FDX - Sick Note - Cost Effective Solution
As we all know, Flight Mgmt has now started asking for a "doctors/physicians note" when their "objective scoring system" flags certain sick calls
For the moment, the Association is recommending compliance with this new CBA interpretation; however, it's clear that asking pilots to go to a physician for minor ailments, which can easily and quickly be remedied with rest, proper hydration and, perhaps, over the counter medications --- e.g. common cold/blocked sinuses, irritable stomach/bowels, slight fever/nausea, sprained ankle etc ---- is merely a tactic to increase the burden of calling in sick.
As all flight managers know ---- one does not always go immediately to a doctor when confronted with minor, day-to-day illnesses and injuries, which may render them “unfit” to fly.
Making an appointment to merely request a doctors note adds value to no one (…except the doctor) and raises healthcare costs for both the company and the pilot.
However, there is a cost-effective solution already outlined in our company provided Pilot Benefits Book
The company's own Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical insurance encourages the use of their “24/7 Nurse Line” BEFORE seeing a physician.
It provides “free, confidential health information to assist in making informed health care decisions”. 1-866-406-0982
I’m sure they give out top quality advice --- because this service is already endorsed by FDX.
The Nurse Line was setup specifically for minor ailments and injuries of employees, and their dependents, with the hope that its use can reduce the company’s healthcare costs, by avoiding unnecessary trips to the doctor’s office or an urgent care clinic.
(Note: my physician charges $105 for an office visit --- of which, I make a $20 co-pay, BC/BS pays $80 and my physician writes-off $5)
A pilot with a minor ailment or injury could call the Nurse Line, gain more information regarding his specific situation, and then make a final decision on whether seeing a physician is medically necessary.
The pilot could get “time & initials” from the On-Call Nurse, and then provide this information to Flight Mgmt, should their “objective scoring system” generate a request for a “doctor’s note”.
If Flight Mgmt felt is was useful, they could verify the pilot called into the Nurse Line --- but of course the pilot’s specific health information would remain confidential and not be compromised.
Using my physician’s rate, combined the Chief Pilots latest data of requesting approximately 200 “sick notes” in the last 3 months, it would appear the company could potentially save $16,000 per quarter in healthcare costs --- or roughly $64,000 per year.
Discuss.
Last edited by DLax85; 12-21-2013 at 01:02 PM.