Our Experience

As leaders in occupational medicine for over four decades, Healthline Medical Group has tremendous expertise in providing comprehensive workplace injury prevention and care of the injured worker. Led by Dr. Berg and Dr. Rosenblum, our co-owners and co-medical directors, our team inclusive of 50 + healthcare providers and support staff are committed to delivering exceptional care while prioritizing effective communication with all stakeholders involved in the treatment process. With a focus on holistic care and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by injured workers and employers alike, we strive to expedite a successful recovery for the injured worker and a safe return to work in the shortest time frame possible.

When you choose Healthline Medical Group for your Occupational Medicine healthcare needs, you can expect:

• Decades of Expertise: With over four decades of experience in practicing occupational medicine, family medicine and a full array of Urgent Care services, Healthline Medical Group brings a wealth of expertise to workplace injury care.
• Leadership in Occupational Medicine: Dr. Berg, co-owner and co-medical director, has been at the forefront of occupational medicine since 1983, initially encountering occupational injuries as an emergency room physician at Panorama Community Hospital. He served in the capacity of a District Office Medical Consultant for The State Compensation Insurance Fund for 22 years, performing utilization review services to assist adjusters with the processing and closing of claims.
• Careful and Thorough Communication: Throughout our journey, we’ve recognized that effective communication is paramount in delivering exceptional occupational medical care. Our approach involves comprehensive communication with injured workers, employers, company owners, nurse case managers, HR directors, safety directors, adjusters and Utilization Review Physicians, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in the treatment process.
• Holistic Care: From addressing medical issues to understanding psychosocial barriers to return-to-work, we prioritize holistic care to facilitate the successful recovery and reintegration of injured workers back into the workplace  following appropriate care and treatment for their injury following the ACOEM guidelines.

Our Approach

At Healthline Medical Group, our approach to workplace injury care is rooted in thorough assessment, prompt treatment, and collaborative communication. We prioritize evidence-based medicine and adhere to the ACOEM and California MTUS guidelines to guide our treatment decisions. Our commitment to transparent communication extends to employers, where we promptly notify designated representatives of the nature of the injury and any potential work restrictions. Our dedicated staff members are devoted to facilitating referrals and authorizations, ensuring that injured workers receive the necessary care in a timely manner. By leveraging technology and clinical expertise, we strive to expedite the recovery process and facilitate a safe return to work for injured employees in the shortest time interval possible.

We are committed to providing the best care to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Our approach includes:

• Comprehensive Assessment: Upon encountering an injured worker, our medical providers conduct a comprehensive history and physical examination to understand the mechanism of injury and identify any underlying medical conditions.
• Evidence-Based Medicine: We adhere to evidence-based medicine guidelines, including the ACOEM and California MTUS guidelines, to guide our treatment decisions.
• Transparent Communication: Our commitment to transparent communication extends to employers, where we promptly notify designated representatives of the nature of the injury and any potential work restrictions.
• Dedicated Support: Our dedicated staff members are devoted to facilitating referrals and authorizations, ensuring that injured workers receive the necessary care in a timely manner.
• Technology Integration: By leveraging technology and clinical expertise, we strive to expedite the recovery process and facilitate a safe return to work for injured employees in the shortest time interval possible individualized to the patient’s needs.

How We Minimize Recordable Injuries

Minimizing recordable injuries is not only about providing effective treatment, but also about taking proactive steps to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Our approach includes:

• Clear Criteria for Recordability: We define clear criteria for recordability, aligning with state regulations and industry best practices.
• Thorough Assessment: By thoroughly assessing each injury and understanding the patient’s job duties, we aim to determine whether the injury warrants recordability or can be classified as first aid.
• Open Dialogue with Employers: Our medical providers engage in open dialogue with employers, discussing the patient’s ability to perform full work duties and any necessary accommodations.
• Early Intervention: Through early intervention and effective communication, we strive to mitigate the impact of injuries on employers and employees alike, fostering a culture of safety and well-being in the workplace.

How We Communicate with Our Clients

Effective communication is essential in navigating the complexities of workplace injury care. Here’s how we ensure seamless communication with our clients:

• Utilization of Technology: We embrace technology to streamline communication with our clients, utilizing secure email, fax, and encrypted file sharing platforms to exchange information. We use a Text based Portal to facilitate easy communication with the injured worker.
• Timely Updates: Our dedicated staff members are committed to providing timely updates and status reports to employers, ensuring transparency throughout the treatment process. Status Reports are sent to the designated employer representative and adjuster, as soon as the patient leaves our practice.
• Proactive Engagement: We encourage proactive engagement from employers, welcoming input and additional documentation to support the treatment plan. Employers are encouraged to call us and/or provide video footage of the work area where the injury occurred for our providers to review. Our link on our web based Request for Services page provides easy access to upload the video documentation of the injury reported.
• Prompt Notification: In cases where there are changes in a patient’s work status or treatment needs, we prioritize notifying employers promptly, facilitating collaborative decision-making and ensuring continuity of care. This includes both a phone call by our medical providers to the designated employer representative and an updated Status Report (faxed or emailed) to the appropriate employer representative.

Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive workplace injury care services and how we can support your organization in promoting a safe and healthy work environment!

Case Study: Comprehensive Care Facilitating Expedited Recovery

Patient Background

The case involves a male patient presenting with a torn meniscus in his knee, requiring orthopedic intervention. The patient, unfortunately, also suffers from poorly controlled type I diabetes, complicating his treatment pathway. Initially referred for arthroscopic surgery by an orthopedist after conservative treatments proved insufficient, the patient’s uncontrolled diabetes posed a barrier to surgical intervention, further delaying his recovery. Furthermore, the patient faced challenges with healthcare benefits during his absence from work due to the knee injury, exacerbating the urgency of his situation.

Treatment Strategy

In light of the patient’s predicament, a comprehensive treatment approach was devised to address both his knee injury and his diabetes management. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, immediate action was taken to stabilize the patient’s diabetes while awaiting specialist consultation. The patient was provided with personalized guidance on adjusting insulin dosages, modifying dietary habits, and incorporating suitable exercise routines to manage his diabetes effectively. Leveraging the provisions of Labor Code 4600 in California, which permits treatment of nonindustrial conditions that impede occupational injury care, the patient’s diabetes management was integrated into his overall treatment plan.

Clinical Intervention and Coordination

To expedite the patient’s recovery and facilitate timely surgical intervention for his knee injury, collaborative communication was established with the orthopedist overseeing his case. Utilizing email and phone communication, the patient’s progress and readiness for surgery were relayed, ensuring alignment between medical providers and expediting the decision-making process. Additionally, in-office hemoglobin A1c testing was performed, revealing a significant improvement in his diabetes control as a result of the integrated care approach.

Outcome and Impact

The comprehensive care approach yielded tangible benefits for the patient, significantly reducing the anticipated disability duration and minimizing total temporary disability benefits. By addressing both the knee injury and diabetes management in a coordinated manner, the patient’s path to recovery was expedited, leading to a more favorable prognosis for return to work in a much shorter period of time. The collaborative efforts of the healthcare team not only alleviated the patient’s physical ailments, but also provided reassurance and support throughout his treatment journey.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of a holistic approach to patient care, particularly in complex scenarios involving comorbidities, as well as the specific treatment necessary to treat the patient’s occupational injury. By addressing the patient’s needs comprehensively and coordinating effectively between medical providers, significant strides can be made in expediting recovery and optimizing outcomes. Through proactive intervention and collaborative communication, healthcare professionals can empower patients to overcome obstacles and achieve successful rehabilitation in an appropriate cost- effective shorter time frame.