How OccMed Can Create Good Relationships With Employers

One of the key components of a successful occupational medicine (OccMed) business is to earn the trust of your employer clients as a conduit to a healthy, positive working relationship. In the unfortunate event of a work-related injury or illness, you want your clients to rest assured that their employees feel at ease receiving care in your organization and that your clinicians are focused on their end goal, which is to get their employees well and back to work as quickly as possible. 

That kind of trust takes time and steady relationship-building. Below, we offer a few tips to help you solidify the working relationship between OccMed providers and employers.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Whether an employee/patient is seen to discuss preventative health services or to receive care due to a work injury, it’s essential that OccMed businesses communicate with employers every step of the way about the care their employees are receiving. 

A good starting point is to have the clinician reach out and call the employer whenever a patient is in the process of obtaining medical services. During this time, the clinician is encouraged to do the following:

• Be present and available to answer any questions the employer may have.
• Provide thorough and detailed answers, eliminating the possibility of any confusion or conflicting information.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) website also recommends that OccMed businesses “take the time necessary to understand a worker’s job duties, work environment and exposures.” ¹ In turn, this will demonstrate to the employer that you take the medical care of their employees seriously and are willing to listen to any potential concerns.

Visit the Employer on a Regular Basis

Part of establishing a healthy relationship with clients includes showing up to their workplace – in their own familiar environment to take time to speak with employees about their services and discuss preventative plans and different levels of care. This also provides an opportunity for clinicians to complete a thorough review of the workplace and make note of any perceived work hazards that can become problematic, as well as guide workers on how to best reduce work-related injuries and other risks. 

Review Protocol With Employers At Least Annually

Even after a patient is seen, it’s important that their condition be monitored, while also paying special attention to any signs or symptoms that may indicate a medically necessitated intervention. OccMed businesses can help work through unforeseen circumstances by reviewing standard guidelines and protocols with employers at least once or twice a year. This can include reviewing medical records, addressing exposure evaluations, determining medical care needs, and promoting health and wellness with all employees, among other things.

Find out how Net Health® Occupational Medicine  can help you streamline your business and provide quality care to your patients so you can continue to foster your relationships with employers.

References:

¹ Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “Clinicians,” 2022.