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 provided by a different occupational physician who does not work for ZekerArbo . This ensures that the assessment remains truly independent. While the second opinion is being requested, the most recent advice from the occupational physician remains in effect for both the employer and the employee.

When can an employee request a second opinion?
An employee can request a second opinion regarding medical advice:

• From the company physician on absenteeism counseling.
• The results of an occupational health examination (PAGO or PMO).
• From the company physician on health and work.

The employee schedules a phone appointment with the company physician by selecting option 1 (Scheduling) and calling 088-2774444. The employee discusses their concerns and questions with their own company physician and determines the most appropriate course of action. Sometimes a peer consultation can help in this process. In this case, another company physician from ZekerArbo provides independent, supplementary advice. This can be viewed as an additional assessment of the situation. If the disagreement persists, the employee may still request a second opinion. The company physician may only refuse the request if there are very good reasons to do so.

Please note: Only the employee may request a second opinion; the employer may not.

Who provides the second opinion?
A second opinion is provided by an independent occupational physician outside of ZekerArbo.

There are two ways to do this:

• through our regular partner for external occupational physicians: Aditum Arbo; the employee then chooses the occupational physician themselves
• or through a company physician outside the standard list of providers, chosen by the employee.

The request and billing are handled anonymously, ensuring that the employee’s privacy remains well protected. The employer receives the invoice once Aditum Arbo has conducted the second opinion. If the employee chooses a company physician who does not work through Aditum Arbo and is therefore not included in the contract with the employer, the employer will reimburse the costs only if the employer agrees to do so. Without that agreement, the employee arranges and pays for this themselves.

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 report of the second opinion consultation will be shared with their own company doctor.
• The company physician then decides for himself whether to adopt the second opinion in full, in part, or not at all. If the company physician adopts the recommendation in part or in full, he issues a revised or new recommendation. If the company physician does not adopt the recommendation, the existing recommendation remains in effect.

In summary:
The right to a second opinion is an important right of the employee and helps ensure that doubts about medical advice are taken seriously. ZekerArbo ensures that this process is conducted fairly, clearly, and carefully.