Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between occupational medicine and industrial medicine?
Occupational medicine focuses on the impartial diagnosis of the worker’s symptoms and/or an evaluation of what conditions might exist in the workplace that may be hazardous to human health. Common questions might include: Are the worker’s symptoms work-related? What conditions at work may be making the worker ill? What steps can be taken to prevent work-related illness, reduce a worker’s risk, or treat the symptoms? Might other workers be affected by hazardous conditions at the workplace?

Industrial medicine is the term used frequently to describe employer-focused inquiries into workers’ health. Common questions they might explore are: Is my employee physically fit to perform the job? Does my employee abuse drugs or alcohol? What steps can I, as an employer take, to prevent health hazards to my workforce?

Is my appointment at OHCC confidential? Will my employer find out that I have consulted with an occupational health clinic?
Your medical information is governed by the strict confidentiality guidelines set forth under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). No information regarding your visit will be released without your written consent. Our clinics do not share medical information with your employer.

Access to Workers’ Compensation benefits is your right when your illness/injury is determined to be job-related. Laws set limits to who can see your case file. You and your attorney or representative have access to your file. Your employer and your employer’s attorney also have access to your file. Your employer’s workers comp insurance carrier and its attorney has access to your file. This access is granted because you are claiming benefits that have monetary value.

This access comes into play when the employer’s attorney or insurance company disputes your claim. Even then, the medical information the employer’s workers’ comp insurance carrier is entitled to see is generally limited to what is work-related. Workers’ comp carriers do NOT have access to your full medical history. Anyone who gets a court order may have access to your claim information. 

Why do labor unions in New York fight to support occupational health clinics?
Labor unions know that workers sometimes pay for their jobs with their lives or their health. They want to make sure that workers’ health is protected, and that the diagnoses they get are based on medical facts and medical expertise, not on profit or schedules. Other workers have seen the value of being seen by a worker-focused clinic that is independent.

How do I know when I should book an appointment with an OHCC?
Sometimes it is hard to know whether your symptoms are job-related. Or, you may have no symptoms at all, but you know that you are being exposed to some hazardous chemicals at your job.  Our intake person can help you sort out if it makes sense to make an appointment with us.

How does the OHCC team work with my primary care or other doctors?
We encourage all our patients to select and regularly visit a primary care doctor and to continue care with other medical specialists. With your written consent, a report of your initial OHCC visit is sent to your primary care provider. Depending on your case, we may refer you to other specialists, order certain tests, provide some treatment, or consult with your primary care physician.

How much does it cost to use the services of an OHCC?
We make every effort to prevent cost from being a barrier to using our services. Most forms of health insurance typically cover a sizeable portion of the fees for your visit. A sliding fee scale is available to those without health insurance.

What is the role of the social worker on the OHCC team?
Any illness or disease can produce stress; a job-related illness often creates other worries—financial, self-esteem and identity issues, social isolation, or chronic pain. Our social worker can help you identify resources that may help overcome these challenges.

What does the Clinic’s case management team do for patients?
Our case management team advocates for patients and helps them get the diagnostic testing and treatment services they need to overcome or manage their illness or injuries. Our experience and competence as patient advocates helps to move your claim faster through the paperwork.

What is the role of the industrial hygienist on the OHCC team?
The industrial hygienist has skills that focus on workers’ exposure to chemicals, fumes, dust, noise, and other agents harmful to health. The IH scientist has skills that can measure exposures, suggest strategies to prevent problems, and recommend workplace modifications. Industrial hygienists also have skills in ergonomics—fitting the job to the human being—to prevent aches, pains, and absences. 

Who may use the services of the Occupational Health Clinical Centers? 
Generally speaking, anyone who knows or suspects that symptoms are work-related. Anyone who has been exposed to substances known to be harmful to human health.   We know that your time is valuable, so we have a brief telephone intake process that will help you sort out whether you might  benefit from our services. You do not have to file a Workers’ Compensation claim to become a patient here; we accept other forms of health insurance, and offer a sliding scale to those who do not have any health insurance.

When am I entitled to Workers’ Compensation?
If you are injured or become ill as a result of your work (or a pre-existing injury or illness becomes worse or flares up because of your work), you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are wholly paid by your employer’s insurance carrier. You must, however, file a claim (using the C-3 Workers’ Compensation Board form) in a timely manner to start your case. You do not have to be a citizen to receive Workers’ Compensation.
 

My employer says the injury is my fault, and I am not entitled to any benefits
Workers’ Compensation is a no fault system. The issue of who, if anyone, was at fault in causing the injury or illness is not considered. The employer has the right to send you to a health care provider he/she chooses, but YOU have the right to select a physician YOU choose, who will provide an independent opinion.

My employer says the injury is not covered by Workers’ Compensation
It is not up to the employer. File a claim. The Workers’ Compensation Board decides whether it is covered.

