Editorial

In essence the confidentiality of the surgery has never been a point of discussion. It is clear to everybody that the physician-patient relationship has to be based on trust and that the patient can count on secrecy. But optimal communication concerning the patient is also essential for the physician’s functioning. Which internist works without laboratory data or without a microbiologist and which orthopaedic surgeon works without radiodiagnostics? Every specialist communicates with colleagues in order to do his work. It is no different for the occupational health physician. Of course we can manage to a great extent with our own case histories and our own physical examinations. Still, it is also clear that for reaching good diagnoses of health disorders experienced by workers we often need assistance from others. In order to do our work properly, to issue good advice on work-load, work adaptations and reintegration it is necessary to be able to consult properly with our colleagues – general physicians and medical specialists.