Occupational medicine, also referred to as occupational health medicine, is a specialty dedicated to the prevention and management of illnesses and injuries incurred in the workplace. Moreover, it also deals with the reduction of health and safety risks in the workplace.
Physicians that provide occupational medicine services are health and safety advocates. Most of our time is spent at work, and being of reasonably good health is necessary for productivity and the completion of our workplace responsibilities. Whereas in the past, occupational medicine was mostly reactive to illness and injuries, today, occupational medicine physicians also focus attention on prevention and wellness.
Employers have made the connection between reasonably good health and work productivity, and many now work closely with occupational medicine specialists and provide workers’ compensation services to their employees.
Occupational Medicine Services
Occupational medicine physicians are trained in the process required to ensure employees are fit to work or fit to return to work after an injury. They are up-to-date on the latest regulations regarding workforce health and safety in their states.
Some of the services provided by occupational medicine physicians include:
- Employment physicals
- Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals for safety-sensitive occupations
- Pre-placement testing
- Workplace drug screening services
- Independent Medical Examinations (IME)
- Post-Offer Employment Test (POET)
Most businesses in the United States are required to provide workers’ compensation to their employees who are not owners of the company or business. Each state as its own laws about workers’ comp, and should an accident happen at work, workers’ comp covers the financial cost of bringing the employee’s health back into shape.
Workers’ Compensation Services
Occupational medicine specialists may also provide workers’ compensation services that include:
- The evaluation and treatment of work-related injuries
- Clear communication with referring physicians
- Providing comprehensive work status reports
- Providing patient treatment status reports
- Seamless communication with employers, employees, clinicians, and case managers
For a healthier and more productive workforce, employers can also provide their employees with preventive health services via occupational specialists that include:
- Health risk assessments
- Fitness programs
- Assistance with weight loss goals via programs
- Health and nutrition coaching and counseling
- Health education and awareness classes and workshops
Having workers’ comp is great, but prevention is still the best course of action to take. Every company should make employee and workplace safety a top priority.
Urgent Care Facility for Occupational Medicine or Workers’ Comp Service
At Patient Care Now Urgent Care in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, we provide urgent care services to patients of all ages. Whether you need treatment for a cold, flu, headache, or infection, we can help. We also provide occupational medicine services, including treatment for work-related injuries and conditions. For fast and convenient medical care, you can count on our friendly and well-trained medical staff.
We are open 365 days a year for your convenience. Call (267) 202-6433 if you have questions about our occupational medicine and other on-site services. No appointment is necessary – simply walk in whenever you need medical care.
