occupational medicine

Occupational medicine specialists help people in a variety of ways. Specially trained in injury treatment and prevention, performance improvement, and employment physicals, these providers help develop safe and productive work environments and improve a person’s ability to function in their daily life.

Here are more facts about occupational medicine that you should know.

Occupational Medicine Specialists Perform Physical Exams

Whether you work for the Department of Transportation (DOT) or a school, hospital, childcare center, or in another demanding environment, many companies require physical assessments as a condition of employment. In some cases, physicals need to be done on an annual or biannual basis.

Performed and documented by occupational health specialists, these detailed assessments reveal if an employee is physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of performing their job tasks safely and effectively. This ensures that the job will be done well without an unusually higher risk of injury or mistakes. Physicals are an excellent way to improve safety in workspaces, as well as catch and treat health conditions early on.

Occupational Medicine Specialists Provide Drug Screenings, Vaccines, and Lab Tests

Drug screenings are a very common test that millions of people take every year. They ensure that an individual is not taking illegal substances and can be trusted as a law-abiding and drug-free member of society.

Employers require drug screenings in many situations, such as:

• Before an offer of employment is issued
• After an accident, illness, or injury
• Randomly throughout the course of employment
• As a follow-up to employment suspension and requirement for a return to work

Occupational medicine clinics also administer TB testing and vaccines against tetanus, measles, hepatitis B, influenza, and more, as needed. These are to protect employees and customers alike.

Occupational Medicine Specialists Provide Care For Work-Related Injuries

These health providers are experts in the workers’ compensation process. From initial exams to treatment and continuing care of workplace injuries, occupational medicine specialist follow patients through their return to work. Plus, they help with the complex deadlines and paperwork requirements of workers’ comp injury claims. Frankly, their expertise benefits both employees and employers, as they provide safe and efficient ways to treat patients and prevent future injuries.

Convenient, Comprehensive Care From Your Occupational Medicine Specialist in King, NC

To fully recover from a workplace-related injury or condition or to receive the assessment you need for employment, please see one of our occupational health providers. Board-certified emergency medicine physician, Dr. Samir Patel, heads the professional team at our walk-in clinic.

At our clinic in King, NC, patients can come seven days a week without an appointment. We have on-site X-ray and lab testing, as well as stabilization services for injuries such as strains, sprains, burns, lacerations, and more. Plus, wait times are far shorter than at your local hospital emergency room. Costs are lower, as well.

So, if health, safety, job performance, and injury prevention are your priorities, we at Cardinal Urgent Care can help seven days a week. We look forward to helping you!

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your health until something goes wrong. And even then, it’s often difficult to know where to turn for help. You might go to your regular doctor, but if the problem is work-related, they might not have the right expertise or knowledge to treat you. That’s where occupational health and medicine come in.

Let’s talk about what occupational health clinics are, the benefits of using an occupational health clinic, and where you can find a good clinic in NC.

What Are Occupational Health Clinics and What Do They Offer?

Occupational health clinics offer various services to help employees stay healthy and safe on the job. Services provided by occupational health clinics vary depending on the clinic but can include physical exams, drug screenings, mental health services, and ergonomic assessments. Some clinics also offer wellness programs and educational workshops on topics like safety in the workplace.

Occupational health care clinics offer employment-related screening, including but not limited to:

• DOT physicals
• Drug screen collections
• TB testing
• Blood tests
• Vaccines, such as chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, etc.

The Benefits of Using an Occupational Health Clinic

There are many benefits to using an occupational health clinic, both for employees and employers. Employees can get the care they need to stay healthy and productive on the job, and employers can promote a workplace safety culture. The specific benefits include:

• Offer convenient and accessible care for employees.
• Save employers money on workers’ compensation costs.
• Improve employee morale and productivity.

How to Find a Good Occupational Health Clinic?

When looking for a good occupational health clinic, it is crucial to consider the providers’ experience, hours of operation, and services offered. You should also make sure that the clinic is conveniently located and that it accepts your insurance. Here are some tips on how to find a good occupational health clinic:

1. Check the credentials of the providers at the clinic. Make sure that they have experience treating occupational injuries and illnesses. Cardinal Urgent Care providers cover every aspect of healthcare – we have a doctor, physician assistant, and family nurse practitioner on staff who have years of experience treating worker’s compensation patients and performing occupational health screenings.
2. Find out what hours the clinic is open. You should be able to get care when you need it, without taking time off from work.
3. Make sure that the clinic offers the services you need. If you have a specific concern, such as a TB test or specific vaccines, make sure that the clinic offers that service.

Occupational Medicine at Cardinal Urgent Care

If you are looking for a medical provider with occupational health experience or need treatment after a workplace injury, don’t hesitate to contact Cardinal Urgent Care today. We are proud to offer occupational medicine as one of our important healthcare services. We provide all the occupational medicine services mentioned above, and Dr. Samir Patel, MD, Julie Gupton, PA-C, and Abigail Rooks, FNP-C founded Cardinal Urgent Care with the express interest in offering urgent care and occupational medicine.

We are open 7 days a week, from 8 am-8 pm Mon-Fri and from 9 am-5 pm Saturdays and Sundays. Walk-ins are always welcome, or you set up an appointment and cut down on waiting room time by calling us at 336-983-9111 or scheduling an appointment here.