Table 2

Reasons for consultation by the OP of the treating physician in 70 low back pain patients sicklisted for 3–4 months (n=300)

Reason for consultation	Number of patients (%) (n=70)*
*On each reason for consultation, 6–8 occupational physicians failed to answer this question; the numbers and percentages in this column have been calculated after excluding the missing data.
To obtain information on the diagnosis	61 (97)
To obtain information on the treatment given by the treating physicians	59 (92)
To obtain information on the prognosis for medical recovery	51 (82)
To obtain information on the point of view regarding the patient	38 (60)
To harmonise the policy regarding the patient	37 (59)
To obtain information on the functional capacity of the patient	35 (57)
To obtain information on the prognosis with regard to work disability	33 (52)
To accelerate the diagnosis and/or treatment	22 (34)
To obtain information on the psychosocial functioning of the patient	12 (19)