Employer Services Managing on-the-job injuries is essential to controlling costs. In addition to lost productivity, one of the biggest drains on profitability is the time spent tracking an injured worker’s treatment process.

Occupational Health Center Catawba Valley Medical Center's Occupational Health Center (OHC) has served employers throughout the Catawba Valley region since 1992. OHC puts you, the employer, in control of the treatment process. The staff of OHC treats work-related injuries promptly and communicates back to the employer quickly regarding the work status and treatment process. And, injury treatment is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in our Emergency Department. In addition to treating work-related injuries, OHC also offers employers the following services: DOT exams NIDA drug screens Employment physical exams Industrial drug screens Hepatitis B Injections Audiograms (OHC and on-site) Pulmonary Function Testing Respirator Fit Testing Post accident drug testing Breath Alcohol testing Urine Drug screen collection Drug screen randomization program Pilot Physicals If you would like more information on these services, please call Jane Huitt at 828-326-3230 or email jhuitt@catawbavalleymc.org.

Wellness & Preventative Medicine ( Back To Top ) The Center for Health Promotion at Catawba Valley Medical Center offers wellness programs for work sites and integrates the most current screenings and health education. The programs are designed to help individuals achieve positive lifestyle changes, while assisting companies in containing health care costs. Programs can be custom designed for each company, based on the needs of its employees. Health fairs, educational classes, lab work, American Red Cross and American Heart Association first aid and CPR classes, weight loss classes, mobile mammography services and blood borne pathogens classes are just a few of the wellness and prevention opportunities available. The Center for Health Promotion assists the company in promoting the wellness activities and encouraging employee participation. Tests/Services Heart Check Profile This panel includes Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL, Risk Factor, and Glucose. Blood Pressure Staff provided on site to assess employees’ blood pressure. Personal Wellness Profile This is an evaluation tool completed by employees. Employees answer questions related to their health, lifestyle and high risk areas. Employees receive a comprehensive report with health information pertinent to each individual. A comprehensive follow-up report is provided to the company. Cancer Risk Assessment This assessment is designed to be a guideline for the individual by identifying certain risk factors and warning signs as well as providing actions to be taken to prevent cancer or detect cancer at an early, treatable stage. The Cancer Center processes these assessments and returns an individualized report to the employee as well as a comprehensive report to the company. Educational Feedback Session A Health Educator or Registered Nurse visits the company following the screening and collection of data. Lab results and/or health risk appraisals are explained to employees. Health handouts are provided and recommendations are made to employees for follow-up. Height and Weight Measurements are taken by our screening staff. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) This test can be ordered in conjunction with any of the screening packages. Mammography The Community Health Services mobile unit can be brought on site to provide convenient screenings for female employees. Lectures Health Education lectures can be provided on a topic of choice. These last one hour. Groups of ten or more are preferred. First Aid American Red Cross and/or American Heart Association First Aid Class Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) American Heart Association CPR Flu Vaccination On site vaccinations provided by a Registered Nurse. Weight Loss Classes Taught by a Registered Dietitian, this 12-week session can be taught on site or employees can attend sessions on the campus of Catawba Valley Medical Center. To learn more about Catawba Valley Medical Center's Wellness and Preventative Medicine program, contact Carla Brotherton at 828-485-2300.

Industrial Rehabilitation / Work Hardening ( Back To Top ) The Industrial Rehabilitation/Work Hardening Program at the Western North Carolina Rehabilitation Center at Catawba Valley Medical Center addresses industrial needs from prevention and rehabilitation to return to work. Our interdisciplinary approach addresses every work-injury problem. The Center is equipped with the latest materials and tools for administering initial injury management, Functional Capacity Evaluation, work hardening, job-site analysis and modification, work injury prevention education and pre-employment placement screening. Staff members include a Licensed Physical Therapist (10 years on staff and a back specialist), Industrial Exercise Specialist (on staff and CVMC/Industrial program over 4 years), and support staff including Licensed Occupational Therapist, Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant, nutritionist, counselor and certified fitness trainer. The history of our Out Patient Program and the stability of its staffing accompanied with the excellent facility and equipment/pool available will clearly stand above other providers. Statistics on our return to work demonstrate a 91% success rate. I would be glad to meet with you to tour the facility, meet with staff and/or answer any questions you might have. Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) FCEs provide a comprehensive, objective measurement of physical limitations and functional abilities as well as assess return-to-work capabilities. We have currently reduced prices for a one-day FCE and work hardening; however, we will continue to offer the same quality services and professionalism that we have in previous years. Work Hardening After a client’s capabilities and limitations have been defined in an FCE, an individualized program is designed to improve upon current functional capabilities. Each week participants meet with a dietician and stress therapist as well as attend Work Hardening education. Back School is also an integral part of the program that serves to educate clients on general anatomy of the spine and the use of proper body mechanic techniques. Work Hardening enables clients to increase functional capabilities and expedites a safe return to the work place. Job Site/Task Analysis and Modification Our team of professionals actually go to the client’s work site and consults with employers to satisfy the needs of both. Potential injury-producing jobs or conditions are identified and recommendations are made for modifications to reduce the incidence of job related injuries and cumulative trauma disorders. Job task analysis can also help physicians, vocational consultants, and other professionals determine a job candidate’s suitability for employment. Pre-Employment and Placement Screening Pre-employment and placement screenings are designed for the employer to accurately assess the applicant’s physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the job in accordance with ADA and EEOC guidelines. Referrals and Reimbursement The WNCRC accepts referrals from physicians, rehabilitation consultants, industry, vocational counselors and attorneys. Referring professionals are provided with FCE results and other pertinent information. The cost of out-patient treatment is covered by most comprehensive insurance and Worker’s Compensation. For consultations or further information, contact Adele R. Barrier at (828) 326-2131.