From: Quality of sickness certification in primary health care: a retrospective database study
Quality parameter | Explanation |
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1. Number of days on the first sickness certificate during a sickness absence episode issued within the centre.1) | This has been shown to be an important predictor of total length of the sickness absence period. |
2. Proportion of sickness certificates issued on the basis of a face-to-face consultation between issuing physician and patient.2) | Sickness certificates should in general be issued on the basis of a face-to-face consultation. |
3. Proportion of non-specific diagnoses (ICD-10 R or ICD-10 Z) after 30 days of sickness absence.3) | Non-specific diagnoses may be adequate during the first part of a sickness absence episode, but after 30 days the patient should have a specific ICD-10 diagnosis. |
4. Proportion of sickness certificates with documented assessment of need/no need for vocational rehabilitation after 30 days of sick leave.3) | After 30 days of sickness absence, the physician should make an evaluation of the patient’s need for vocational rehabilitation. |
5. Proportion of sickness certificates with documentation about prognosis regarding scheduled time for return to work after 30 days of sickness absence.3) | After 30 days of sickness absence, there should be an evaluation of the patient’s prognosis regarding return to work. |
6. Proportion of completely filled in sickness certificates (13 specified fields of information filled in) after 30 days of sickness absence.3) | This is a criterion required by the Social Insurance Offices. |
7. Proportion of sickness certificates with the minimum amount of information filled in: medical history, examination and functional limitations.2) | This is a criterion considered by the quality group as a minimum requirement for all sickness certificates. |