Disability is commonly defined as a loss of functional capacity and absence from work due to a medical condition. It starts with a sick leave note from a family doctor and many times ends up in long-term disability. The medical literature provides evidence that fewer than 10% of work-related injuries should require workers to take more than a couple days off work. It suggests that up to 80% of paid temporary disability is medically unnecessary.

Early intervention by an Occupational and Environmental Medicine Specialist is important because longer the workers stay away from work the more likely they are permanently disabled. The medical literature provides evidence that there is only 50% chance of ever returning to work if the worker has been off work for 3 months. The chances of returning to work are only 2% by the time the worker has been off work for 12 months.

Long-term disability predicts a bleak outcome. Many claims start with minor musculoskeletal injury or illness but end up in prolonged absence from work without evident objective pathology. The unusually prolonged recovery that is disproportionate to objective clinical findings is called delayed recovery.  The cost associated for medical treatment, wage replacement, and lost productivity has a significant negative impact on the employers and the society.

The medical literature provides evidence that the lack of expertise and formal training in the area of Disability Prevention and Management by the treating doctors is the most important cause of delayed recovery. Using the conventional Medical Model, these physicians prescribe more time off from work because they assume a linear relationship between symptoms of the patient and disability and incapacity for work. This therapeutic practice further delays recovery and reinforces the sick role. The risk of chronic disability is significantly high when the treatment goals are focused on alleviation of symptoms rather than improvement of functional capacity of the patient.

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Specialist at IOMC are the ultimate experts in the assessment of chronic pain, delayed recovery and disability.  Using Biopsychosocial Model they assess all perspectives of health including biological (body and mind), psychosocial (personal/relationships), and social (occupational). They identify the specific causes of delayed recovery and disability and develop comprehensive treatment and return to work plans for the workers.

Please contact IOMC

• For more information and to arrange a presentation on Disability Prevention and Management.
• To arrange an Independent Medical Assessment and/or an Independent Medical File Review for patients/workers on short or long-term disability.
• To develop Disability Prevention and Management Program for your industry, organization, or institution.