Why it’s Important to Pick the Right Occupational Physician

First off, what is an occupational physician, and do you even need to worry about them?

The answer to the first part is that an occupational healthcare provider treats illnesses or injuries arising from workplace incidents.

The second answer is an emphatic YES! Choosing the right doctor for any work related injury is a vital step in the workers’ compensation process for both employers and employees. Both sides want the doctor who will provide them the best possible outcome from their perspective. 

Naturally, this doesn’t always line up but there are a variety of things to consider choosing when deciding on an Occupational Physician(OP). 

One of them is predesignation. While many employers provide their own OP, it is important to know that you can choose your own OP so long as they have been predesignated. Refer to this article to learn more about predesignating your OP.   

Here are some of the most important aspects to look for in an occupational health provider.

1.Quality of Care 

The most important factor of any healthcare provider is the quality of care they offer. Whether that be an employer’s OP going above and beyond by working to implement ergonomic changes in the workplace or your own being with you every step of the way to insure optimal recovery, occupational physicians should have the best interest of the employees in mind. Having in depth knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations is also a sign of an expert OP. Most occupational physicians will have a deep understanding of OSHA guidelines so they can create effective treatment plans.

2.Getting you back to work 

A physician should understand that people may have restrictions after an injury, so they should also be willing to consider what the person needs to get back to work in the safest manner possible. They determine what adjustments need to be made when the employee returns to the workplace. This may include time alterations or changes in the physical space that allow an employee to continue doing their job in the most efficient manner possible given their previous injury. The return to work philosophy of physicians should be high on the list for choosing the proper OP for you.

3.Communication 

An open line of communication must be present between the employer, the physician and the insurance company. Open communication between patients and health care providers creates a space of comfort and understanding. This leads to a higher likelihood the patient will follow through on their treatments and increases their understanding of any diagnosis as well as the treatment options at their disposal. Timely updates surrounding the accident and the recovery process are prime factors in good communication

4.Knowledge of the work environment

Being familiar with the type of work an employee performs can allow a trained physician to understand their needs and the potential hazards that they might face at any given moment while on the job. This information can be used to evaluate the common workplace risks and will help the provider determine whether a patient can safely perform their duties during and even after treatment. This is also beneficial to employers as it may uncover safety issues or identify areas that need extra precautions. 

5.Proper facilities and staff 

Some providers may focus solely on a quick ‘cure’, but a great provider will provide you with the service and means to achieve the best results possible both mentally and physically. The three C’s: care, customization, and consideration are paramount to a speedy, successful patient recovery. Proper equipment and staff trained in the specific needs of the patient are also vital to providing the unique care each patient needs. Taking the time to empathize with a patient can go a long way towards their post-accident mental health as well.

Regardless of whether you go to your employer's selected OP or choose your own, it is important to make sure you feel as comfortable and confident as possible with the person providing your care. At the end of the day, nobody wants to be injured, but picking the right occupational doctor can make that trying time a lot easier. Choosing the right workers’ compensation lawyers can also help tremendously, so if you are unsure about the rights you have to a doctor or have any questions about OPs, the qualified team at Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney can guide you through the entire process.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.