Return-to-Work & Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations
Personalized Care for Your Workforce
At Wisconsin Medical Group, we understand the critical importance of fully preparing employees to return to work after an illness or injury. Our workers' compensation and return-to-work evaluations are designed to provide employers with accurate and reliable assessments, helping safeguard their team members' health and well-being while maintaining workplace safety.
Led by experienced physicians specializing in occupational medicine, we offer Fitness-for-Duty (FFD) exams, which are specialized evaluations to determine if an employee is fit to return to their job without risking further injury or compromising safety. Whether the employee is recovering from a work-related or non-work-related condition, our experts provide the comprehensive assessments necessary for an informed return-to-work decision.
Schedule AppointmentWhy Choose Wisconsin Medical Group for Return-to-Work Evaluations?
- Comprehensive Expertise: Our board-certified physicians are highly trained in occupational medicine and ergonomic assessments. They understand the physical demands of various jobs and work closely with employers to assess whether an employee can safely resume their duties.
- Specialized Care: We tailor each FFD exam to the specific needs of your workplace and the individual employee. Our assessments are designed to provide a detailed understanding of the employee's ability to perform essential job functions.
- ADA and FMLA Compliance: Our evaluations are performed in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Legal and regulatory standards are met.
- Confidentiality and Clear Communication: We prioritize confidentiality and transparency in every evaluation, sharing only necessary information with your team. Employee privacy is respected at all times.
When Should You Schedule a Return-to-Work Evaluation?
- An employee has been off work for more than five days and wishes to return to work.
- There has been a job transfer and the employee’s ability to meet the physical demands of the new role needs to be assessed.
- An employee develops a medical condition and it affects their ability to perform their job.
- There are concerns about job performance or the potential risk of re-injury upon returning to work.
Why Wisconsin Medical Group?
With over 30 years of experience in occupational medicine, we have the expertise and commitment to help your workforce recover and return to work safely. Our lead physician is highly regarded for their work in fitness-for-duty and return-to-work evaluations, having treated thousands of patients and provided expert assessments in workplace and legal settings.
At Wisconsin Medical Group, we don’t just evaluate; we collaborate with you to make sure your employees are ready to return to work in the safest, most effective manner. We’re dedicated to your team’s health, productivity and long-term success.
Our Return-to-Work Evaluation Process
At Wisconsin Medical Group, we take a thorough, personalized approach to each evaluation. Our team of specialists makes sure every FFD exam addresses the specific needs of both the employee and employer. Here's how we approach the evaluation:
- Understanding Job Demands: We work closely with employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the job’s essential functions and physical requirements.
- Medical History & Examination: We conduct a thorough medical history review and a detailed physical and/or mental status examination.
- Tailored Testing: Our exams include various assessments, such as functional capacity evaluations (FCE) and neuropsychological testing, as needed.
- Confidential Reporting: After the evaluation, we provide a clear report stating whether the employee is fit-for-duty, conditionally fit-for-duty or not fit-for-duty. This report is shared only with authorized personnel.
- Follow-Up and Recommendations: If necessary, we work with employers and employees to determine potential accommodations or additional steps for a safe return to work.
We provide follow-up evaluations for employees with prolonged absences to assess their readiness to return to work and determine if accommodations are needed. In the trucking industry, we comply with FMCSA regulations (49 C.F.R. §391.45) to ensure drivers with medical issues meet federal standards. Our FFD exams also play a key role in risk management by reducing the risk of injury and helping employees return to work only when physically ready.