Fully funded by ACC – referral required from your GP, hospital or urgent care clinic

While many concussions do resolve quickly, if you've had a knock to the head and you’re still not feeling right, you may have a concussion and need some support from our team. Concussions happen more often than people think. Symptoms can be subtle or delayed, so you might not realise right away that you’ve had one. 

Think you might have a concussion?

Early treatment matters, and support is fully funded by ACC

Research shows that early assessment and treatment can make a real difference to your recovery. Getting support sooner rather than later can speed up recovery, reduce the risk of ongoing symptoms, and support a safe return to your usual activities.  If you’re not feeling right after a knock, fall, or accident, it’s important to get checked.

Getting the right support early can:

• Reduce the risk of ongoing or worsening symptoms
• Support a safer, faster return to work, school, and activities

That’s where our Active⁺ Concussion Services can help.

Active⁺ Concussion Services

Active⁺ provides concussion services for children, young people, and adults across New Zealand, with a strong focus on early intervention. 

The service begins with a begins with a phone call from an experienced clinician who will discuss your needs and determine whether the concussion service is the right path for your recovery. If appropriate, you’ll then receive a thorough assessment, followed by a tailored rehabilitation programme designed around your goals and the demands of your everyday life. 

Depending on your needs, your team may include a range of clinicians working together such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and/or a psychologist. We will work collaboratively with you on your rehabilitation journey, and family and whānau involvement is encouraged.

Why choose Active⁺ for concussion rehabilitation?

Choosing the right support early can make a real difference to your recovery. Active⁺ Concussion Services are designed to help you recover safely, confidently, and as quickly as possible.

1. Early intervention focused on faster recovery

We specialise in early concussion assessment and treatment, which research shows leads to better outcomes and reduces the risk of symptoms becoming long-term.

2. Fully funded by ACC

Once your ACC claim has been approved, your assessment and rehabilitation costs are fully covered. There are no hidden fees or extra fees to worry about. 

3. Interdisciplinary concussion expertise

You have access to a specialist team experienced in concussion and mild to moderate TBI, including medical, physical, and psychological support working together to maximise your recovery.

4. Support to return to everyday life

Active⁺ helps you safely get back to what matters most, including work, school, sport and daily life, with guidance and education for you and your whānau.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to you. Once your ACC claim is accepted, the service is fully funded by ACC.

How to access Active⁺ Concussion Services

Important: You need a referral from a health professional and a registered ACC injury claim 

To access Active⁺ Concussion Services, you must be referred by:

• Your GP
• A hospital
• An Urgent Medical Centre

Your doctor will complete an ACC form to get your injury registered with ACC.

You cannot self-refer, but the process is quick and simple.

How to get started

Step 1: Book an appointment with your GP or urgent care provider

Explain your symptoms and let them know you would like a referral to Active⁺ Concussion Services.

Step 2: We’ll contact you

Once we receive the referral, we’ll arrange an initial triage assessment and discuss the next steps with you.

Need help?

If you have any trouble with the referral process, contact us at: referrals@nso.activeplus.co.nz

Information for Health Professionals

About the Active⁺ Concussion Service

Active⁺ delivers an ACC-funded, interdisciplinary concussion service to support people recovering from mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. We are NZ’s largest concussion provider, delivering 25% of all ACC programmes nationwide.

The service focuses on:

• Early assessment and intervention
• Reducing the risk of persistent post-concussion symptoms
• Supporting return to work, education, sport, and daily life

All services are fully funded once approved by ACC, so there is no cost to the client.

The service is designed to work holistically, tailoring assessment and treatment to each person’s needs to give the best possible recovery. Our team works closely together, alongside clients and their family/whānau to support long-term wellbeing. 

Our interdisciplinary team may include:

• Medical specialists (including neurologists)
• Occupational therapists
• Psychologists / Neuropsychologists
• Physiotherapists
• Registered nurses
• Speech and language therapists
• Social workers

How to refer

Referrals can be sent via:

• Email: referrals@nso.activeplus.co.nz
• Healthlink: activepl
• SR Referrals: Active⁺
• BPac: Active Plus
• ERMS: Active Plus
• DI: activepl

Questions?

For any questions on the service, please contact: referrals@nso.activeplus.co.nz