PPD frequency in healthcare/LTC?

[makes needs known]

Do most facilities have yearly physicals for employees that include PPD's?

We used to have a choice of having a brief physical at work or going to our own physician. They always let us know when we were due and wanted a physical form filled out from our DR. Now they never ask and they have not been doing annual TB tests like they used to. They get the new employees but not the existing ones. I always thought annual physicals were mandatory if you worked in healthcare.

[Chewie_123]

Our yearly "health screen" now takes place on the internet. No more PPDs because we are a "low risk" facility. I'm getting one done through my PCP anyway, just to make myself feel better.

[LPN&momof3]

We have to have a yearly PPD but we don't do yearly physicals. Our PPD's our mandatory or they will take you off the schdule until it is done.

[Aneroo, LPN]

Our insurance requires an annual physical. We get bloodwork done, ht/wt/bmi and BP check. Nothing happens if it is off, just more of an FYI. Also have to have a yearly physical by your PMD.

I'm not required to get a yearly PPD at work unless there is an increase in tb cases in the community, since it's low risk. I had to get one anyways because of school.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

The CDC is not recommending annual PPD's except in certain places and cases. So maybe it is not required for you. As for annual exam - I fail to see why that is necessary unless you fail a drug screen or some such. I don't think I have to share my personal business with my employer on a regular basis.

[lpnflorida]

We have to have yearly PPD to work in our hospital.. I am waiting for a postive result someday so I can quit them, and just have a chest xray if they demand it. I hate PPD tests ouch

[makes needs known]

Thanks for responses.

My husband is a correctional officer and he had a pos. ppd 1 year after he became a guard. His initial ppd when he 1st became a guard was neg. He had the chest xray and took INH for 6 mos. Now he does not have to have ppd tests, because they will always be positive, and he's ok. But I always worry that he may become exposed again, and infected and who would know unless he became sick from tb. How do they monitor tb activity when someone has been exposed and isn't followed anymore?

[smartin13]

In our facility (level 1 trauma center/inner city hospital) and in our hospital group (3 other facilities) everyone must be tested yearly. They are not permitted to work until it is done. Acutally ours are due soon. They send a group of nurses from employee helath to each site at different times. If you are not there when they are it is expected that you go to employe health to get it done.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

If someone is positive and does not have active disease they should have a chest x-ray annually, or prn MD recommendation