Confidentiality of workers' medical records.

Many employers require workers to have pre-employment medical examinations, routine exams to determine fitness and suitability for work, evaluations for continuing disability, or assessments before a return to work after illness or injury. The physician's medical assessment and recommendations can influence whether a worker is hired, promoted, retired early, efficient, satisfied with work, and safe on the job. The doctor should ensure there is a written agreement with the patient about the purpose of the report, potential information in it, and who is to receive copies. The employer must understand the confidentiality of the doctor/patient relationship, and that the doctor owns the medical record.