10 Things To Know about Return To Work Medical Exams

Return to work medical exams are a critically important tool for ensuring the health and wellbeing of workers. Before returning to a job, potential hazards must be identified, existing temporary conditions assessed, and a plan for medical surveillance set up. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 key facts about return to work medical exams that empower workers to safely and successfully re-enter the workplace.

1. What it covers: things such as verifying overall health, ensuring compliance with workplace and industry guidelines, addressing any pre-existing conditions, and evaluating an individual’s ability to perform the job tasks required are among the actions that are performed when taking any of the return to work medical exams provided by your employer.
2. Who conducts the exam: such an exam will be conducted by an experienced and trusted doctor under the supervision of the employer. However, you have the right to have your personal doctor present if you choose to do so.
3. When timing matters: regardless of who your employer is, the duration of the exam and the amount of information disclosed to the employer will be discussed beforehand.
4. Exams may not be required: employers cannot typically require their employees to receive any return to work medical exams. However, there are a few exceptions which includes; if an employee has taken leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), if an employee has been out of work for more than three days due to illness or injury, or if an employee has a disability that may impact the performance of their job duties. 
5. What is the goal: the overall goal of the return to work medical exams is to identify any medical conditions that may put the employee at risk or limit their ability to return to their job in a safe and productive manner.
6. No further medical information: after any of the initial return to work exams are completed, the employer should not require any further medical information.
7. Typical assessments: the regular exam consists of a physical assessment, occupational assessment, laboratory testing, imaging studies, and various other tests depending on the reason for the exam.
8. Necessary accommodations: employers should provide necessary accommodations if requested by the employee. 
9. Physical restrictions: physical restrictions can be determined by the medical examiner and should be shared with the employee at the ending of the exam.
10. Things to expect: return to work medical exams are important for ensuring a safe return to work for employees who have been away for a long period of time due to illness or injury. This type of exam helps to ensure that the employee is fit for their job and the impact of their disability is considered. For more information, visit Advanced OccMed’s return to work page.