Occupational Medicine

Occupational medicine provides prompt care for job-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses. At FirstPointMD in the Maspeth neighborhood of Queens in New York City, experienced primary care physician Ravin Patel, MD, provides full-service occupational medicine to employees of all professions. Receiving treatment at FirstPointMD can speed up healing and help you return to the job site sooner. Call FirstPointMD today to schedule an occupational medicine appointment or book your visit online.

When should I schedule an occupational medicine appointment?

Make an occupational medicine appointment at FirstPointMD if you’re involved in a workplace accident or develop a work-related illness, like a persistent cough. It’s important to get checked out even if your symptoms are mild. Visiting Dr. Patel provides official documentation and reduces your risk of more severe complications.

What types of injuries and illnesses does occupational medicine treat?

At FirstPointMD, Dr. Patel uses occupational medicine to treat various work-related injuries and illnesses, including:

• Falls
• Fractures
• Burns
• Cuts
• Needle sticks
• Electric shocks
• Crush injuries
• Asthma
• Hepatitis 

If you drive a truck or another commercial vehicle, you might benefit from occupational medicine if you’re involved in a car accident.

If I experience an injury at work, what should I do?

If you experience an injury at work, stop everything and alert your direct supervisor immediately. Afterward, contact FirstPointMD or walk into the office if it's during business hours. Dr. Patel sets aside time each day for occupational medicine appointments and prides himself on prompt care.

What happens during an occupational medicine appointment?

Dr. Patel reviews your medical records and asks about your injury or illness, including what happened, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and if you’ve experienced similar issues in the past. Then, he completes a physical exam.

If you’ve experienced an injury, like a fall, Dr. Patel examines the affected area of your body, checking for bruising, swelling, and redness. He tests your muscle strength and reflexes and gently presses on your skin to identify sensitive areas. If Dr. Patel suspects a fracture or a soft tissue injury, he orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an ultrasound. 

If you have symptoms of a work-related illness, like chemical-induced asthma, Dr. Patel listens to your lungs with a stethoscope, orders X-rays, and completes spirometry testing to assess your lung strength and oxygen capacity.

Dr. Patel makes personalized treatment recommendations after diagnosing your work injury or illness. He also fills out any paperwork required by your employer.

Can work-related injuries and illnesses be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses entirely, but you can take steps to reduce your risk. Dr. Patel recommends staying alert on the job, always wearing the proper safety equipment, following all safety procedures and protocols, and communicating effectively with your coworkers. 

Call FirstPointMD today to schedule an occupational medicine appointment, or book your visit online.