Worksite Medicine
What is Worksite Medicine?
Worksite Medicine is concerned with the maintenance of health and the prevention of conditions associated with repetitive and accidental injuries in the workplace. It encompasses any assessment or intervention strategy which is aimed at reducing work-related health care costs to employers.
What is the goal of a Workplace Medicine program?
The ultimate goal of a Workplace Medicine program is to lower employer healthcare costs. This is accomplished by reducing the number and duration of workers’ compensation claims, reducing absenteeism, and improving overall employee job satisfaction and wellness. We also strive to reduce “presenteeism”, which is inefficient work performed by an employee who is working with an injury or limitation.
Who provides these services?
All Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center employees who work in this setting are certified as musculoskeletal experts. Depending on the needs of the client, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and/or athletic trainers may be involved in workplace interventions.
How can a trained provider of Workplace Medicine help decrease work-related healthcare costs?
A Workplace Medicine provider uses their knowledge of injury prevention techniques, body-mechanic assessment, and musculoskeletal system function to identify and correct work situations which increase the likelihood of a worker developing an accidental or repetitive-type injury. We are able to provide these services across various job settings, whether they are in an office, a factory, or outdoors.
What kind of savings can I expect?
Savings can be significant.
For example, the average cost to surgically treat one case of carpal tunnel syndrome in 1 hand is estimated to be approximately $4000-7000. In contrast, the employer’s cost to prevent these injuries could be as little as $50-100.