Dear Accident Compensation Corporation,

In June 2016 ACC released to ACC treatment providers, and associated treatment providers registered agencies the "Consumer Outlook Group Update" titled "Read Codes" with the reference shown the the bottom left hand side of the second page of the communication as being ACC7540 June 2016.

This communication acknowledged that;

"ACC case owners don't know when to update Read Codes."
Sometimes, a Read Code may be recorded incorrectly at the time of injury. For example an injury may initially be recorded as a sprained ankle, and a later x-ray confirms that it is in fact a fracture, or the most serious injuries are recorded at the time of injury, but a secondary injury may be missed. This can result in the Read Code needing to be updated at a later stage.

In the past there has not been a formal process for providers to notify ACC of a change in diagnosis, or for case owners to know when they need to update the system.

The ACC7540 June 2016 Read Code Update went on to note that as a result:

"To make it clear what medical evidence is required:

. The ACC Treatment Provider Handbook and ACC website have been updated, clearly showing what should be provided and how"....

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I note that the 2016 version of the ACC Treatment Provider Handbook has subsequently been updated on the ACC website with a 2017 version, and I have been unable to locate a copy of the original version of the 2016 ACC Treatment Provider Handbook.

I therefore respectfully request that ACC Government Services make available to me in PDF format, returned through the FYI website in response to this request, a complete copy of the 2016 version of the ACC Treatment Provider Handbook.

I also make the specific request that his information is made available to me within the next 10 working days under the provisions of urgency afforded within the Official Information Act 1982.

In complying with section 12 (3) of the OIA 1982, I confirm that I have applied for urgency in this instance based on;

1. the information that I am requesting being easily accessed by Government Services, having provided ACC referenced official documentation confirming that the 2016 version of the ACC Treatment Provider Handbook existed, and

2. the information being required for review and appeal submissions,

As indicated above under s16(2) of the Official Information Act, my preferred way of receiving a response is by email to the address from which ACC received the original request, not by post.

I appreciate your time and assistance and look forward to your positive collaboration in making the official information available to me in the manner requested, under urgency by the end of business close on the 27 May 2017.

Yours faithfully,

David Lawson