Helping your patients return to work
Medical studies show that time away from work due to workplace injuries is harmful to a patient’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Data show that Oregon workers with on-the-job injuries who are taken off work have a decreased long-term earning potential.
Oregon has re-employment assistance programs to provide financial help for employers and employees that can allow your patients to work within their medical restrictions and prevent further injury.
You can help facilitate your patients’ return to work by closely analyzing whether time away from work is medically necessary and appropriate. You can also work closely with employers to identify job duties that are compatible with your patients’ health restrictions and safety needs.
Resources
The attending physician's role in return to work
Release to Return to Work (Form 3245)
An introduction to the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine's disability prevention guidelines, "Preventing Needless Work Disability by Helping People Stay Employed"