Occupational health services in non-industrial settings in the US: a review

The provision of occupational health services at sites other than the workplace has undergone considerable expansion in recent years in the United States. These alternate sources of occupational health services include hospital-based clinics, free-standing clinics, corporate health programs, urgent care centers, group practices, and health maintenance organizations. These additional sources of occupational health care hold the promise of making a significant contribution toward reducing the still considerable burden of occupational illness and injury in the US. However, serious problems relating to the nature, quantity, and quality of care provided in these settings remain. This paper reviews the literature on occupational health services in these non-industrial settings and explores their potential promise and problems.