If you are hurt at work, it can feel overwhelming. You may worry about pain, missed work, and what happens next. An Occupational Medicine Provider in WA is trained to help guide you through this process with clarity and care.

Many injured workers first receive care at urgent care or the emergency room. That care focuses on immediate needs. After that, occupational medicine steps in. This specialty looks at your injury, your job, and your recovery together.

Dr. Thomas D. Louwers, MD, MPH, Medical Director at Convivio Health, explains it simply: “We are strictly focused on work-related injuries and illnesses.” Occupational medicine combines medical care, workplace safety, and workers’ compensation guidance into one plan.

This article explains what occupational medicine providers do and how they support injured workers in Washington.

What an Occupational Medicine Provider Does

An occupational medicine provider treats work-related injuries. Their focus is on the injuries and illnesses caused by job duties or workplace conditions.

They look beyond symptoms. They ask how the injury happened and what your job requires. Sometimes this connection is clear. Other times, it takes careful review. As Dr. Louwers shares, “Sometimes it’s not so clear, so we do some digging.”

This careful approach helps ensure the right care and documentation from the start.

Your First Occupational Medicine Visit

After a work injury, urgent care or emergency staff often file a workers’ compensation report. You are then referred to an occupational medicine clinic.

Your first visit is usually longer. The provider treats your injury and starts planning recovery. This includes discussing when and how you may return to work safely.

Dr. Louwers explains that this visit focuses on moving forward without rushing or delaying recovery.

Why Occupational Medicine Is Specialized

An Occupational Medicine Provider in WA understands job hazards and workplace demands. They also know how workers’ compensation works.

This allows them to:

• Review job duties and risks

• Order tests as needed

• Confirm work-related causes

• Provide a clear personalized care plan

• Complete the required paperwork

• Explain the process clearly
  

For injured workers, this guidance reduces stress and confusion during a difficult time.

Building a Recovery Plan That Fits You

Occupational medicine providers create personalized care plans. These plans often include:

• Physical therapy

• Occupational or hand therapy

• Modified duty at work
  

Dr. Louwers explains that active recovery helps workers heal while staying connected to work when possible. This supports both health and financial stability.

Coordinated Team-Based Care

Occupational medicine providers often coordinate care across many specialties. Dr. Louwers describes this as “quarterbacking the situation.”

They work with therapists, specialists, employers, and insurers. At Convivio Health, integrated industrial rehabilitation services in WA support faster, more connected care.

This teamwork helps reduce delays and keeps recovery on track.

Returning to Work Safely

A safe return to work is a top priority. Occupational medicine providers assess readiness and recommend modified duty when needed.

Dr. Louwers notes that listening is key. Providers monitor progress and adjust plans as recovery continues. This helps build confidence and prevent reinjury.

Preventing Future Injuries

Occupational medicine also focuses on prevention. Providers may visit worksites, review safety practices, and offer ergonomic advice.

Dr. Louwers has seen how prevention saves time, cost, and hardship. Preventing injuries is always better than treating them later.

A Supportive Guide for Injured Workers

Occupational medicine providers understand the impact of work injuries on workers and families. They see the effort workers put into their jobs every day.

With the right support, recovery feels more manageable. An Occupational Medicine Provider in WA helps injured workers heal, return to work safely, and move forward with confidence.

About Dr. Thomas D. Louwers, MD, MPH

Dr. Thomas D. Louwers is the Medical Director at Convivio Health. He is board-certified in occupational medicine with more than 25 years of experience supporting injured workers and complex workforces across Washington State.

About Convivio Health

Convivio Health provides coordinated, evidence-informed care for injured workers. Their team-based approach supports recovery, rehabilitation, and safe return to work.