Occupational Medicine
Occupational Medicine specialists at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota focus on the effect of work on health and of health on work in an effort to prevent illness, injury or permanent impairment. Their goal is to help each working individual be a safe, healthy and productive member of the workforce. Occupational medicine doctors can provide treatment to an employee if injury or illness occurs, and they can help employers adapt the workplace to the changing needs of individuals.
Mayo's Occupational Medicine specialists are experts in in physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial hazards in the workplace and how they may be assessed and safely managed. Knowledge of laws and regulations that affect employment are also considered as our doctors assist employees in returning to work.
Occupational Medicine works closely with employers to provide the following services:
If an injury or exposure occurs at work, the Occupational Medicine team can help workers with injuries or illnesses covered under workers' compensation insurance.
Services include:
- Direct care by Occupational Medicine specialists knowledgeable in Minnesota Workers' Compensation
- Bloodborne pathogen exposure testing, counseling and treatment
- Care coordination and communication with employers and qualified rehabilitation consultants (QRCs)/Disability Case Managers (DCMs)
- Evaluation for maximal medical improvement
- Work restrictions and return-to-work plans
- Coordination with other Mayo Clinic providers
- Impairment ratings and permanent partial disability (PPD) as applicable
The Comprehensive Occupational Recovery and Care Clinic (CORCC) consists of a multidisciplinary team designed to manage the care for non-Mayo Clinic employees with injuries covered by workers' compensation insurance. The clinic specializes in complex care for work-related injuries and coordinates treatment needed in the Rochester practice for patients from across the nation.
The CORCC team involves close collaboration between Occupational Medicine, Physical Medicine and Work Rehabilitation, and Recovery Claims and Services.
Our team is positioned to accept patients meeting criteria who are new to Mayo Clinic and to assume care for current patients who have work restrictions and are being actively cared for with the purpose of improving their functional ability for work.
To request evaluation for a CORCC appointment, please call:
Contact information
Mayo Clinic is your resource for Department of Transportation (DOT) exams. The Occupational Medicine team understands the importance of the transportation industry and want to keep drivers healthy and on the road.
In addition to performing DOT exams and assisting with preventive care for commercial drivers, the team provides training for medical providers across the nation to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration's (FMCSA) standards for providers to be listed on the national registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
Mayo Clinic certified providers are ready to meet the needs of your drivers.
- Laura E. Breeher, M.D., M.P.H
- Gregory (Greg) P. Couser, M.D., M.P.H.
- Clayton T. Cowl, M.D., M.S.
- Robert Haddon, M.D., M.S.
- Philip T. Hagen, M.D.
- Richard D. Newcomb, M.D., M.P.H.
- Lawrence W. Steinkraus, M.D., M.P.H.
- Melanie D. Swift, M.D.
- Gary N. Toups, M.D., M.P.H.
- Caitlin M. Hainy, APRN, C.N.P., D.N.P.
- Erika L. Beetcher, APRN, C.N.P., M.S.
- Sara K. Miller, APRN, C.N.P.
- Barbara J. Timm, APRN, C.N.P., D.N.P.
- Claudia Swanton, Claudia L. Swanton, APRN, C.N.P., D.N.P.
Occupational Medicine offers a range of required medical examinations including:
- Department of Transportation (DOT) examinations
- Annual public safety exams for law enforcement and firefighters
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) respirator medical exams
- Asbestos screening exams including B-read chest X-rays
- Silicosis screening exams including B-read chest X-rays
- Bloodborne pathogen exposure management
- Medical surveillance for exposures to hazardous materials
- Federal Aviation Administration examinations for commercial and private pilots
- Merchant Marine exams for maritime operators
Regulatory and surveillance exams are performed for employees of corporate clients. To discuss your company's needs, please contact Occupational Medicine and ask for the program manager:
The Mayo Clinic Occupational Medicine team is focused on prevention of illness and injury in the workforce. Coordinating flu (influenza) vaccines for employees is one step employers can take to help prevent illness and absenteeism for their employees. Occupational Medicine can provide flu vaccines at Mayo Clinic locations or discuss convenient options such as on-site vaccination clinics at your workplace.
To discuss your needs and whether an on-site flu clinic is right for you this season, please contact Occupational Medicine and request to speak to the program manager:
Toxicology evaluations are offered for patients or employers concerned about a work-related chemical exposure causing medical issues in an employee.
Mayo Clinic providers perform assessments for health effects related to environmental exposures (for example, lead, carbon monoxide, radon) or chemical exposures.
To complete an assessment, Safety Data Sheets for the chemicals used at work along with any environmental testing of the workplace (for example, air quality testing) that has been performed should be provided.
To discuss the need for an evaluation, please contact Occupational Medicine at:
Fitness for Duty exams are performed by physicians with expertise in occupational safety and health. Exams can be formally requested prior to an employee's return to work after a personal illness or when there safety concerns exist and a medical issue may be the cause.
Our team's goal is to determine whether the employee is capable of safely performing all essential functions of the job.
To request a Fitness for Duty examination, please contact Occupational Medicine and ask to speak to the program manager to discuss the issue and obtain paperwork to complete prior to the appointment.
Fitness for Duty evaluations for physicians are conducted through the Physician Health Center.
Fitness for Duty assessments for professional pilots are available through the Section of Aerospace Medicine.
Mayo Clinic has one of the largest and most experienced practices in the United States, with campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Staff skilled in dozens of specialties work together to ensure quality care and successful recovery.
Find doctors and medical staff:
Occupational Medicine physicians are actively involved in medical research involving several topics, such as:
- Work disability prevention
- Hazardous medication monitoring in healthcare workers
- Tuberculosis testing and treatment
- Disaster preparedness
- Bloodborne pathogen exposures
- Vaccination and immunity requirements in healthcare workers
- Psychosocial factors and work
Publications
See a list of publications by Mayo Clinic physicians on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.
Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.
In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.
Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.
Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.