Medical records and the exchange of medical advice—how does that work?

Medical records for a second opinion by a second-opinion occupational physician are transferred by the first occupational physician to the second-opinion occupational physician upon the employee’s request, via an authorization form submitted with the request. The second-opinion occupational physician may include medical records in the report. This report is shared solely with the first occupational physician only after the employee has given consent. After all, there is a right to block disclosure.

For an expert opinion by an occupational physician or a second opinion examination, authorization from the employee is also required to obtain medical data for the expert opinion. The expert occupational physician advises both the employee and the employer simultaneously regarding the employee’s capacity for work. No medical or privacy-sensitive terms are used in this process. The degree of fitness for work may be specified. The employee does not have a right to block the sharing of this information. The medical file can be transferred to another physician upon request and with the employee’s authorization.