What can I get from Workers’ Compensation?
If your Workers’ Compensation case is proven, you may receive the following benefits:
It covers all costs for medical treatment and rehabilitation, including transportation.
It provides cash payments for lost wages if you are out for more than one week or if there is a permanent disability. Temporary cash benefits are about 2/3 of your gross wages. You pay no taxes on these benefits.
Additional money for permanent damage to a limb or for loss of hearing or eyesight; a death benefit; and vocational rehabilitation/retraining. Cash benefits can continue for as long as your disability lasts; however, you may need to reapply for those benefits after a period of time, or verify that your work-related symptoms still affect your health.

I got hurt at work. What do I do?
First, report your injury or illness as soon as possible to your supervisor or employer. (In any case you must do this within 30 days.) It's best to do it before leaving work, so the employer can't claim it happened
at home. A co-worker can report it for you. Even if it seems minor, it could get worse, so report it. Make notes about what happened, which supervisor was told, and who witnessed the injury. Remember
it is illegal for your employer to threaten, discipline or harass you for making such a report.
Second, see a doctor as soon as possible, describe what happened and make sure they note that it happened
at work. Tell the hospital or doctor's billing staff this is a compensation case and to bill your employer's insurance carrier. Besides notifying your employer and getting medical treatment, you must get a C-3 form from the Workers' Compensation Board and file it to start your case. This form is available online: http://www.wcb.state.ny.us/content/main/forms/c3.pdf. It can be filled in online or you may make a paper copy of it to complete.

Who do I go to for medical treatment?
You have the right to seek treatment from a doctor of your choosing, but not all doctors participate in Workers’ Compensation.  Whatever physician you go to, make sure you carefully explain exactly how you were hurt or what at work might have caused your problem or illness. Because it is a Workers' Compensation case, the doctor will send bills to your employer's insurance carrier (same applies to hospital or pharmacy charges, as well as travel costs). If your claim is challenged (controverted) by the insurance carrier, you may need to find a physician who has experience with workers' compensation cases, and is willing to advocate and testify for you if needed. If you have an occupational illness, the Occupational Health Clinical Centers may be able to help.

Do I have to go to the ‘Independent Medical Examination’ appointment set up by the Compensation carrier?  
Yes, if your employer or employer’s insurance carrier disputes your claim.  That does NOT prevent you from being seen by OHCC or another doctor of your choice who has no financial interest in the outcome of your claim.

Why do I need a lawyer if I file a Workers’ Compensation claim?
You may not need a lawyer if the employer agrees that your illness or injury is job-related. However, sometimes
employers or their insurance carriers will question that your symptoms are job-related They may even express doubt that your symptoms are real.

Although having a lawyer is optional, workers are wise to find a Workers’ Comp lawyer represent you them since employers or insurance carriers almost always have a lawyer representing their side.  Often, hearings in front of a Workers’ Comp judge are just a few minutes long and filled with legal jargon. If the judge agrees that your claim is valid, the judge decides what fees should be paid out of your award (paid directly by your employer’s insurance company), with the rest going to you.

When I told my primary care doctor my problem was work related, I was told I’d have to go elsewhere for treatment of that problem. What’s going on?
Despite the fact that nearly all workers injured in New York State have a right to file a Workers’ Comp claim, an increasing number of doctors will not accept patients who’ve been injured on the job
 
What kind of services do your clinics provide?
The OHCC provides expertise in identifying work-related illness and injury. We bring an experienced team to our partnership with each patient. That team includes:
a physician board-certified in occupational medicine
nurse practitioners
nurse case managers
an industrial hygienist
and a social worker

We advocate on behalf of our patients to get the diagnostic testing and treatment you need. That might include such services as  physical therapy, referrals to pain management centers, or other specialty practices. The OHCC does not take the place of your primary care doctor.

What can I do to make my case progress smoothly?
The more informed you are, the better. Pay attention to deadlines. Keep your paperwork organized. If you have witnesses to your injury, or you know of other workers whose health has been affected by workplace hazards, consider asking them to write a fact-focused statement to that effect.

What can I expect as a new patient?
Your first exam can take from 1 to 1 ½ hours, and involves careful listening.  We review of your occupational history, learn more about your symptoms and/or exposures, and discuss any concerns you have about the health and safety of your workplace. Our clinicians may introduce you to other members of our workers’ health care tea, if they think such expertise might be relevant to your case.

What are your goals as a specialty medical practice?
To treat each person with dignity and respect
To listen well to your work-related health concerns
To refer you appropriately for health problems not related to our practice
To bring all our training and skills into our partnership with each patient
To get you back to work as soon as is safely possible
or to help you sort out other options if a safe return is not possible
To prevent occupational illness and injury
To make every effort to prevent cost from being a barrier to service