Occupational Medicine
Altru's occupational medicine providers and team provide diagnosis and
treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses. Our team not only works
directly with the patient and employee but also with the employer to help
keep employees safe, healthy, and productive while on the job.
Occupational Medicine Services
Injury Management & Prevention
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Designated Medical Provider: A designated medical provider (DMP) is a medical professional or facility
selected by the employer to treat work-related injuries. As your DMP,
Altru will share your commitment to the safety, health and well-being
of your employees. Together, we'll encourage a safe return to work, retention
of valuable employees through a transitional work program, reduce the
risk of re-injury, reduce work replacement cost and much more.
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Customized Return to Work Programs: Effective work injury rehabilitation for injured workers provides tailored
goals and interventions for returning to the job. Altru’s Injury
Management Team consists of providers, occupational & physical therapists,
nurse case managers and other health professionals, who provide expertise
and care coordination for the injured worker. Altru’s Employer Health
Solutions also has access to the breadth and depth of specialties and
services available through Altru Health System. So, no matter the level
of care your employee may need, we are able to refer to the appropriate
specialist or program.
Medical Examinations
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DOT Physicals: A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination must be conducted
by a licensed “medical examiner” listed on the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. This examiner
will determine if an employee is physically qualified to dire a commercial
motor vehicle (CMV).
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Asbestos Physicals: Per OSHA regulations, an employer must institute a medical surveillance
program for all employees who are or will be exposed to airborne concentrations
of asbestos at or above the PEDL and/or EL. Components of the physical
include a medical history/questionnaire, medical exam, chest x-ray with
B-read, spirometry and any additional tests deemed appropriate by the
examining medical provider.
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Silica Physicals: Per OSHA regulations, an employer must monitor all employees who are exposed
to silica. Silica exposure can occur during abrasive blasting, stonecutting,
rock drilling, quarry work, foundry work and tunneling. Components of
the physical include a medical history/questionnaire, a medical exam,
chest x-ray with B-read, spirometry and TB testing.
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Annual Employer Physicals: Customized yearly exams to assure employees meet the annual requirements
of their specific job.
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Pre-Placement Physical: This exam is completed to access the fitness and medical suitability of
an applicant for a particular job. The exam is completed upon offer of
a job, but prior to the employee starting the job.
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Customize Physicals: Altru is capable of customizing physicals to meet your needs. Please contact us at
701.780.1947 to learn more.
Specialized Testing and Assessments
The following services are performed by trained therapy providers.
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Worksite Assessment: Identifies risks in the work setting through evaluation of the work station,
job design and performance of work tasks. Employers and employees receive
recommendations on how they can reduce injury in their work environment.
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Job Analysis: Identifies the physical demands of a job by evaluating tasks such as lifting,
carrying, pushing, pulling and body positions. Employers receive recommendations
on how they can decrease risk of injury or modify a position for an injured
worker. Employees receive instruction on proper body mechanics and alternative
ways to perform work tasks.
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Functional Capacities Evaluation (FCE): FCE is a standardized two-day test of work activities. Abilities regarding
lifting, pushing, pulling and 17 other activities are identified in terms
of frequency/percentage of a workday. It assists in the development of
appropriate vocational goals, recommendations regarding job/task modification
and if a written job description is provided, our therapists can draw
a correlation between an injured worker’s physical abilities and
the job demands.
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Work Tolerance Screen (WTS): WTS is a two to three-hour evaluation in which specific job tasks are simulated
and tested in a controlled setting. It assists in the development of appropriate
vocational goals and is useful in determining if a client can return to
an existing job or perform the work demands of a new job that is being
considered.
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Workability Assessment: A workability assessment is a brief evaluation of an acute injured worker
in which specific job tasks are simulated and tested in a controlled setting.
This information is provided to the physician and employer to assist with
identifying current lifting and postural abilities to return the injured
worker to full duties as quickly as possible.
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Fit-for-duty: Medical provider and therapist both assess. A Fit for Duty exam assists
employers to determine if an employee is physically and/or emotionally
able to perform the essential duties of their job.
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Post-Offer Exams: Post-offer screens determine the need and feasibility of reasonable accommodation.
It is a physical/function test that is completed on each individual hired
for a specific position. The screen includes all essential job functions
as identified by the employer. Following the screen, the therapist identifies
if the employee has met or not met the job demands and what modifications
or recommendations would assist the employee within the job.
For more information about Altru's Occupation Medicine services, please
call 701.780.1947.