Independent fit-for-duty evaluations help employers make informed return-to-work decisions. Board-certified occupational medicine physicians provide objective assessments matched to job requirements.
Returning employees to work requires balancing medical considerations with job requirements. Premature returns can lead to re-injury and increased workers' compensation costs, while delayed returns create unnecessary wage loss and potential employment complications.
DSC provides independent fit-for-duty evaluations by board-certified physicians with occupational medicine expertise: comprehensive medical history review and injury assessment, functional capacity testing matched to essential job functions, independent medical opinions (IMO) free from employer-employee conflicts, ADA reasonable accommodation analysis, and clear clearance documentation. Our evaluations answer the critical question: "Can this employee safely perform the essential functions of their job with or without reasonable accommodation?" Return workers at the right time with confidence in the medical assessment.
Objective measurements of lifting, carrying, climbing, and job-specific tasks matched to documented essential functions.
Structured evaluation of reasonable accommodations that could enable return to work, protecting against discrimination claims.
Comprehensive reports with medical rationale, functional limitations, and job-specific clearance opinions for personnel files.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and OSHA recordkeeping standards govern return-to-work decisions:
Fit-for-duty evaluations are appropriate after serious workplace injuries, extended medical leave (FMLA), when treating physician clearances are vague or incomplete, when reasonable accommodation questions arise, or when safety-sensitive positions require verification of full physical capability.
Treating physicians often provide generic clearances without understanding job-specific physical demands. DSC evaluations compare documented essential job functions against medical limitations through functional capacity testing, providing employers with defensible, job-specific clearance decisions.
Employers can require fit-for-duty evaluations as a condition of return to work if the requirement is job-related and consistent with business necessity. Refusal to participate may result in continued leave status or employment consequences. DSC ensures all evaluations comply with ADA confidentiality and examination scope requirements.
Yes. DSC provides Independent Medical Opinions (IMO) for disputed workers' compensation cases, including maximum medical improvement determinations, permanent impairment ratings, causation analysis, and return-to-work capability assessments. Our physicians provide expert testimony if litigation proceeds.
CDL drivers must renew medical certificates every 24 months. Schedule at 3,000+ locations nationwide—ideal for OTR drivers who need convenient access anywhere in the country.
OSHA mandates annual audiograms for workers exposed to 85+ dB noise levels. OSHA hearing conservation testing with baseline and annual audiograms per regulatory requirements.
DOT requires 20/40 vision for CDL drivers. Vision screening identifies correctable deficiencies before medical certification appointments.
Contact our occupational health specialists to ensure your workforce meets all medical certification and fitness-for-duty requirements.