The bedrijfsarts is a BIG-registered medical specialist whose statutory role is to assess the working capacity of absent employees, advise on reintegration steps, and counsel both employer and employee on health risks at work. Only the company doctor, not the employer or the HR team, may review medical information about a sick employee.
During long-term absence, the bedrijfsarts conducts the problem analysis (probleemanalyse) in the sixth week, sets out functional limitations and residual capacity, and guides the plan of action (plan van aanpak) required by the Wet Verbetering Poortwachter. Regular follow-up consultations feed the reintegration dossier that UWV reviews after 104 weeks if a WIA application is filed.
Employees have the legal right to a second opinion from another bedrijfsarts and to an open consultation hour without prior notice to the employer. Medical confidentiality is strictly maintained; employers receive only fitness advice, not diagnoses.