Criteria for Return to Work

Summary

This paper presents a step by step crieteria for returning a hypertensive to work. The importance of differential diagnosis of hypertension was discussed in terms of a definitive and proper diagnosis. A table of symptoms was presented to help the determination of the effect of primary hypertension. It was emphasized that in uncomplicated cases of primary hypertension, there is no impairment since impairment is always the result of a complication. Factors influencing prognosis, considerations upon return to work and drug side effects were outlined to guide the industrial physician in the management of the patient upon his return to work. The need for a close cooperative relationship between the patient’s own treating physician and the industrial physician to facilitate the proper treatment and management of an illness was stressed.

Read before the Thirteenth Annual Western Industrial Health Conference, October 17-18, 1969; San Francisco, California. Supported in part by USPHS Grant 8 TO1 00020-04.

Dr. Chook (Major, Medical Corps, United States Army) is currently on assignment at the Occupational Health Division of the United States Army Environmental Hygiene Agency, Edgewood, Maryland 21010. He was formerly with the Occupational Medical Group in the School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley.