ACC and Maternal Birth Injuries

To successfully file an ACC claim, an external force that led to the pelvic injury needs to be identified. For instance, trauma from a motorbike accident resulting in a prolapse may qualify as an external force, whereas a prolapse caused by persistent coughing would be classified as an internal force.

Historically, childbirth has been viewed as an internal force, often leading to the exclusion of injuries sustained during this process from ACC coverage. However, as of October 2022, ACC has revised its legislation to include "Maternal Birth Injuries" (MBI). This change ensures that injuries resulting from the forces of childbirth are now covered, provided they are directly related to the childbirth event itself. This significant development marks a crucial advancement in achieving early diagnosis and prevention within the realm of Pelvic Health. On application, ACC may also cover adjuncts to therapy such as pessaries, dilators, wands, braces, and similar products for approved MBI clients.

An MBI claim can submitted for you by your LMC or OB on your behalf at the time of birth or soon after. Pelvic Health Physiotherapists can also submit an ACC claim for MBI, as well as add to your existing claim. This is limited to certain birth injuries and includes perineal tears, prolapse, and pubic symphysis injuries. For your Pelvic Health Physiotherapist to proceed with the application, you may need to provide supporting evidence, such as a discharge summary indicating the presence of a tear, especially if it is no longer observable at the time of your assessment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to bring them up during your appointment before we submit anything. We can easily switch between private and ACC/MBI appointments during your visit. If you're uncertain about your eligibility for ACC, please book the appropriate appointment duration. Don't hesitate to include a note while scheduling or bring it up during your appointment.

Read more on claiming ACC or MBI for contribution towards your costs on this blog page.