What the REO8 is for
The continuity report tells WSIB about a recurrence or re-injury of a work-related condition it has already dealt with. WSIB needs to know whether the current problem flows from the original injury, or from something new in between. Every question on the form points at that interval, between the original date of accident and the date of recurrence.
It is often confused with Form 8, which can also be used when a worker reports a recurrence. The REO8 focuses on the continuity questions: treatment, other providers, new injuries and ongoing prescriptions in the gap.
Who completes it
The treating health professional completes and signs the whole form: a physician, nurse practitioner, chiropractor or physiotherapist. The worker has no part to fill in, though the history in question 1 comes from them.
How to fill in the report
Patient details and dates
Enter the claim number, the original date of accident or injury, the date of recurrence or re-injury, and the service date. The questions that follow refer back to these dates, so get them right first.
Questions 1 to 5: history and the interval
Give the patient’s account of the recurrence. Then say whether you assessed or treated them for this condition between the two dates, and list the treatment dates. Say whether another health professional saw them, whether any further injuries affected the condition, and whether you kept prescribing medications, devices or braces. Your chart is the best source here, and a “yes” with dates is more useful than a bare tick.
Questions 6 to 8: current findings
Record present complaints and symptoms separately from objective findings, such as crepitation, wasting or range of motion. Give your current or working diagnosis, and note any factors that may complicate recovery or return to work.
Questions 9 to 11: limitations and follow-up
Tick no limitations, limitations as specified, or other with an explanation, and mark the task limitations that apply. Say whether you discussed return to work, how long the limitations will last, and when the next appointment is. Skip questions 9 and 10 if you’re completing a Functional Abilities Form at the same time.
Common reasons it’s queried
- A missing original accident date or recurrence date.
- No treatment dates for the interval.
- Symptoms listed with no objective findings.
- Other injuries or providers in the interval left unanswered.
- An unsigned declaration or missing provider ID.
Submitting and who pays
Submit the form at wsib.ca/submit, or fax or mail it to the numbers and address on the form. Bill WSIB with the service code printed on the form, 8R, your WSIB provider ID and invoice number, plus HST details if they apply. WSIB handles payment for the report, and the worker isn’t billed.