Third Party Opinions

While employers do not have the right to know the specifics of a medical illness, they have a right to know an absent employee is legitimately disabled, receiving appropriate treatment, and also some idea of the expected duration of disability.

Occupational health personnel such as those employed by and consulting to CITAHEALTH Management Inc. have knowledge both in medicine and in the physical and mental demands of the workplace and therefore are uniquely qualified to advise employers regarding employee health.

To adequately assess an individual, a consulting occupational physician will integrate the medical impairment with job requirements. To assist this process, a detailed work description provided by the company or a visit to the job site may be required.

Return to Work Evaluations (RTW)

The length and format of a return to work examination may vary considerably with the complexity of the case.

Simple Return to Work Assessment
An uncomplicated return to work assessment is an evaluation to ensure an employee has sufficiently recovered from an illness or injury, to allow safe return to the workplace, either to full duties or with job modifications. The letter to the employer will outline the employee's fitness to perform duties and any necessary job modifications. If job modifications are required, the physician will comment on the expected time for full recovery. If relevant, recommendations to prevent recurrence of the condition will be provided.

Complex Return to Work Assessment
Due to complicated medical issues, the duration of absence, or specific work conditions such as high altitude or safety-sensitive duties, there are times when a more detailed evaluation is required. The occupational physician will assess the employee and, with the employee's permission (through a consent and release form), may gather medical information from other physicians involved and liaise with the employee's attending physician to facilitate a safe and timely return to work. The letter to the employer will include the employee's ability to perform his/her job, any needed restrictions and their duration, the prognosis regarding recurrence of the injury and, if relevant, any possible recommended job modifications.

Note: Confidential information regarding the nature of the medical illness will not be provided.

At times further assessment, such as a functional capacity evaluation with a certified evaluator, or a work hardening program may be recommended.