ABSTRACT

Physicians across the country are asked to extend accident and sick leaves longer than is medically needed. Specialty physicians are consulted, including orthope­ dic surgeons, neurologists, neurosurgeons, occupational medicine specialists, and plastic surgeons, among many others. Guidelines or “ activity prescriptions” are utilized to assist the physician in writing job restrictions (e.g., no use of right hand) and prescribing the length of restrictions (e.g., 2 weeks). Patients are made aware of how long they will be allowed to rest the injured part or miss work for a particular malady.