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

• 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.
• 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

• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Annual Employer Physicals: Customized yearly exams to assure employees meet the annual requirements of their specific job.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.