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.