Members of the CMC Industrial Medicine Clinic, from left, include: Karen Herrmann, Admissions; Julie Houpy, Director; Cynthia Schreiner-Spicuzza, L.P.N.; Debra Scheuermann, X-ray technologist; and Patricia Montz, Administration Assistant.

Whether it's for pre-employment physicals, drug screenings or treatment for on-the-job injuries, Chalmette Medical Center's Industrial Medicine Clinic is the place for employers in St. Bernard Parish and surrounding areas to send their workers. The clinic is located in the Professional Building at 9000 Patricia St., Suite 116.

The clinic's physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals understand the importance of confidential, accurate examinations and testing, and they're dedicated to properly managing injuries from the day they occur. The staff is experienced also in helping employers navigate the regulations and paperwork of workers' compensation.

Helping workers overcome injuries
"Our number one goal regarding work-related injuries is to get people well and get them back to work as quickly as possible," says Julie Houpy, the clinic's Director.

"With back or knee injuries, for example, we used to keep people out for an extended period of time," says Lee Domangue, M.D., Medical Director of the clinic. "Now, we realize the longer you keep people off work, the less chance there is they'll be able to return to full duty.

"So the quicker we safely integrate these people back into the workforce, the better it is for them, their lifestyles and their employers."

"... the quicker we safely integrate these people back into the workforce, the better it is for them, their lifestyles and their employers." -- Lee Domangue, M.D.

Saving time and money
The clinic -- equipped with X-ray technology and phlebotomy services -- can treat most minor injuries, including cuts, bruises, burns and minor eye injuries. "In many cases, we can get you in and out a lot quicker than the Emergency Room, saving the employee and employer time and money," notes Houpy.

If a patient's condition is more serious, CMC's Emergency Department (ED) is across the street from the clinic. The clinic physician will communicate with the ED and help expedite the patient's care. Also, specialists are nearby.

In addition, wherever employees receive their care, the clinic assures that protocols for enrolled companies, including required documentation, notification priorities and follow-up procedures, are followed. Companies that enroll in the clinic also automatically earn a 10 percent OccuHealth discount for workers' compensation injuries just for using the clinic. The state of Louisiana also offers a 10 percent discount, making a total of 20 percent.

For more information about Chalmette Medical Center's Industrial Medicine Clinic, please call 279-6166.

Industrial Medicine Clinic Services
CMC's Industrial Medicine Clinic provides services for more than just employers and employees. It's available for nursing student physicals and immunizations and sports physicals as well as physicals for merchant marine and commercial drivers' licenses.

The clinic offers the following services:

• Minor injury care (including lacerations, strains and burns)
• Slit-lamp exam for minor eye injuries
• Adult vaccinations
  • TB skin test
  • Hepatitis B
  • Seasonal flu shot
• Alcohol tests
• Audiograms
• Blood screenings
• Diagnostic X-rays
• Drug screen (Department of Transportation [DOT] and non-DOT)
• Physicals
  • Annual employee
  • Crane operators
  • Merchant marine
  • Pre-employment
  • Return to work
  • DOT and CDL (commercial driver's license)
  • Disability
  • Sports
  • Student nurses
• Pulmonary function testing
• Qualitative mask-fitting
• Vision testing
• Work-related medical care