Occupational medicine
At UCHealth, we do things differently. We know how fast the world of health care is changing, and we push ourselves to stay ahead of the curve. UCHealth’s Occupational medicine practices specialize in treating work-related injury and disease with a focus on preventive medicine.
Our growing team of talented providers stands ready to address your every occupational health need. And we’re committed to a strong relationship with you as our partner. Our focus is on providing you with the best experience so you can focus on your business.
**Occupational medicine services may vary by location. Please call the clinic to confirm availability of services.**
What is occupational medicine?
Occupational medicine (also called occupational health) is an area of work in public health dedicated to promoting and maintaining the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations. It incorporates elements of environmental medicine by considering how air, water, and our work environment can affect our health.
A focus on employee wellness
The healthcare professionals and trained physicians in occupational medicine diagnose and treat workplace injuries. Our quality care focuses on employee wellness and workplace safety, and is always up-to-date on changing federal and state regulations.
Our occupational physicians also work directly with employers to ensure businesses run smoothly while focusing on employee health, safety, and prevention on the job.
Overview of offerings
Accessibility.
We are now offering Virtual Visits for worker’s comp follow-up and closing visits, unless the occupational medicine specialists believe it is medically necessary for the patient to be seen in the clinic.
Safety.
All of our locations are following the guidelines set forth by the CDC and our infectious disease experts to keep your employees safe during their visit.
Learn more
Occupational medicine concentration.
We have Level 2 Certified Workers’ Compensation/Occupational Medicine physicians at all our locations.
Dedicated occupational medicine staff.
We have a team of individuals dedicated to handling referrals, communication and follow up with employers, insurance companies, and the insured worker.
Custom protocols.
We work closely with your organization to individually customize your protocol to meet your specific needs.
Communication.
Our providers are available to speak with you after each initial injury visit.
We will also handle communication with your employee and insurance company.
What do occupational health doctors and nurses do?
Regulatory knowledge
UCHealth’s occupational medicine doctors are well-versed in the regulations set forth by these agencies:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
A focus on injury prevention
Our occupational disease and medicine specialists focus on the health of injured workers and help them find ways to continue working after a work injury or sickness. Our practitioners address the promotion of health in the workplace, as well as a focus on injury prevention, preventative medicine, training, and managing any occupational injury, illness, or disability.
Mental health services
Our providers also offer occupational therapy for mental health treatment and prevention services. If you have a work-related mental health issue, UCHealth’s occupational mental health services can help you develop positive habits and routines, set your own therapy goals, and learn behavioral techniques to help better your mental health.
Research and monitoring
The occupational health nurses at UCHealth monitor the health status of workers, worker populations and community groups by conducting research on the effects of workplace exposures, gathering health and hazard data.
Our services and assessments
A prompt return to work
When injuries do occur, it’s important to return the injured worker to a state of health and productivity as soon as possible. The skilled occupational medicine specialists at UCHealth will work with the employee, employer, worker’s compensation insurer, and the internal medicine system to help the injured worker regain their abilities to return to work in a timely manner.
An occupational health assessment is a medical examination performed by an occupational health specialist to advise employers on the employee’s health and give recommendations for a safe and healthy working environment. Occupational health assessments at UCHealth are also done to certify somebody’s fitness to work. These assessments can take up to 45 minutes, depending on the physical exams needed. The information will be reviewed by the health specialists and sent to your employer.
Our occupational medicine services and assessments include:
Diagnostic services.
- Audiograms (hearing tests).
- Comprehensive blood testing.
- EKG.
- Pulmonary function testing.
- X-ray and advanced imaging.
Drug testing and alcohol screening.
- Consortium/TPA services.
- DOT/Non-DOT testing.
- Evidential breath alcohol testing.
- Instant/on-site drug testing.
- Medical Review Officer.
- Urine specimen collection.
Occupational injury management.
- Consults and expertise for toxic exposures, epidemiology.
- Evaluation, treatment, and management of patient injuries in our urgent care or emergency locations.
- Health psychology services and pain management.
- Physical and occupational therapy.
- Hospital or therapy treatment plans/case management.
Occupational physical exams.
- DOT certification/recertification exams.
- Fit for duty exams.
- Impairment ratings for employment injuries.
- Independent medical examinations.
- MMI evaluations.
- Pre- and post-employment physicals.
- Respiratory evaluation.
- Vision screening.
Preventive services.
- Functional capacity evaluations.
- Influenza and hepatitis immunizations.
- Job-specific ergonomic analysis.
- Medical surveillance.
- TB skin testing.
Virtual worker's compensation
Offering Virtual Visits for worker's comp follow-up and closing visits.
For an injured employee, call your local UCHealth Occupational medicine clinic to be scheduled for an online virtual visit for worker’s compensation.
Virtual Worker’s Comp visits are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Virtual Worker’s Comp is a great option for any workplace injury listed below:
- Blood-borne pathogen exposure.
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
- Minor functional movement injuries.
- Rashes and burns.
- Repetitive use injuries.
- Sprains and strains.
- Serious injuries or injuries that need hands-on care (like stitches) will still need to be seen in-person at a clinic. If the UCHealth provider thinks a patient injury requires an in-person visit, you may be referred to a nearby UCHealth clinic.