For on the job injury, why can't I be treated at the hospital?

[tachy]

Is this a legal issue of some sort?

When employees are injured on the job at the hospital I work for, we are made to go to another unassociated health clinic. Is this standard practice?

Thanks!

[klone, MSN, RN]

Conflict of interests? don't know

[RainMom]

Is this a legal issue of some sort?

When employees are injured on the job at the hospital I work for, we are made to go to another unassociated health clinic. Is this standard practice?

Thanks!

I find that odd. What about a needlestick or exposure? That would be work-related. Surely they don't send employees out for that!

Perhaps it's state specific. Some states have employee friendly WC laws and others are very restrictive.

Do they at least see emergent cases- torn ligaments, severe strains, etc- when the employee can't even finish the shift?

[roser13, ASN, RN]

We are exactly the opposite. We have to go to Occupational Health, who triages, then farms us out to the appropriate in-the-system practice.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Depends on the jurisdiction. In my state, any employer can require that a person with a work injury be seen one time at a clinic or facility of the employer's choice. After that visit, if the employee wants to continue to treat there, that becomes his/her treating physician of choice. If s/he does not want to treat there, the employer cannot compel it, and the employee makes the choice of treater for further care.

I strongly suggest that you make a quick call to your state division of worker's compensation, whatever they call it where you are, and ask what the regulations are. Sometimes you might have a good reason NOT to be treated in your own system, or you might have a good reason to be treated in your own system. Find out what your rights are in this matter, and do not expect the hospital to tell you.

[MomaNurse]

If I hurt myself at work, besides just a needle stick or something needing quick first aid, I would not want my employer treating me. Major conflict of interest. Your employer is never on your side.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I suspect it's a cost issue. Walk in Occ Health clinic is going to be much less expensive than an ER visit- esp. if the ER doc can charge for the service. And frankly, a needlestick injury is not an 'emergency'.

[amoLucia]

I suspect it's a cost issue. Walk in Occ Health clinic is going to be much less expensive than an ER visit- esp. if the ER doc can charge for the service. And frankly, a needlestick injury is not an 'emergency'.

this is probably a very strong reason.

And MomaNurse also speaks wisely. Also, regardless of HIPAA, I don't want to be a topic of conversation.

"Two people can keep a secret, if one of them is dead". - Benjamin Franklin