DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive

I am wondering if any organizations have policies regarding who pays for
medical services when a POSSIBLE exposure is being investigated.  I am
not referring to instances of obvious exposure (after a spill or a
release) where OSHA requires that an employer provide medical consult; I
am referring to all those investigations done (at least I do) when
someone comes to me and complains that something at work made them sick
or they get sick when the come to work, etc.  In most cases, the
employee has already decided what is making them sick (indoor air
quality, mold, dust, etc) and it's up to me to rule these things out.  I
routinely refer employees for consults because I am not a doctor and I
would like an occupational physician to speak to them about all the
possibilities for feeling unwell.  These doctor visits are generally not
expensive but can, in some cases, get expensive when the oc doc decides
to do some serious lab tests.  And then the bills come and my budget
won't cover them and it's a big surprise to the upper management that
someone has to pay these bills.  

Any help, advice, or sympathy appreciated!

Thank you, 
Rachel E. Harrington, MPH, CHMM
Director - Environmental, Health, and Safety
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
3333 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, IL  60064
847-578-3420

LIFE IN DISCOVERY