Second opinion with the company doctor: how does it work?

Sometimes an employee disagrees with the company doctor's advice. For example, about Sickness Absence or about his health in relation to work. In that case, an employee may request a second opinion. This is stated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Important to know:

The second opinion is always done by another company doctor, who does not work at ZekerArbo . This way, the opinion remains truly independent.

When can an employee request a second opinion?

An employee may request a second opinion if it involves:

• A personal consultation from the company doctor on Sickness Absence.
• The results of an occupational health examination (PAGO or PMO).
• A company doctor's opinion on health and work.

Please note that only the employee may request a second opinion, not the employer. This is always done in consultation with the employee's own company doctor. The company doctor may refuse the request only if there are very good reasons for doing so.

When is it not possible?

Sometimes a dispute is not about the medical opinion, but about agreements between employer and employee. For example:

• About what work someone has to do.
• On adjusting work.

In that case, the employee cannot request a second opinion. He can, however, request an expert opinion from the UWV.

Who performs the second opinion?

At ZekerArbo , we have agreed that the second opinion will be performed by an independent party: Aditum Arbo.
The employee may choose which company doctor from Aditum he wants.

Cost?

These are for the employer. The invoice is anonymous, so the employee's privacy remains well protected.

How does it proceed after that?

• The second opinion company physician returns his or her findings only to the employee.
• The employer is not given access.
• If the employee agrees, the employee's own company doctor does share the advice.
• After that, your own company doctor decides whether to accept the second opinion's advice in full, in part or not at all.

Summary:

The second opinion is an important right of the employee and helps to take doubts about medical advice seriously. ZekerArbo ensures that this process is fair, clear and careful.