‘Return to Work’ Exam Introduced as Arizona Economy Reopens

As Arizona prepares to reopen its economy, healthcare providers are establishing protocols for companies to ensure employees who have self-quarantined for Coronavirus are healthy enough to return to work. Medicine for Business and Industry (MBI) has introduced a new medical clearance exam that has already helped put hundreds of AZ workers back on the job.

“While the pressure to reopen Arizona’s economy is enormous, ensuring the health and safety of the public is the business community’s primary concern,” said Brian O’Hayre, CEO, Medicine for Business and Industry. “By developing a ‘Return-to-Work’ protocol, we can provide employers with an actual medial certification that their workers are indeed healthy enough to return to work,” he said.

MBI’s medical clearance exam process is simple. Once an employee completes a 14-day self-quarantine, a triage phone call will be set with a specialized medical provider. The employee will be asked a series of questions per CDC guidelines and provided specific instructions regarding their workplace eligibility status. A worker may be advised if they are safe to return to work without restrictions, if they should wear a mask, or if they should report to their primary care physician for further testing and treatment. The employer will then receive a work status with the recommendation of the medical provider for that employee.

“By implementing this important back-to-work health screening, corporations can ensure the health and wellbeing of their entire workforce,” O’Hayre said.

According to the CDC, businesses are required to implement new workforce health screening processes to identify and isolate sick workers. Current CDC guidelines recommend that companies should implement vigilant hygiene and social distancing practices in the workplace as much as possible and provide sick-leave for workers exhibiting symptoms or potential exposure.

“Through our ‘Return-to-Work’ program, employers can expect thorough assessment for workers providing peace-of-mind and productivity in the workplace. This important addition to our telehealth services will put thousands of workers back to work in the coming weeks and help employers maintain a consistent business operation with healthy workers,” he said.

Employers who are interested in providing their workforce with MBI Virtual Visits should contact their Health Service Manager by calling 602.702.0534 for additional information.

For more than 35 years, MBI has been Arizona’s leading provider of occupational medicine and injury care, delivering exceptional workforce heath care to patients across the country. With 8 statewide locations, MBI offers quality, efficient medical care to meet the needs of employers and their employees, at convenient times and locations. For a complete list of locations, visit www.MBIAZ.com.

Medicine for Business and Industry is a leading health care company focused on improving the health of Arizona’s workforce, one patient at a time. Through its affiliated clinicians, the company provides occupational medicine, physical therapy, and wellness services in all industries across Arizona. www.mbiaz.com