Getting medical care > Choosing the right place to get care

Doctors who are focused on RTW get better outcomes,
although part of this might be that the patients who choose the company doctor are more interested
in return to work

Choosing the right place to get care:

To get the best care, choose a doctor who understands the issues involved in return to work, one who communicates in a straightforward manner and makes the patient an active part of the recovery process. A doctor who cares about patient outcomes.

Industrial or occupational clinics are focused on managing work injuries. They are also focused on helping get the person back to work. Research has shown doctors who are focused on RTW get better outcomes, although part of this might be that the patients who choose the company doctor are more interested in return to work. Talk to the clinic's practice manager about your needs and theirs. Are the best doctors interested in this area of work? What can you do to support them provide the best care?

How to get the best care:

•	When you find the right clinic build trust with the doctors, work collaboratively and maintain positive communication. Go to the practice and meet the staff. Give them information about your workplace, develop a human 'face' for your organisation.

•	Pay the doctor on time and appropriately, including for time spent on phone calls. Let them know you will do this. It will allow them to spend the time required on all the issues and communicate well with the patient and you.

•	Doctors are paid less for managing work injuries even though these cases are generally more complex and take longer. Medical costs are a small part of case costs, if you pay well for high levels of service by the doctor the employee is likely to have a better result.

•	Support the doctor by clarity in your communication, the key information needed by the workplace is about the person's capacity for work. Be positive and helpful in your approach and you are more likely to get that in return.

Employee choice of provider:

The employee has the right to choose their own doctor. If they want to see their usual doctor, ask if they would like assistance arranging an appointment.

The quality of your communication becomes more important if you do not know the doctor, or the doctor does not know your organisation.

What's next?
Relationships and your approach