Amputee Multidisciplinary Program.

Length of service

The MARP Assessment and Re-assessment components of the program are to be completed within 30 business days.

The MARP Monitoring component of the program may not exceed nine visits within the twelve month period following the initial MARP Assessment or Re-assessment.

Service locations

MARP is offered at WorkSafeBC-approved clinics throughout B.C. and Alberta.

Referral process

Workers are referred to the program by a WorkSafeBC officer. A written medical referral is required for all MARP Services. Attending physicians can refer to the program by communicating this to the WorkSafeBC officer verbally or through a Form 11.

Inquiries

Please call Health Care Services at 604 232-7787 or toll-free at 1 866 244-6404. Or visit the MARP contact details page for further information.