|
Definition of Occupational Medicine
The dictionary defines Occupational Medicine as the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries occurring at work or in specific occupations.
To expound further on that definition and in my own words, occupational medicine focuses on medical conditions that either arise from the workplace or are affected by the workplace. Medical conditions affected by the workplace include aggravation of a pre-existing condition surfaced either within a worker’s compensation injury or discovered through a comprehensive pre-employment physical examination.
An occupational medicine physician practices general medicine within the context of the workplace. The context of the workplace is realized by site visits to observe execution of job duties by employees, to note the physical environment, and to communicate with employer. Job descriptions are requested and remain within office files.
Occupational medicine incorporates an understanding of Worker’s Compensation Law, a high level of communication with patients, insurers, and employers, and a diligence to separate objectivity and subjectivity.
Lastly, occupational medicine emphasizes services such as pre-employment screenings and examinations as proactive measures, in addition to steadfast treatment of injuries upon occurrence. This emphasis strives to uphold safety and a positive outcome for all.
|
