Second opinion or expert assessment

A second opinion differs from an expert assessment by the UWV. The UWV assesses based on predefined questions. Three of the four selectable questions are assessed by an occupational expert. The response is brief and limited; there is no advisory function. The expert opinion is communicated to both the employer and the employee. The UWV’s expert opinion assesses:

• The employee’s fitness for work
• The availability of suitable work within the employer’s company or
• The reintegration efforts of the employer or employee.

The expert opinion is a snapshot in time, often with legal implications.

A second opinion is typically requested when uncertainties remain regarding symptoms, questions, and the causes of health issues related to work, as well as regarding reintegration and work capacity. A second opinion results in an advisory report to the company’s own occupational physician. This report includes the findings of the examination, the available information reviewed, a discussion, conclusion, and recommendations for next steps. The new Occupational Safety and Health Act does not provide a basis for communication with the employer. No feedback is provided to the employer, case manager, attorney, etc.

The second opinion advice provided to the company’s own occupational physician ranges from: advice on working conditions, requesting additional medical information, implementing an intervention, to substantiating the employee’s work and reintegration possibilities. It is therefore a much more comprehensive examination, report, and advice to the primary occupational physician. It is much less of an assessment. It is noteworthy that the employee has the right to block access to the report.