Occupational Health
Occupational Medicine
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Injury Treatment
Injured workers who need a physician's care will receive fast, expert and compassionate care at our Occupational Medicine Clinic in Eugene or at McKenzie Willamette Medical Center in Springfield. Most injured workers can return to regular or modified work once he or she has been released by a physician.
Cascade Medical Associates, our occupational medicine and emergency room physician group, will provide timely treatment and information and will return your employee to work as soon as possible.
The physician will:
- Provide written information describing the injury, diagnosis, treatment and patient's work status for your company records and insurance carrier.
- Call the contact person at your company to make sure the worker and supervisor receive the same information and talk through treatment, prognosis and work restrictions.
- Schedule a follow up appointment to evaluate the progress of treatment.
- When necessary, refer the injured worked to a specialist.
We can also assist with release-for-work status reports, workers' compensation consultation, and supervisor training.
Pre-placement Physicals
A pre-placement physical establishes a worker's ability to safely perform a set of tasks. Statistics show that pre-placement physicals decrease the injury rate within the first 60-90 days of hire. In addition, for every $1.00 spent $6.50-$11.44 is saved due to a decrease in the frequency and severity of potential injuries.
All physicals are performed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Emphasis is placed on the potential for back and soft tissue injury. Pre-existing conditions that are likely to increase the risk of future injuries are also identified. For those workers required to wear a respirator, the physical includes an examination of lung and heart functioning.
First, we gather the individual's medical, occupational and worker's compensation history and pay special attention to any prior injuries to the back, wrists or knees. The physician then performs a complete examination of the eyes, ears, throat, heart, lungs, joints and back. A urine screen tests for diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease and hepatitis. Height, weight and vital signs are measured, as are vision distance and color.
After the exam, the physician will call the appropriate person in your company to discuss recommendations. In twenty percent of the cases, modifications are recommended to increase the new employee's ability to safely perform a job or preclude him or her from working unless reasonable accommodations can be made. A copy of the recommendation is also sent in the mail. Our physicians are always available to respond to your questions.
Drug Testing
Our drug screening program provides you with the most accurate information while preserving the dignity of the applicant.
The first step is to confirm the applicant's identity through picture verification. He or she then reads and signs a consent form, which allows us to release the test results to the appropriate person at your company.
Our specialized collection technicians use a definitive protocol to collect the samples, which assures a valid sample. Initially, the sample is screened using the Homogeneous Enzyme Immunoassay system. If that result is negative, results are ready in 4-5 hours. If it's positive, a confirmatory test is run using a state-of-the-art Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer. Only confirmed positive results are released.
We are able to test the following drugs:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepine
- Cocaine
- Methadone
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
- THC (Cannabinoids)
The most common of these in our area include cocaine, amphetamines and marijuana (THC).
Physician Bios
Richard M. Abraham, MD, FACPM, Medical Director for McKenzie-Willamette Hospital's Occupational Health Services, has over 20 years of experience practicing Emergency and Occupational Medicine at McKenzie Willamette Hospital. Dr. Abraham is Board Certified in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Abraham serves as physician advisor for several fire departments and as medical director for employers in the public sector, manufacturing, forest products, high tech and trucking industries. Dr. Abraham received his M.D. degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1978. He completed his internship at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada and an Occupational and Environmental Medicine mini-residency program at University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine.
Ann P. Bowers, MD, FACEP, is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine. Dr. Bowers began practicing in 1995 and has experience in emergency medicine and injury treatment. She also serves as physician advisor for several rural fire departments. Dr. Bowers is conversant in Spanish, German and Portuguese. Dr. Bowers received her M.D. degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1992 and completed her Emergency Medicine residency at Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
Lee W. Davidson, M.D. FACEP is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine. Dr. Davidson is conversant in Spanish and is the medical director for four rural fire departments. Dr. Davidson received his M.D. degree from the University of Utah in 1996 and completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at Summa Health Systems, Akron, Ohio.
Alexander K. Morley, MD, FACEP, FAAFP is Board Certified in both Emergency Medicine and Family Practice. Dr. Morley began working in the field of medicine in 1983 and has experience in emergency medicine and injury treatment as well as expertise in sports medicine and altitude illness. He also serves as physician advisor for multiple fural fire districts. Dr. Morley received his M.D. degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences in 1979 and completed his residency at the University of Colorado health Sciences Center.
Charles Pederson, MD, MPH, FACPM, is Board Certified in both Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Dr. Pederson earned his medical degree from New York Medical College. He completed an occupational and environmental medicine residency at the National Capital Consortium and an internal medicine internship at Madigan Army Medical Center. He also has a master's degree in public health.
Thomas M. Thrall, MD has worked in the area of Occupational Medicine since 1994 and is a certified Medical Review Officer. Dr. Thrall also worked in the area of Emergency Medicine for seven years and in private practice specializing in mechanical musculoskeletal disorders. He received his medical training at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, and became Board Certified in Internal Medicine in 1982.
Denise G. Waugh, MD, FACEP, is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and has over twenty years experience with emergency medicine and injury treatment. Dr. Waugh also has over 14 years experience in the field of Occupational Medicine. Dr. Waugh received her MD degree from the University of Texas at Houston Medical School in 1981 and completed her internship at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas.
Contact
For more information or to schedule an appointment email or call 541-228-3100.simpletest