Working effectively with
the family practitioner
While the ideal situation is to have all Workers’ Compensation injuries
treated by physicians trained in Occupational Medicine who understand how
to facilitate recovery and expedite return to work, it’s not unusual
to be dealing with a family practitioner who has little or no training in
Occupational Medicine. Frequently, there are stories about the physician
asking injured employees how many days they want off work or prescribing
the improper treatment. And the blame for the unnecessary costs and delays
in return to work is placed squarely on the treating physician. Yet,
a passive employer can be equally as responsible because many doctors do
not understand the process and the employer does not educate them.
At a recent symposium of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals, Dr. Michael
Weizman, a board certified family physician, presented a new perspective
on the employer – employee – physician relationship. Prior to
being introduced to the Institute’s process of managing Workers’
Compensation, Dr. Weizman’s views were quite typical:
• Assumed the injured patient did not want to return to
work
• Assumed that injured patients in general wanted to blame the employer
and take advantage of the situation
• Assumed the injured employee's visits would be unrewarding doctor-patient
encounters
• Would more than likely give the patient whatever he/she wanted
to expedite his day
Dr. Weizman readily admits that he did not fully understand the mentality
and motivation of the injured employee, or the motivation and goals of the
employer and had little incentive to learn more or change his ways. Although
he wanted to do what was right for his injured patients, he lacked knowledge
and understanding of Workers’ Comp and had not been contacted by employers
who may have altered his views.
However, when he was introduced to the Institute process and educated on
the value of managing Workers’ Compensation, he realized his approach
was flawed and that:
• Injured employees in general do want to return to work
• Employers want to minimize their losses
• There are evidence-based guidelines for various injuries and time
away from work predictions that he can use
• The sooner employees return to work, the more likely they are
to stay in the workforce
• He could take a more pro-active role in the process
• He could increase his job satisfaction of caring for injured patients
by doing the right thing
Today, Dr. Weizman works to influence patient outcomes based on his newly
developed proactive approach to Workers’ Comp cases. While he is committed
to expanding his knowledge, he expresses frustration that few employers
are proactive and contact him.
To optimize the services from any medical provider, employers need to communicate
and monitor the patient care to return the injured employee safely to work
as soon as possible. It is only with an understanding of the essential job
functions, the availability of modified duty and the employer’s concern
for the employee, that treating physicians can make reasonable decisions
on when employees can return to work. |